Date: Sun, 22 May 2022 23:06:17 +0000
Reply-To: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: You Never Know: A Story
In-Reply-To: <CA+az7_7E6p+Q8pfQG_wNWfxRwWX=9tkLwz6BkM1oPKeqmQRcKA@mail.gmail.com>
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Way to go! If I recall correctly, you began that project when you were older than I am now (71). This gives me hope that I'll be able to complete a few more projects in the time I have left.
Stephen
On Sunday, May 22, 2022, 06:33:27 PM EDT, John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
Four years ago, the engine failed in my 1988 Vanagon GL. I said "Last time,
Brother. The third time's the charm!" This was the third engine rebuild I
had been through over the years and I was done. I searched around for a
suitable alternative for the deceased WBX, and determined the nearest
look-a-like with promise was the Subaru ej2.5. Modern technology, modern
metallurgy, pretty good performance history, engines readily available. So
I went for it. Little did I know what a can of worms I opened with that
decision.
I found a wrecked 2005 Subaru Outback(A tree fell on it in a storm). Felt
like I got a good deal. Then I learned that was a transition year. Subaru
had things in it from earlier years, and things introduced latter, and that
made sorry choice for conversion. Things didn't match well in the
computer/IGNITION PART. Lots of headaches. Money was slow, so progress was
slow. Then my friend who was a skilled mechanic who was going to help with
this, broke out with wifey trouble all over and had to find another place
to live, thereby losing his place for my project.
About this time a 1991 Carat came up for sale. The engine from my GL was
gone, my mechanic was gone, I had fallen and had gotten three broken ribs
and a collapsed lung out of the deal and didn't know how the heck I was
going to get that engine in my van.
I went and talked with my neighbor, Matt Yester, on this list, who had much
experience on these conversions. We worked a deal. He would do a
turnkey job for me in exchange for my old van and the engine from the
Carat. And he would completely rebuild the front end of the Carat for labor
if I provided parts. A deal was struck.I had all brand new front end parts
and other stuff I had gotten from Uncle Joel (remember him?) when he left
this list group.
A few weeks ago Matt came and got me and handed me the van keys. Conversion
done, using SmallCar as the basic conversion. That engine performs
beautifully. Going from 90 hp to 165 hp in a Vanagon is to really kick
butt! The engine was completely gone through with a valve job complete, all
new bearings throughout, as well as new rings. This coupled to the Vanagon
autotranny. What a performer.
Thru this adventure other things came to light. I have had to replace the
power window motors and regulators on both sides. Window operators cables
had been cut. I discovered that only after removing the door panels to see
what was wrong. Door locks didn't work. RepLaced.
It's been an ongoing project. But fun.
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