Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 15:03:21 -0400
Reply-To: "Randy C. Nunes" <randycnunes@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Randy C. Nunes" <randycnunes@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Engine conversion on 84 Westy
In-Reply-To: <c4e7c5f90905061034y3b37ad9cha521f5c466801172@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I've actually been thinking about the same conversion for my 84 Vanagon.
Does anyone have any experience with any of the vendors out there near
Virginia who have been through the conversion. I know I can take it to
somewhere close like to Pennsylvania, but what was the experience like and
how was the customer support after the installation?
Randy Nunes
Fermentation Forever
http://www.fermentationtrap.com
The East Coast's Finest Homebrew and Winemaking Supply Store.
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
neil N
Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1:34 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Engine conversion on 84 Westy
On Wed, May 6, 2009 at 8:21 AM, Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@hotmail.com>
wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
>
>
> I have been looking for someone to do a conversion for me and it seems
that those that do this seem it is worth charging double for the subaru
engine or charging ASTRONOMICALLY high prices just for the install. Now I
understadn that their services are valuable, but i also realize that they
probably havea system down that allows the m to convert an engine realtively
fast. I do not think that I should be able to get a brand new engine in my
truck for 4K installed and that does not even cover the cost of a
replacement in some cases for a conversion engine in a Volkswagen.
>
>
>
>
>
> Does anyone out there know of any other places taht are reasonable when it
comes to engine costs and installation.
>
>
>
> I have already looked at www.smallcar.com, www.vanaru.com. I do like
Vanaru's engines.
>
>
>
>
>
> Hope I do not sound like a cry baby!
>
Have you checked out bostig.com?
I know you're asking after install shops but.....
From what I've read, the Bostig (Zetec engine) swap is very thoroughly
documented, is a really well thought out design, and I've heard the
tech support is great. I've heard nothing but good things about
Bostig. IIRC, typical DIY install times are documented, so this should
help in estimating cost of mechanics time. Obviously a Vanagon aware
mechanic should take less time than a DIY person.
From my POV, and IMHO, the only "gotcha" I can think of, is that one
has to find the used engine themselves. For me, getting a good low km
engine was really important. I got mine from a reputable seller. I
really didn't want to trust a local wrecker. BUT, the Zetec engine
appears to be really common. A low mileage engine should be easy to
find and I'm sure Jim and his crew can help a person shop for a good
engine.
Assuming your water cooled Vanagon is in good shape, you find a good
Zetec engine, and can get an honest Vanagon knowledgeable mechanic
willing to do this, this puppy should slip right in.
Neil.
--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engine
s
