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Date:         Tue, 21 Sep 1999 19:58:55 -0700
Reply-To:     David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Subject:      Re: 2.0L Conversion 5K update, longish
Comments: To: Randolph Feuerriegel <RFeuerriegel@BC.SYMPATICO.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <37E73AD7.7AB0@bc.sympatico.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Glad to see the engine conversion is working out well for you Randy!

I will be getting some cross drilled Brembo rotors (2WD and Syncro) in stock soon with Repco Metal Master pads. They should help the stopping and brake fade - especially when you come out of orbit at 150km/h...

At 12:59 AM 21/09/1999 -0700, Randolph Feuerriegel wrote: >Greetings all. > >For those who are thinking about engine conversions, I thought that a >5000 Km review would be of interest. While not a long term review by any >means it might offer some insight to those contemplating the swap. First >off, no regrets. If the WBX were more reliable to me, less expensive to >fix, and a bit more power I might not have gone this route. The WBX was >not trashed, just showing its age but still had some resale value. >Having owned numerous VW's in the past, I had forgotten how torquey an >8V engine is. Its alot of fun. The Audi 2.0L in my syncro has about the >same torque as the WBX did in the lower rpm range, but get it up over >4000, it really sings. Even in 4th gear there is pull. It happily runs >up to 6000 rpm, probably more, my tach can't show it. For the first time >I had the van up over 150 Km/h, previous top speed 137 km/h. Its >very comfortable cruising at 100 to 120 km/h, spinning at about 4000 >rpm. >My hwy mileage has improved from 13 litres per 100 Km to 11 litres. City >is higher. That translates to about 25 mpg(Imp), 21.5 US gal. >The engine is out of Audi 80, 2.0L, stamped on the block, has about >120,000 km on it, and I expect it to go for quite awhile. FI is CIS-E >with knock sensor, o2 sensor, but not Motronic. >I purchased the FastForward basic kit(adapter, flywheel & crossmember), >plus David did the wiring harness/fuel pump relay from one I supplied so >it becomes almost a plug and play. I also purchased the platform for the >coolant reservoir and airbox. The new crossmember is a simple bolt on, >engine sits at a 15 degree angle which also means the deck lid has to be >modified a few inches. There is no loss of ground clearance and my skid >plate fits fine. Actually, I did put in a 3/8" shim to drop the old >crossmember down as to avoid hitting the p/s pump. The p/s reservoir >does not have to be moved, but I did find one hose a bit of a stretch. >Found an Audi p/s hose with same fitting only longer. The exhaust system >was fabricated locally, a 2 into 1 down pipe, cat and a free flowing 6" >dia. canister type muffler. Stock WBX cat, I could have used the stock >WBX muffler, but it is quite restrictive. Admittedly, I miss the off >beat idle of the WBX, but this engine with the throttle on at 4500 rpm >and up has a decent growl to it. I did have a few vibration problems >with the new exhaust(hanger issue)but that is pretty much sorted. Engine >noise is not quite sorted yet, my modified lid needs insulation, but I >have had the lid covered with stuff and found the noise level no >different than the WBX. Just a different tune. >In the long run this setup for me should be cost effective, parts at >FLARS are in abundance and cheap, hey, in a few years the 1.8T will be >available used, should almost bolt right in! (a bit more work). >If you are planning on doing a conversion with a used engine, try to get >everything you need from one good donor vehicle. Can save you a few >headaches. >Engine bay aesthetics is what you make of it, hoses, wiring etc. Mine >does not have the "factory look", but it comes pretty close. >The cost of this conversion was roughly 4000.00 Cdn., compared to >7000.00 Cdn. plus install, for a "factory fit". I sold the WBX for >1400.00 Cdn. which offset some of the cost. Over all I am quite pleased >with the swap, pleased with FastForwards conversion kit and with David's >assistance. >A few other observations to note, the increased power is reminding me to >get the brakes done, maybe upgrade to vented discs. My worn shocks are >showing more so now, so that it is the works soon, rears done. Checking >the oil means lifting the deck lid, a minor inconvenience. On the other >hand, engine maintenace is easier than the WBX. Thats it for now, feel >free to drop me line if want to know more about the swap. >Take care. >-- >R.Feuerriegel >88 syncro > >

-- David Marshall - - Quesnel, BC, Canada -- -- 78 VW Rabbit, 80 VW Caddy, 84 VW Westie, 85 VW Cabriolet -- -- 87 Audi 5000 Quattro, 88 2.0L VW Syncro Double Cab -- -- David's Volkswagen Home Page http://www.volkswagen.org -- -- Fast Forward Autobahn Sport Tuning http://www.fastforward.ca -- -- david@volkswagen.org (pmail) or vanagon@volkswagen.org (list) --


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