Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (August 2013, week 2)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:14:05 -0700
Reply-To:     Helge Weissig <helgew@GRAJAGAN.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Helge Weissig <helgew@GRAJAGAN.ORG>
Subject:      86 Westfalia Subaru conversion questions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii


Hi All,


        I just got the bad news from the shop about my Westy's engine being on its last legs (strange noise from the engine, which I had not noticed and metal flakes in the oil and small pieces in the filter). The shop recommended a Subaru conversion and from all I have read so far, people who have one, seem to be happy with them. Alas, it's a big financial commitment to my infrequently used and fairly aged (some rust, original interior in some need for TLC), yet very much loved "Jezebel". I would hate to let her go, especially since I just put new tires on, replaced the tent canvas, upgraded to high-wattage headlights, and already have the new odometer cable to replace the broken one. Oh yeah, and I would not have the heart to tell my kids either that she is gone to a different home.


Jezebel has about a quarter million miles on her and she is on her second engine (2.1l WBX), which probably has around 120k miles. The damage (see my first question) would have happened last summer when I had to pull over a couple of times because the oil buzzer came on and the cooling fan upfront had gone into overdrive because we were going up a steep grade in very hot weather. I think I have convinced myself that I want to do the conversion rather than the VW engine replacement but I will likely miss the sounds and vibrations. However, I will probably not miss the oil spots and lack of power, methinks. That said, I have a couple of questions:


*  For various reasons, I have lost some confidence in the shop I have her at. Anyone know a good, reliable repair shop with experience in vanagons in the Northern San Diego County area? Should I get a second opinion before committing to the conversion?
* What are the disadvantages to the Subaru conversion, if any?
* Where should I get the engine and/or should I leave this up to the person doing the work (likely not me for lack of time)?
* Does anyone have a recommendation for someone doing these conversions well and at a good rate in the Southern California area?


Thanks for any input and feedback!


cheers,
h.
Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!

Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com

The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.