Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:17:32 -0700
Reply-To: mdrillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: mdrillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Engine Replacement Options
In-Reply-To: <BAY124-W42B2FDE0981E0086FA44F1BD710@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Come on now. We have discussed Subaru conversions on this list for
better than 10 years. Lots of people have them and many are satisfied. A
few Subaru guys post like they have experienced a religious conversion
rather than just an engine conversion and this can rub some the wrong
way. In my opinion no engine conversion gives nearly as good of long
term service as the original waterboxer when the vehicle was newer. As
the waterboxers and their support systems are aging lots of us want to
keep our vehicles trustworthy and many consider engine conversions as
the best path toward this goal. It does not always work out so well,
regardless of the conversion chosen. Conversions tend to work out best
for the owner who can work on his/her own vehicle afterward. Owners who
think they will end up with a vehicle as reliable and trouble free as a
new or nearly new one are bound to be disappointed. Conversions in
general still need regular attention and sometimes things need to be
re-engineered or updated as problems develop and are recognized. The
SubaruVanagon conversion list on Yahoo is a great place to see this in
action.
Mark
Ben Cichowski wrote:
> Hi John,
> I'm not posting this because, for some reason, every other conversion person is allowed to talk about possibilities...but the purists jump all over Suby guys when they post anything with the word Subaru in it...
>
> If you are interested in the Suby route, but worried about the wiring, I'd suggest hitting the conversion forum and posting a few questions.
>
> In general, I probably wouldn't recommend going with a 2.2 for your Syncro Westy - that vehicle is just too heavy for it. It will certainly be more power than what you have, but if you are going to the trouble of a conversion anyway, I'd steer you toward the 2.5 for your situation.
>
> The wiring is not bad, BTW, those guys on the forum can help you out with nearly any problem you'd run into. 2.2 would be easier than the 2.5 as far as wiring, but there isn't a whole lot of difference.
>
> Check the used 2WD one out carefully...I bought one like that and had to take everything out and re-do the entire conversion.
>
> Ben
> 88 Wolfsburg ej22
>
>
>> Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:40:44 -0600
>> From: the_rizzos@MAC.COM
>> Subject: Engine Replacement Options
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>
>> I feel I am at an impasse regarding the replacement of the engine my
>> syncro westy. I am definitely on a pretty tight budget (under4000) but
>> don't want to cut corners that will only cost me money later. I have
>> have spent the last month researching options. I have narrowed it down
>> to three choices and I would love to have the opinions of this board.
>>
>> 1) rebuilt wbx motor, I know bus depot has them available but I am
>> unsure about their rebuilder even after speaking with them on the
>> phone. I can't get Boston Bob to return my phone calls soo... cost
>> 1800-2800 plus my labor
>>
>> 2) used 2.2, smallcar parts kit. I have a neighbor with a 92 legacy
>> that could part out to save some money, but I am nervous about the
>> wiring part even though I have some experience in that area. cost
>> 2450-3450 plus my labor, minus what I could part out the legacy wagon
>> for.
>>
>> 3) used 2wd vanagon with a 2.2 conversion already in place that I
>> could then part out and recoup some of my money. This seems to be my
>> best option as I could drive the van and could make sure all the parts
>> work together and who doesn't need more spare parts around? cost
>> 3000-3500
>>
>> Let me know what you think.
>>
>
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