Date:         Wed, 16 Jun 2021 12:24:09 -0700
Reply-To:     Neil <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Neil <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: inline 4 vs Subaru conversion
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2021061613432976@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

I third Chris' comments and echo Jim's and other VW inline 4 users comments.

Yes. The VW Mk3 oil pump + diesel Vanagon pickup tube on the 50º VW I4
can be a challenge. BTDT. But, and not that this was suggested, I
don't think it's a common occurrence. IMO, that potential pump
inefficiency offers one more pro for doing that swap at the 15º more
"upright" mount angle. This leaves the factory oil pump as is. I have
read of one 50º ABA conversion where the mechanic modified the Mk3 (or
Mk4 ?) oil pump pickup tube but that mod requires real welding and
fabricating ability.

Caveat: I'm a bit of an outlier. I did 95% of all the conversion work
including metal fabrication and wiring. (wrong or right. LOL). There
were MANY learning curves! That in mind....

What I'd suggest to anyone doing an actual DIY conversion:

- get an exhaust shop to build the exhaust
- hire out the wiring harness work
- replace or rebuild the head if doing an engine rebuild
- use pre made engine supports

i.e. use a pre made kit that you install. There can be enough work
involved in making sure things like the cooling system are in good
condition.

Consider things like tire diameter, gearing, transmission type,
applications, the owner uses when viewing online end user results like
MPG. Most or all of the mainstream conversions can be used with the
Vanagon automatic transaxle but if the OP has an automatic transaxle,
more research may be required.

re: VW 2.0 normally aspirated gas engine relative simplicity. e.g. the
ABA. With the purchase of one or two easy to find speciality type
tools, borrowed engine stand, time, access to a machine shop, internet
access, as a kind of "shade tree" level wrench, I rebuilt the ABA for
my second conversion. So far so good. From a long term use standpoint,
I'd rebuild an inline engine before a WBX.

IMO, even with a shop installed "turn key" conversion, the owner
should be familiar with that conversion beyond just checking fluid
levels, belts, et al. Be prepared for a shop to refuse working on the
engine conversion.

The one big advantage of the Bostig was access to new "crate" engines.
I think they're very hard to find now. But, good used Zetec engines
are pretty easy to find. This should be true for the Subaru as well.

Quality German Auto Parts in CA still lists a new inline 4 gas engine.
(image attached):

http://www.qualitygermanautoparts.com/index.php?p=p1281768699&navt=1999-2004%20VW%202000cc%20Gas%20Engines%20MK4

I'd be curious if that engine would work with the FAS install kit.

Neil.



On 6/16/21, Jim <jrasite@eoni.com> wrote:

> Putting the ABA into my Adventurewagen was the best modification of all. .....

> I’m nearing 90k miles on the conversion…

> From: Alex MeVay
> Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 5:58 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: [VANAGON] inline 4 vs Subaru conversion
>
>> We have an ABA conversion with 1.8 heads and Digifant II in two of our
>> Vanagons.
>> From a maintenance perspective the I4 is easier to work on. Everything is
>> accessible. Timing belt jobs are easy.

> I second all Chris's comments on this conversion.
>
> ..... Aside from the exhaust, the other pain
> point specific to this engine (using the the original diesel oil pan
> and bellhousing) that I've experienced is a failure of even a new oil
> pump to prime reliably unless the end play been specially clearanced
> (wet sanding and plastigauge), as the pump seems quite high above the
> oil sump level.
>
> Alex
>


-- 
Neil n

VE7TBN

1988 Westy 50º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/yap5hpwt

1981 Westy 15º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/y9n4xob8

VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>