Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:47:57 -0800
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: Conversion?
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So nice you're doing good things to your beauty there Jeff.
quite a few questions.
engine wise - I like the Subaru 2.5 quite a lot.
I like that it's a later-technology version of the original concept type
engine - an opposed aluminum gasoline four, and looks quite natural in a
vanagon engine bay.
my understanding is Tiico is out of business, but I'd stay away from one of
those -from what I gather, they are 'ok' ....
and a step upward from waterboxer somewhat, but certainly not the ultimate
inline four gas engine conversion. I like 'pure US model' stuff too, which
they are not. I want to be able to go to a junkyard or dealership anywhere
in the US and say 'I need a framus for a '98 Subaru Impressa 2.2' , or
whatever, for a US model. No parts difficulties that way, ever.
there's the Zetec Ford too- from what I gather, if you value pure 'bolt it
in, hook it up, it's all figured out for you' .....
and it works consistently well - you might want to investigate that option.
I think the Soobie SOHC 2.5 is sexier though.
I think vanagons look funny lowered too much, or even much at all, throws
off their visual proportions.
and .......a generous amount of ground clearance is one of the great, great
features of vanagons and all VW Busses up to the end of Vanagons
........whether bushwacking to a campsite, or needing to dive under it
quickly to check on something .......
that generous ground clearance is *nice.*
and ......if just fitting lower springs, I believe you will loose suspension
travel. So while it might be faster around a smooth race track set up that
way, it won't be a better handling van in the real world of daily driving, I
suspect.
for sure you need to move away from the 14 inch wheels, to either 15's or
16's.
brakes, totally vanagons can use more brakes.
Myself, I drive fast, but I don't use brakes much. The only time I think
that more braking force or fade resistance is really needed is when towing -
or if you want to race downhill on big descents with curves as fast as you
can, then you'd want 'more' brake wise - but, as I said, I don't find the
need myself. I do like good strong brakes, and I do stay as far. far away
from other vehicles always. I have never used more that 3/4ths's of a
vanagons braking ability. Pads last me years and rears don't even seem to
wear for me.
There are already stainless steel main cooling pipes made, to fit vanagons.
Pre-bent to fit right on. . The set I put in, I got the two section ones,
each pipe is joined in the middle by a silicone hose, which just makes them
easier to install, or work on, or remove.
Anyway, you'll probably get all kinds of input, opinions, and comments.
Enjoy the process !
Scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Michal" <jeffmichal@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 8:06 AM
Subject: Conversion?
> 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
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