Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 12:35:39 -0400
Reply-To: Stuart Fedak <ve3smf@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart Fedak <ve3smf@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Engine Conversion Controversy
In-Reply-To: <5497821.3086334.1379348243245.JavaMail.root@sz0063a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
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Informed debate is well worth reading. I have found the various perspectives enlightening and they raised some further questions. The question of keeping a WBX engine going, upgrading to a GoWesty WBX and the various conversions are all good questions that need to be answered before going down the conversion pathway. Issues such as total conversion costs, life cycle costs, reliability and performance and ultimate resale all have to be considered.
Besides my 86 Vanagon Westfalia GL automatic, I have a 86 Canadian Bombardier Iltis. On the Iltis forums we also have the debates on keeping things stock, versus putting in a VW Diesel engine and other XYZ engines. The additional problem with the Iltis is it is a 24 VDC system. Several well intentioned Iltis owners have gone down the conversion pathway, and in the process created a very expensive mess, that just ended up as a salvage unit. A few have done diesel conversions that have worked well, but they are still working on the gearing issues. It also means they have a mix of 24 VDC and 12 VDC systems. Then there is the issue of lack of documentation on the vehicle. These vehicles once converted can work well for the original owner, but can be hard to sell later on, as there is no documentation.
I am not sure what direction I would go if and when my Vanagon needs some engine work. I appreciate the informed debate. It is something that almost every Vanagon owner will have to face, if they keep their vehicle long enough.
Cheers!
Stuart
Sent from my electronic umbilicus
On 2013-09-16, at 12:17 PM, J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
> Well, I went and did it, I've been on this list long enough to know better about posting stuff like this! I was just so excited to find some of the diesel bits I needed I just had to post it. I didn't mean to start a debate on which conversion is easiest/best/cheapest, etc. FWIW, I've seen Subaru, Bostig, and VW conversions and all looked great, and I'm sure they are all good. Like I said, my old 1.9 is running great, weeping a bit from the right head, but running so good unless it grenades it will be there for at least a couple more months-at least til the end of camping season here in the mid Atlantic states. So again, sorry to have brought up such a controversial topic. Now, I also need new tires, what should I get? Oh, and I need an oil change, which oil is best? And a coolant flush, can I use the green or orange stuff? Just kidding folks! Have a swell Monday!!
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