Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 16:31:59 -0700
Reply-To: "Lee F. Schelin" <lschelin@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Lee F. Schelin" <lschelin@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject: Re: Engine Swap
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Eric: I'm not saying that the Flat 4 is a really bad engine, neither is the Ford
Flathead, but there's better stuff around. We have over 350K on our Vanagon and it has
taken us all over North America many times and is considered part of our family. But next
time The Silver Bullet needs a new engine it will get a more powerful engine that is very
dependable. The problems with leaky heads, bad water pumps, and expensive parts will be
over.
We are in the process of upgrading the 86 to look like a 91 with late style bumpers and
side skirts. In addition we are adding tall 17" wheels, new wide lower grill, new
carpets, new headliner, CD changer, Polk Speakers, JVC stereo and a new Midnight blue
paint job.
But it will remain a family member and we'll enjoy many, many years of driving.
BTW: I change oil & filter about every 4-5K.
Lee...
86 Vanagon GL Keeper
> I beat my flat 4, 2.1 engine bad, sometimes. I can't find a reason
> to change the engine. All that I really do to it, to keep it running
> is change the oil! Now from a mechanics point of view, can you honestly
> say thaat you changed your oil every 3000 miles, and the engines went
> bad anyway.
>
> Eric 86-VW4x4
> vw4x4@fyi.net 72-240z
> Pittsburgh, PA USA 1936-Chrysler
>
>
> On Thu, 10 Jun 1999, Lee F. Schelin wrote:
>
> > Stuart and All: I guess I don't see what the big deal is about changing out stock
> > engines, we've been doing that in the Street Rod scene since my first car in 1957.
> >
> > Although there are purists who think that a 1932 Ford should have a Flathead V8
> > engine, but most 32 Fords today have Small Block Chevys, Buick Nailheads, Chrysler
> > Hemi's you name it and it's been tried.
> >
> > Most engine conversions are to increase performance or dependability or both. We
> > purchased our 86 GL new in 86 and are on our third stock engine. But I guarantee
> > the next engine won't be another VW Flat Four, they are just too much trouble.
> > There are plenty of great engines that could be installed in a Vanagon and increase
> > performance, increase gas mileage and be very dependable. I only wish that I would
> > have changed to another engine the last time we had the Flat 4 rebuilt.
> >
> > Lee...
> > 86 Vanagon GL (Keeper)
> >
> > > Good point, the grass is always greener! I have a feeling we can count
> > > the conversions on one hand, and those with more than 50,000 miles on
> > > them are probably nonexistent.
> > >
> > > It might be cheaper than converting, and certainly easier, to have a
> > > spare stock engine in the garage waiting to drop in if the one in use
> > > fails. Little hassle, one or two days and you are back on the road.
> > > Conversions sound appealing, but I too would like to hear from someone
> > > who has put more than a few thousand miles on one.
> > >
> > > FHerzig@swri.edu wrote:
> > > >
> > > > How many of you folks that are recommending an engine swap have actually done
> > > > it?
> > > >
> > > > Frank
> > > > 85 GL w 218000 miles
> > >
> > > --
> > > Stuart MacMillan
> > > Manager, Case Program
> > > 800-909-8244 ext 208
> > >
> > > Getting your share of the Net yet?
> > > http://www.cobaltgroup.com
> > > http://www.casedealer.com/demo
> > > http://www.caseihdealer.com/demo
> >
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