Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2021 21:30:54 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: inline 4 vs Subaru conversion
In-Reply-To: <CAB2RwfgKdGjH7a_Sx0Opq7fbhvt=mzyXzivh5NnEGq3KxPDvnw@mail.gmail.com>
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Hi folks,
I’m mechanically the least knowledgable here. But will share my recent experience.
With Dennis’s help we took out the 1.9 engine and Dennis built me a GW 2.3 engine.
We also made upgrades to the transmission, torque converter, and cooling system, not to mention the Fuel Management system.
If my driver, Heidi, has confidence then I get to do more with the van.
The results are new only about 1,000 miles of driving but the results are great. The engine is a 2.1 so it looks great in the compartment. It starts, runs, excellerates and idols great.
Heidi used to drive at 55 tops and 60 max. We now sometimes go over 70 before she realizes it. She is driving more often at about 65 MPH. We clim hills feel.
I think we could climb even better but she is not aggressive about using second gear in the automatic.
So, time will tell but wow! What a nice upgrade even mainly using a stock 2.1 motor.
However, we were climbing a hill today at bout 55 MPH when a vanagon passed us with a toot and a piece sign. I have know idea what engine they were running!
If I had not decided to work with Dennis on the upgrade project I would have been very tempted to go with the FAS new engine option. They are not that far from me so it would have been a reasonable option.
All things considered I’m very happy with the engine, transmission, support systems, gages, and suspension. I keep thinking, this might be what a brand new vanagon felt like.
And, Heidi now asks to drive the van and takes it on highways and back roads. These are great changes.
Eric
85 GL Auto
GW 2.3
> On Jun 16, 2021, at 3:24 PM, Neil <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> 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>
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