Date:         Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:06:45 -0500
Reply-To:     Jeff Michal <jeffmichal@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Michal <jeffmichal@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Conversion?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi everyone.  I'm rolling around the idea of switching my engine out.  I
have a 90 GL that I am extremely attached to.  Its got about 135k on it, and
I'm starting to see various end of life type problems with it.  I'm
wondering if anyone has any recommendations about changing engines.  I know
some of you have done this several times over, probably with more than one
type of engine and more than one van.

I've looked at the diesels, the ej25, the tiico, and the 3.2 porsche
engine.

The subaru EJ25 engine seems to be the best. I am saying that because it
makes plenty of power and isnt going to be more than the gearbox can
handle.

The diesels are not practical in my region because a relatively low
percentage of the gas stations have it.

The porsche engine is rediculously expensive.

And that leaves the Tiico.  I dont know that this is such a bad idea and it
appears to be the easiest of the conversions, plus the engine will be brand
new.

I recognize that by the time I am done with any conversion, I could easily
buy a new vehicle.  I just don't want to give up the cab forward narrow
gauge vehicle that I love.

I know that things like brakes, suspension & steering components, drive line
components, and paint/bodywork should be addressed during the process to
ensure long term safety and reliability.

I'm interested in making the van drive a bit better.  I'm considering
cutting the ride height by as much as 2 or 3 inches, and I'm after 4 wheel
disk brakes and 15 inch wheels.

All that leaves me with is questions.

What opinions do you have about the various options for engine replacement?
Are any of these choices better than buying an ecu and a rebuilt engine?

What sort of upgrades are available for the suspension?

Are there any other hard to get to things I should sort out while I have the
engine out?
  I'm considering having all the piping replaced with stainless steel, I
know some good steamfitters that will sort it it out for me all perfect
like.  Is this a dumb idea? Should I just get new plastic stuff?
  I'm going to work over the fuel delivery system and get rid of that aweful
plastic firewall penetration.
  I'm going to have the body straightened, seam rust sorted out, and new
paint laid down.
  I'm going to put all new rubber around for all the windows and whatnot.

I appreciate any opinions that you can offer.

Jeff
90GL