Date:         Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:38:11 EDT
Reply-To:     Dvdclarksn@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Clarkson <Dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Decisions,
              decisions which conversion-didn't intend to start a power war
Comments: To: syncrolist@BOSTIG.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hey guys the purpose of my post was not just a comparison of power between
the Subaru 2.5 and the Bostig Zetech but more a comparison of all of the
features for the money invested. Also important to me would be the ease of
installation. I work in the service department of a Honda dealership and would  have
access to a variety of tools lifts etc. I am certainly impressed by the  power
that the subaru 2.5 has overt the Zetech (35 hp difference right) but  would
also have to factor in a very useful upgrade to the 3rd and 4th gears that
would benefit the Subaru conversion (Daryl at AA transmission would be great for
 this). Factoring in the cost of this (shipping and opening up the case to
swap  out 2 gears) might reduce the difference in price between the two by
another  $500.00-750.00 maybe? Maybe the only useful feature that both engines
could  provide that is comparable would be OBD II capabilities. Both have
relatively  easy maintenance (timing belt replacement in particular) and I don't know
if I  have heard whether or not the Subi 2.5 is a noninterference engine like
the  zetech or not. I would change the timing belt about every 90-100k if it
were an  interference engine to avoid valve damage if the belt did break to be
safe (BTDT  with my Honda customers that like to play the odds!-expensive).
The other  features that the zetech has are niceties that would give peace of
mind and  would avoid a total breakdown but are they worth the extra bucks? The
supercharger is intriguing but is it worth the extra $3,000 which would bring
 the uninstalled price to $13,000+ dollars? It seems that you could go with
the 6  cylinder 3.3 Subaru that has slightly more power for maybe half of what
you  would spend on the Zetech but would still want to upgrade the tranny and
maybe  also the axles as well. I would need to go to the Vanaru site for more
info  here. Don't get me wrong; I love the idea of power for my Westy and will
start a  conversion fund now (mayo jar next to my mgb 8cyl. conversion mayo
jar!). I just  want the best combination of not only power but reliability and
other features  in an engine that are important to me like cost of repair and
availability of  parts. I have almost 250k much appreciated miles on my 90
Westfalia now as it's  a daily driver and would love nothing more than to get
that much again. Why not  if you love the package and have replaced/rebuilt
everything else on the van.  It's still cheaper than a new car payment/depreciation
and is just much more fun  than anything else to drive and camp in. Sorry for
the lengthy post but lets all  keep it friendly and enjoy comparing notes and
thoughts.

David Clarkson
Loyal fan of the Westfalia/Vanagon



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