Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 13:59:30 -0400
Reply-To: karl <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: karl <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject: Re: Newbie/ Syncro Westie Diesel Conversion Questions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I have recently converted a Syncro Westy waterboxer to a 1.9 TD, and in the
near future will be also going with the TDI. The best start is to find
either a diesel Vanagon for parts, or get the oil pan, pump pickup tube,
mounts, clutch, flywheel, starter, and bell housing from one. I believe '82
and '83 were the only years they were sold here. To convert using the diesel
bellhousing you will also need a Syncro TD fuel tank which is available from
Europe, through your VW parts dept. OR, you can use an adapter plate. One
benefit to the Syncro TD tank / diesel bellhousing is that the starter is
now much more accessible. The left engine support will need to be modified
or fabricated. Mike Sullivan is also doing this swap into a Syncro, I
believe with a special Winkler TDI install kit, he would of great assistance
also. I believe the stock TDI intercooler can be made to work, however
sufficient airflow could be a problem. One idea I have is to build a
'refridgerated' intercooler, using the AC pump to cool the intercooler since
my van doesn't have AC anyway, and the pump is already mounted to my TDI
engine. And you are correct, the van will have phenomenal pulling power with
the TDI ! Plan on also changing the 3rd and 4th gear ratios in the
transmission, or adding taller tires, to take advantage of the TDI's torque
characteristics. Good luck in you quest !
Karl
'87 Syncro Westy 1.9 TD (currently undergoing surgery for a new heart)
----- Original Message -----
From: Kevin & Lisa Sellitti <virtual-angst@HOME.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 1999 11:51 AM
Subject: Newbie/ Syncro Westie Diesel Conversion Questions
> Hi All,
> I am new to the list and don't actually own a Vanagon (yet!).
Joining this
> list is the beginning of my search for a Syncro Westie . I am however the
> proud owner of a 1998 VW Jetta TDI. After 43,000 miles I have come to the
> decision that the 1.9 TDI is the Perfect Power plant, Efficient, Reliable
,
> Powerful. Having said that I will be converting the Westie to the TDI
engine
> at some point. I have been reading up on the swap on the net but, I have a
> few Questions going forward.
>
> Is there a list of Parts needed to make the swap or should I be looking
for
> a whole Diesel Vanagon?
> What years did Vanagons have Diesels? Was it 82-83 only?
> Does the Diesel Bell Housing/Starter Bolt up to the Syncro Tranny?
> I assume I need the Wiring Harness and Electronics from the TDI Correct?
> What flywheel and Clutch do I use?
> Just what do I do about the Intercooler? Is there an OEM/Aftermarket one
> available?
> I read somewhere that the Syncro Fuel tank and Diesel Bell Housing cannot
be
> used together. True? Do I need a Diesel Fuel tank?
> From what I have read the left motor mount has to be modified to
accommodate
> the Turbo, is there an aftermarket one available?
>
>
> OK enough questions. I had a 70 Westy in college that I sold after
> graduation, now that I have a kids we will be using the Westy for outings.
I
> would love to hear from anyone that has done this swap. The TDI would
great
> on cross country trips, and at 90hp it should push a Westy with ease. I
> would love to hear from anyone doing or has done this swap.
>
>
> Thanks for letting a Newbie Ramble.......
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