This is a great subject! I once considered putting a V-8 in my MGB (my son still wants to do this) but after reading a book on the subject I realized that virtually every piece of the running gear along with the support systems had to be extensively modified or replaced! Along with the engine you needed a transmission, shortened drive shaft, new differential and shortened axle(!), new suspension, brakes, radiator, body modifications, ad nauseum. It was not hard to see this was a project for the enthusiast with a lot of time and lots of tools. The Vanagon conversions are much simpler but will still take a lot of time, running around, and hard work, as well as specialized maintenance and repair only the owner can do. My '84 Westy is the highest mileage car I have ever owned, and with 200k and two head replacements on it I really can't complain about it. My friends with BMWs, Volvos and Saabs that are much younger than my Westy have spent much more on repairs and maintenance than I have in the 15 years I have owned my van, and will continue to do so. Not having that much time anymore for projects like this I think I'll stick with stock, or maybe slightly modified stock! Stuart MacMillan '84 Westy '65 MGB '73 MGB GT |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.