Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2019 13:02:54 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: What water boxer to replace my 1.9?
In-Reply-To: <BYAPR12MB3640B8E4B9676881A9A5B263BADA0@BYAPR12MB3640.namprd12.prod.outlook.com>
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HI David,
Still more great info.
I’m waiting for a estimate to see what upgrades will happen but your description is very helpful with regard to choices.
I am leaning strongly toward the 2.3 engine with updated 2.1 cooling system. Overhauled transmission.
But my desire to upgrade other systems is dependent on the over all costs.
Down the road I need to look at the safety aspect of the roll bar improvement and the wheels and tires.
I have the updated shocks and they helped.
That will most likely come after the other work is done.
Eric Caron
85 GL Auto
> On Aug 5, 2019, at 2:02 PM, David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM> wrote:
>
> Hi Eric
>
> About the upgrade, the only thing I did at the time of the engine swap was to completely upgrade the cooling system, including a new radiator and a stainless steel pipe set. Everything else was, according to the mechanic, in good shape and reused. I did a few of what I call reliability and safety upgrades: I added the T3 rollbar and endlinks, the vanistan oil cooler, relays on the headlights, and before the engine swap I upgraded to 16" wheels, slotted discs, and Bilstein shocks. High crosswinds will always be a challenge, but the collective improvement in handling from the roll bar, wheels and shocks was dramatic, especially coming down windy mountain roads. In retrospect, since I have been dealing with overloaded electrical circuits, I would do more extensive re-wiring when I put in the second battery to move as much load as possible off of the old fuse bus, and probably would have used an ACR rather than a solenoid to manage the battery. The accessory wiring is not about engine performance, but definitely a safety issue for me. I become very concerned about fire when fuses started melting. One other item, I (think) the melting fuse issue was solved by moving accessories to a Bkur Seaqw fuse bus under the driver seat, but when the radiator fan is running then fuse (I think #7?) still gets hot. I am going to wire that directly to the battery with an inline fuse. Those are some things that help protect your investment in a new engine and trans.
>
> Hope that helps.
>
> Dave B
> Boise
>
> ________________________________
> From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
> Sent: Sunday, August 4, 2019 9:33 PM
> To: David Boan <dboan@outlook.com>
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject: Re: What water boxer to replace my 1.9?
>
> Hi David,
>
> This is great info. I am especially pleased to hear you have put on some trouble free miles and only a mild repair.
>
> Can you share any specifics about any other related engine upgrades? Are you using parts from your 1.9 or did you update the cooling system, ECU, fuel injection.
>
> I take it your van is a Standard. Mine is Auto so I’d love to hear what the Turbo option really impacts in driving.
>
> I’m looking at options for a 2.3 transplant.
>
> However, at the moment, the 1.9 is alive and sounding happy.
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto
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