Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 08:53:49 -0700
Reply-To: neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: I'm getting the FAS Gen 5 and info
In-Reply-To: <23442923.631341.1337264141741.JavaMail.root@vms170029>
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That sounds great. And glad to hear they will be selling an install kit.
That will likely open up a lot of opportunity for the DIY crowd to use Mk3
and Mk4 2.0 engines. AFAIK, on the crossflow 2.0, the intake is the only
part that gets in the way of the engine lid. Not that that is the only
consideration when tilting the stock 2.0 to 50º a la the Diesel Vanagon but
it's nice to see what FAS has done to address that.
Not sure if you were suggesting that I or someone else suggested that the
Gen 5 was a Tiico but that wasn't what I said. The speculation on the
exhaust etc. made by me may not have been warranted but I would be curious
of details like that with any new swap. That said, good to know they've
been testing this and other swaps for some time now.
How many miles on are the swap in your Vanagon?
I imagine I could direct my questions to Chris or Jon but....
In some of the older Beta images starting here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/116091365267664548782/BETAUPDATES?authkey=Gv1sRgCIDh0azint7C9QE&feat=directlink#5662711478755700018
I think I see work being done to the ECU. Is the ECU stock for that engine
and wiring harness? I guess with any swap of this nature the ECU would
require some reprogramming.
The "off the shelf" aspect is very important. I'm in the midst of dealing
with trying to locally source an expensive part for the WBX. For my Jetta
swap that same part could be found at any FLAPS for a *much* more
reasonable price.
Best of luck with your swap,
Neil.
On Thu, May 17, 2012 at 7:15 AM, David Bjorkman <ddbjorkman@verizon.net>wrote:
As a matter of fact, a lister is getting that installed, and it's ME. And
> it's NOT a Tiico engine. Jon and his crew have been in development on this
> engine for close to 3 years now. The problems with the Tiico were why they
> went this route. VW Germany is supplying the engine, after Jon explained
> what he wanted from them. FWIK, that took some doing.
> I am picking mine up today or on Saturday. Although it is the Beta, they
> have had it in my camper for almost 2 years and have run it through all
> possible climate changes, and have computer tested it (computer connected
> while driving around as well as extensive bench and dyno) for every
> variable they can come up with. Jon is a really nice guy, but
> a perfectionist and can be to the point of bring a PITA, but when done,
> there are no problems. These conversions are available.
> The vast majority of parts are off the shelf. It was made this way so
> noone is left with an inability to get parts in some out of the way place
> (ever been there?).
> When I did my search for a reliable transplant, I found other power plants
> had issues or they would leave me scratching my head over where I would
> take my bus if I had issues I couldn't deal with. Somehow bringing my
> Vanagon to a Ford dealership just didn't seem right (sorry Bostig). I am
> just a fair mechanic, am really up on theory, but don't want to be left
> hanging with the wife and kids camping a K or 2 from home and all my tools.
> This is the route I went. Having watched pretty closely with FAS on this
> project and having worked through other conversions, I can be
> confident in recommending this power plant as the best way to go. See
> other notes on this thread for more info on this engine or contact Chris at
> Foreign Auto. chris@foreignautosupply.com
> When I contacted Jon about this post and kit availability he sent me this
> reply.
>
> "you can mention that the components are almost entirely off of the shelf
> current production car parts excluding all the ones we have designed---(no
> diesel items at all though... except of course on the diesel specific
> conversions.) The engine to transmission/ matting, hanging, and
> fuel/induction/ exhaust portions of the kit were completely designed,
> prototyped, and fabricated in house as you already know. Our goal was to
> have as long as a run longevity wise as possible by using current
> production run engines making these something a dealership or VW specialty
> shop could easily maintain.
>
> We plan to sell the entire engine and "turn-key" kit in 5 versions:
>
> 1. A traditional throttle cable design version for both std. and
> automatics ( Our Betas have reported an average of 24-26 mpg on highway
> driving)
>
> 2. The same kit as #1 but "throttle by wire" and special hybrid Bosch fuel
> injection package...which as you'll see with yours... I feel unmatched in
> regards to it's smoothness under travel and load...probably the smoothest
> van I've ever been in from 45-85 mph
>
> 3. A turbo charged version of #2 complete with intercooler and all
> plumbing (not that it is really all that necessary except for the fact we
> are still guys!)
>
> 4. The "pumpe duse" Turbo diesel complete kit
>
> 5. Kits #1-3 in a version that fits '73 - '79 aircooled Bay window busses
> with a uniquely designed in house radiator package mid-belly style.
>
> **We will also be selling just an install component kit version which
> is just the kit minus the engines as well...something we changed our mind
> recently on that we had initially never planned to do. We will also be
> selling a version of our unique hydraulic cradle bar mounting system
> package that we designed for the old Tiico/ ABA in-line conversions
> (fantastic upgrade) as well as for DIY's AAZ, 1Z or AHU, ALH diesel
> conversions."
>
> Hope I didn't go over the line, but I am enthusiatic.
>
> Dave B.
>
> On 05/15/12, neil n<musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> I think the Gen. 5 is still in the R&D stage (isn't a lister here getting
> that installed? Some info there maybe?)
>
> Does FAS offer the ABA 2.0 + 1.8 eight valve head + Digifant combo?
> Installed correctly, this can be a reliable swap and has been done before.
>
> The following are musings from an amateur and fan of the VW inline swap.
> I'm not saying "yay" or "nay" and not touting this swap over any other.
> What one chooses is a personal preference thing. I do run a swap email list
> but am only in it to help others. I'm a musician by trade.
>
> The Gen 5 is another beast. It looks like they're using the 2.0 short block
> (block + head) as-is but with serious fabrication for the intake manifold,
> engine carriers, etc. Click on the image to see a photo album of their
> work. From the POV of an amateur who has done a little design and
> fabrication, I really like what they're doing and enjoy seeing the work.
> But I'm a relatively narrow audience in that regard. IMO, assuming the
> exhaust system remains crack free, and the carriers hold up (why wouldn't
> they?) that will be a nice swap. Some or all of the parts they're
> fabricating appear to be done in house so one would need to get those from
> them. But..... all things being equal, items like engine carriers, intake
> manifold, brackets for coolant bottles etc. should last a long time.
>
> Although I'm a fan of the VW inline swap, since this engine is just
> emerging, like any product in that stage, I'd wait and see. But that's just
> me.
>
> You could ask if FAS does the 2.0 ABA block + 1.8 8V head swap + Digifant +
> diesel Vanagon parts. (or equal) When done right, (as with any swap) it's a
> good combo and has a good track record.
>
> Neil.
>
>
>
--
Neil n
65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
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