Date:         Sat, 22 May 2010 14:18:44 -0400
Reply-To:     Peter K <bybike@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Peter K <bybike@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      All engines have issues...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I read that line in the Frydae thread about what every vanagon owner should
know (the Truth About...) and wanted to explore the idea. Please correct
anything I have wrong (remember, I'm a total newbie who's looking to take
that first leap off the cliff) and offer you're opinions/comments/thoughts.

I know the common alternatives to original engines are either Subaru (I
gather there are a few different models) or the Ford Zetec (with Bostic
being "the" conversion kit of choice for the Zetec). And I can see the
merits of a newer, more powerful engine. I also see the costs, I'm hoping to
avoid that for a year-one project... so I've been looking for good sturdy
bodies that have also been cared for mechanically.

One that I came across (and will visit on Monday) is an '83 wasserboxer that
has had a 1.8L Golf engine put in. The current owner is the mechanic who
owned/ran Lorne Park Car Centre here in Toronto until he retired after 33
years. He has had the Westy for 11 years, so I would expect the Golf engine
to be around 98-99 and probably from a Mk3 version of the Golf. I would also
think he knows enough to keep his own vehicle reasonably well : )

Obvious body etc are top of the list, I'm curious if a bus with this engine
is a good candidate or if it puts me on the fast-path to replacing it?
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-minivans-vans-1983-Volkswagon-Westfalia-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ201230065


--
/Peter K
> You can find me at http://studiofstop.com