Date:         Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:01:00 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      That 1.8 Turbo conversion...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

  Very interesting conversion.  Not too expensive, compared to the other
'done-deal' types of conversions offered using other motors, if you read all
the small print..
   I bet you could 'easily' do this one yourself for about the same $ as a
Subaru transplant, if you used used parts and didn't have to deal with the
CARB and a bunch of smog/political restrictions..
    I know from experience that a total revision of an intake system and EMS
is not rocket science.  I converted my racecar from a pretty primitive EFI
to another type primitive system using 8 individual throttle bodies and a
Motec engine controller..
  We went from initial fire up to almost full power in just 1.5 hours on the
dyno..The new-ish programmable EMS systems are incredibly easy to work with.
We took my motor from 440 rear wheel hp to 578 with the intake and EMS
change...And huge torque (over 450lb ft) from 1500 rpms clear off the chart
at 7800 rpm..
  Interesting idea, the 1.8 turbo motor transplant..There seems to be plenty
of them in the wrecking yards..
  Don Hanson