Date:         Sun, 20 Sep 1998 19:16:02 -0400
Reply-To:     David Griffin <75313.377@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         David Griffin <75313.377@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Subject:      best engine swap?
Comments: To: vanagon list <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Noting a bunch of discussion about some apparently exotic engine swaps, I

wonder if there is a tested,  fairly simple (as simple as an engine swap
can be!) replacement for the stock engine that has been identified.
As a fairly recent follower of the list, I acknowledge that there is a
possibility that this subject may have been done to death recently, if so,
be gentle, but I would love to hear the opinions on what would be the
straightest line to reliable operation and reasonable acceleration. 

(Beware, mild VW  heresy in next paragraph, avert tender eyes) 

My 85 is in the throes of fuel injection hell, running now and then. Even

when it works the power output  is marginal. The parts are expensive;
incredibly, more than the parts for my late unlamented BMW(rust bucket, no
yuppies here!), and the diagnosis to find out what to replace is mind
numbing. But the form factor of the Westy Vanagon is such a perfect piece

of work that if it got down the road in a reliable fashion it would be the
ideal machine. 

I note at least one member with a Chevy V6. My other vice is old GM
hardware, and I tend to like the characteristics and easy availability of

domestic engines.But what's involved ? Does it fit? 


David Griffin  75313.377@compuserve.com

85 Westy Vanagon * 78 _GTI_ mutant *  63 Buick Electra 225 convertible  

63 Cadillac/Miller Meteor Combination * 66 BSA Lightning w/hack
72 Triumph Daytona * 72 BSA unit Gold Star 500 single  *  etc...