Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:33:56 -0800
Reply-To: Matt Thyer <matt_thyer@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Matt Thyer <matt_thyer@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Bio Diesel Vanagon Photo Booth
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTimuVTvreDMx3MSOkcHFkXu3etHJP-ExLHUun7MK@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hey JC,
You'll probably want to field your question over at the VW Diesel list as
well < http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Diesel-Vanagon/ >. I'll preface
what I'm going to write with the notion that this is *my* opinion and seeing
that I don't have wads of cash to own several of these I'm only able to act
within the scope of my own experience.
1) Diesel Vanagons have all the same problems gas Vanagons have. They're
old and often have seen better days. They rust as easily as any pre-1995
Volkswagen might. And parts can be a PITA to find sometimes (don't believe
me, try replacing your coolant expansion tank). The original 1.6l NA engine
was the same block found in the diesel Jetta, diesel Quattro, and several
other much smaller vehicles between 1981 and 1984, but it was pushing a lot
more weight. Considering this is fact it did a great job, but often left
drivers underwhelmed (especially while climbing hills). That said they're
still Vanagons through and through and so they also come with all the
advantages of this vehicle design.
2) My van has a 1.9l NA 1Y/AAZ conversion in it. This engine generates a
little more horse power than the original 1.6l + Turbo that came in the van
when I bought it. Considering that I'm driving a vehicle with the
aerodynamic signature of a brick wall, I get amazing mileage (28 to 32).
And as long as I watch my engine temperature I have no problems pushing up
hills. There are much more advanced conversions (my upgrade was relatively
straight forward). Any of the electronically managed TDI conversions are
going to take a lot more time, effort and money. Same goes for the Subaru
diesel conversions I've been hearing about and every other other-brand
conversion you can think of. When Scott Foss and I designed this conversion
as a project we had some pretty simple objectives.
a) Make use of existing parts where possible to save money.
b) End with a reliable and simple to maintain power plant that might
last a very long time
c) Stay as close as possible to budgeted estimate
Much to Scott's credit we achieved all three and I've been happy with Zeno
ever since. I'm able to drive at highway speeds and it seems that as long
as I change the oil I'm going to get many miles out of this vehicle.
3) Biodiesel, in my opinion, is one of the best things you can do for your
diesel vehicle. The fuels generally have much better properties for these
engines including higher lubrication indexes and much better combustion
properties (see Cetane index). While this is anecdotal I believe that I'm
also experiencing slightly more engine power and reduced smoking.
Depending on where you live biodiesel can be a PITA to locate. Fuel
cooperatives can be hit or miss, the one in the little town in which I live,
for instance, hasn't yet returned any of the many phone calls I've left
them. I use my iPhone (DriveAlternatives app) to find biodiesel on the road
and even this can be a hit or miss experience. You'll find yourself
planning trips between fueling stations before you know it and calling ahead
to make sure they'll have what you need.
Hope that helps,
MT
http://zenoswagen.wordpress.com/
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John C...
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2011 8:35 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Bio Diesel Vanagon Photo Booth
Hi All,
I know zip about Diesel Vanagons!
(amongst the mountain of things I know absolutely nothing about !!! heh...
heh...
And, I'm pretty sure many of us would like to know and understand them
better !?
But, I was Very impressed with one I saw up at a Union OR get together!
( hey! Love Union for that matter !!! :o)
What is the best diesel to convert a van to ( and why :o) What are the
benefits to owning a Diesel over Gas?
I'm assuming a Turbo is the way to go for the best long distance traveler?
Is the best conversion engine an Audi? Which engine?
And does anyone have any links handy for more diesel to Vanagon Info?
Curious minds just want to know !!!
( now back to my Enquirer rag-azine !!! :o)
thanks !!!
JC...
& have a happy Saturday !!!
oh yeah,,, I'm retired now
&&& every days a Saturday. hee hee...
On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 9:13 AM, Harold Teer <teer.vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
> These guys are doing a Bio Diesel conversion in a Vanagon Westy and
> adding a photo booth and touring the country---should give Vanagons a
> lot of publicity.
>
> http://kck.st/fJK4Hu
>
> Harold
> ___
> Harold Teer
> 1991 Westy (Vangaux)
> Harrisonburg, VA
>
--
*Everyone is looking for the answers
Well look again, come on my friend
Love will find us in the end*
