Date:         Tue, 7 Apr 1998 14:14:19 -0400
Reply-To:     Patrick Dooley <pdooley@GTE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Patrick Dooley <pdooley@GTE.NET>
Subject:      press delete if injun swaps aint yer fancy
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Just got my adapter kit from Esslinger Engineering to bolt a Ford 2.3 turbo
motor to my 85 vanagon trans.  The pieces look very nice.  The adapter plate
is 3/4 inch aluminum and includes a raised circular section to center the
transmission bellhousing.  The flywheel looks like a new piece, but is
probably cut/welded, anyway, the finished product is very clean.  Also
included is a throwout bearing, a ford dealer item.  And necessary bolts and
instructions.  Not bad for 275 US dollars.

I will hang the motor from the diesel style mounting bars with the
appropriate modifications.  Only undesirable aspect of the
conversion(besides the fact its a ford motor) is that the engine lid must be
cut and raised.  May not be a problem for lucky non-USA folks with crew
cabs.

Will try to post pictures if I ever get my web page going.  Gonna dial the
motor for around 160-180 horses, but I know people that race 2.3's on the
west coast that get ~400 hp from the same animal.  Don't think thats a good
idea for a van, though.

Wish me luck, PSD.