I think twice the life may be a bit of an overstatement. I do not know of any 1/2 million Subies out there. Will still melt if operated without coolant or oil. Happy New Year, Dennis -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 1:24 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Conversion? Jeff, I've been studying the engine conversion ting a while now, and though I haven't gone the route - it seems to me the EJ2.5 (or even perhaps the EJ 2.2) would be the better engine. It is a modernized version of what the WBX should have been. The EJ2.5 has plenty of power, good fuel economy, and will last twice the life of a WBX, and IT FITS! Good luck in your search for an ideal engine. John Rodgers Clayartist and Moldmaker 88'GL VW Bus Driver Chelsea, AL Http://www.moldhaus.com
Jeff Michal wrote: > 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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