Date: Fri, 27 Nov 1998 14:42:05 -0500
Reply-To: EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject: Re: Repowering madness, is this workable?
In-Reply-To: <365DADB1.AD36C388@MCI2000.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
This idea had been going thru my mind for months. If I had
a 2 wheel drive, I would remove the motor and trans, and install
a front wheel drive buick 4.3, with transmission, computer,
and all. The weight of the vehicle is about the same. No
playing with gears, torch ranges. Mate at the half shafts,
mount, and go! Part avalible anywhere.
Eric 86-VW4x4
vw4x4@fyi.net 72-240z
Pittsburgh, PA USA 1936-Chrysler
On Thu, 26 Nov 1998, Blue Eyes wrote:
> I've got to ask, even though I know this may sound strange. Has anyone
> repowered a Vanagon with a complete front wheel drive auto's motor and
> transaxle by just making it a mid engine installation? That way, nothing gets
> turned from the factory power train's original design. It wouldn't know it's
> driving rear wheels instead of front wheels. Why not just reverse the body's
> orientation compared to the engine/transaxle package instead of redesigning
> the power delivery system?
>
> When I look at the space under the rear seat, it appears to be suitable for an
> engine mounted there. How far forward would it intrude into the floor space?
> Maybe this is workable.
>
> Thoughts of a 140 hp Audi A6 TDI with 6 speed transaxle, mounted where a
> Westy's recently blown gas motor and automatic sit, loom large in my head. I
> know it would no longer be able to go 129 mph as it can in the A6. I also
> know the 0 - 60 in 9.8 seconds that it does in the A6 would be a thing of the
> past because the A6 weights about 225 pounds less than a Caravelle, but it
> should still be a respectable 10 second figure. I also know it could no
> longer yield 44.4 mpg at 74.4 mph (5.3liters/100km @ 120 k/hr) as it does in
> the A6, but with slightly taller Westy tires, that former 33.0 mph/1000 rpm
> that it gives in the A6 might drop from 2275 rpm at 75 mph to more like 1900
> where it still has plenty of power but has a slightly lower BSFC and even
> lower smoke level.
>
> Or, for a lower deck height, a front wheel drive 110 hp diesel TDI motor with
> 5 speed transaxle could go there for a lot less cash and without importing the
> drive train from a european salvage yard.
>
> Talk to me. What do you see as the costs and benefits to this kind of
> approach? Would it screw up the interior too much?
> John
>
> Audi A6, 3219 pound curb weight, 140 hp. TDI 6 speed test in
> Diesel Car April 1995 shows these 6th gear acceleration times:
> 30 - 50 mph = 18.1 seconds (starting from 900 rpm)
> 50 - 70 mph = 12.1 seconds (starting from 1500 rpm)
>
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