Date: Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:22:59 -0500
Reply-To: pdooley <psdooley@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: pdooley <psdooley@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: Riviera vs Westy
In-Reply-To: <BAY132-DS7BE3BE41289337B9DE12CA07C0@phx.gbl>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
The Rabbit motor was available in 1975. Why oh why didn't VW use it in the
Vanagon??
I know, it's been hashed over a thousand times.
But really, a cast iron block with five main bearings, forged, fully counter
balanced crank, really bullet proof motor- in their econo-box Rabbit.
And VW puts a light weight aluminum or magnesium case engine behind their
heavy bus/truck vehicle.
Go figure.
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dennis Haynes
Sent: Saturday, December 26, 2009 10:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Riviera vs Westy
In bay window busses the 2.0 was a great engine. In the Vanagon the
combination of the heavier vehicle with the lager front end combined with
the required emissions set ups pushed these engines over the edge. The
Diesel and later water boxer were VW's response to get something in back
that could make it through warranty. Yes there are a number of folks that
have had success with these things but it is rare for these engines to
actually wear out. Proper overhauls now require major machine work and
welding due to warped cases and heads. New is not a readily available
option. Cracked and melted heads are common along with pulled studs and the
center case webs being worn from rubbing wear the case halves meet. I've
seen these cases twist to the point of wiping out the cam bearings.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Rob
Sent: Saturday, December 26, 2009 6:49 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Riviera vs Westy
Keep in mind that even tho it's an air cooled engine a lot of miles
and a lot of camping were done with the ac engine powered VW's in
their time. Even today they are still out there camping.
Rob
becida@comcast.net
At 12/26/2009 03:09 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>Good vehicle for short trip moderate weather use and a conversation piece.
>If you really want to be able to use it consider the purchase price a good
>down payment and start from there.
>
>Dennis
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>Stephen Cebula
>Sent: Saturday, December 26, 2009 4:37 PM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Riviera vs Westy
>
>Does anyone have any experience with the Riviera Vanagons? There's a
really
>clean '81 in Eugene Oregon for 4K. I've never been in one but it looks
>looks a good package.
>
>http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=895595
>
>Steve
