Date:         Mon, 3 Mar 2008 19:25:32 -0800
Reply-To:     aatransaxle <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         aatransaxle <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Engine Conversions
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              reply-type=original

I am indeed going with a Bostig conversion...I have tried on my own to get
my turbo'd 2.1 working like I want, but want more bottom end power than it
will give...I drive at lower RPM's than many guys and the Turbo Zetec puts
out 240 hp and 280 Hp or something like that with pretty much flat torque
from 2500 to 4500...No trans regearing neccessary.
 I drove a syncro westy with the NA Zetec and was pleasantly
surprised...didn't quite meet my personal power needs, but other than
that..A super clean and easy conversion with a bulletproof motor that would
keep most of us happy campers. I also am on the Core list and see to what
extent Jim & Co. are going thru getting the DIY Kit perfected...I am very
impressed..They are johnny on the spot with fixes and improvements of the
kit to make it relatively easy for a non mechanic to do it in his
backyard...And for about half the price of a professional install.
Yes there are many Subies and TDi's and such out there and teh only time you
usually hear about them is if there is a problem during the initial
stages...After that...No need to do anything but drive it...I suspect that
is partly why the zetec is not the primary option...many just don't know
about it. Lots of 2.2 subies were done years ago before it became the
popular choice...
 Have afriend who chose a Tiico and has regretted the choice..3 mufflers and
buzzy noises from the get go...(I warned her) Just my .02 worth...
Daryl of AA Transaxle
(425) 788-4070
aatransaxle.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Allan Streib" <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 1:52 PM
Subject: Re: Engine Conversions


> Well the Zetec is almost certainly what I will do if I ever have to.
> I'm going to keep my WBX as long as it doesn't give me serious
> headaches, but it really seems to be about the best conversion out there
> IMO.  I'd consider doing a TD but AFIK nobody offers a "drop-in" kit
> that approaches the completeness of the Bostig kit.
>
> I think some people want to stay "true" to the origins by either keeping
> a boxer engine (Subaru) or a VW engine, but IMO the Zetec is certainly
> as good if not better than any inline 4 that VW makes, much cheaper, and
> much more available.
>
> Allan