Date:         Tue, 16 Mar 1999 08:32:56 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      5 cyl,87 Syncro Camper,long
Comments: To: condor2@flash.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello, Mark. I considered hopping up my wasserboxer also. Since I mostly
operate under severe conditions I wanted an engine that would hold up. I
don't know how long the ratio rocker kits can be relied on when the
heads are already a weak link in the wasserboxers. I run at close to
5000 rpm for long periods at near full throttle while towing in 100+
heat. I don't know of anyone who has put many hard miles on a tweaked
wasserboxer setup yet. The 5 cylinder motors are renowned for durability
and time will tell if they stand up well to the constant high output
driving of Syncro Campers. I sure hope so. My conversion used a 1987 VW
Quantum 2.2 engine with 115 HP. Most people would probably go with a
Audi 2.3 at 130 HP as the price is the same. The fuel injection system
with wiring harness all came from this vehicle. The ecu, ignition
module, altitude compensator, etc., also came from the donor car. The
fuel pump and fuel accumulator are Audi 5000 parts as the Quantum has an
in-tank pump. Detlev is offering 2 ways to do a conversion. The first is
a Winkler kit that has all of the basic special parts to do the swap:
bell housing, flywheel, clutch, engine carrier, etc. This he sells for
$1850 and you put in all the pieces from a Audi 5000S or similar model.
He also sells a complete conversion with rebuilt motor, all of the above
parts of the basic kit, fuel injection system, exhaust system, assembled
and running for $4500. There is a core charge for the motor and other
parts that essentially requires you to get a donor car to remove the
core items from. You should contact him for all of the details but this
is what I understand to be the case. The complete conversion deals with
the clearance issues with some custom parts that Detlev has made. His
improvements are important if the van is used in hot weather. The total
cost of going all out is probably at least $6000. Some people will want
to do it cheaper using the Winkler kit and their own skills. I have
heard from some who are already in this process after purchasing the
basic kit from Detlev or Ken Wilford. I was involved in a couple of time
consuming vanagon engine conversions last summer and I decided that I
wanted to use my Syncro this summer instead of spending months on
another conversion. I met with Detlev and we hit it off, so I decided to
pay him to do all the work. He has not disappointed me.

Mark Drillock

Mark B. Magee wrote:
>
> Mark,
> Sounds great, would you reiterate the on this swapout, eg. computer, air
> box, etc. How did all this go. I have been teetering between hopping up
> my wasserboxer vs the 2.2 Audi swap. Convince me, also talk $$ if you
> don't mind, copy the List if you like, I know others are in the same
> boat as me.
> BTW: I am a former San Diegan, and have romped all over Baja (in a 4wd
> 3/4 ton Suburban Monster Truck), and was hearkening back to the awesome
> surf/fishing-camping down there.
> --
> ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>
> Shalom                                                    87 GL
> Mark Magee                                            91 Westy
> Kemah TX USA                                      96 Suzuki 4WD Sport
> John 14:6                                                 83 Honda XL
> 250