Date:         Fri, 15 Oct 1999 03:14:18 EDT
Reply-To:     Calwolfie@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kevin Dawson <Calwolfie@AOL.COM>
Subject:      (no subject)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi all,
I've got a couple off questions that I would like some input on.  I've wanted
a 90'-91' Muti van for a long time but could not bring myself to pay the
price they are going for.  So, I'm going a different route.  I have purchased
a 87' Wolfsberg 1/2 camper with a hurt engine and a 88' Wolfsberg that had
been dinged on the rear drivers corner.  Total out lay thus far is 4K.  The
88' has far more deluxe stuff (alloys, Carat side moldings, heated power
mirrors, tach cluster, rear wiper, upholstery, rear bench w/headrests, larger
VW emblem on the grill, unfortunately the jumpseats and the power lock motor
were already picked by the PO but I can't complain) on it which I'm in the
process of swapping to the 87.'  I'll sell the 88' off later although it will
be an ex-wolfie.  In this manor I hope to come close to a later Muti-van but
without the cost.  I have restored several small British cars so I'm hoping
to build on those experinces to complete this project.  I love this list as
it has been a big help on getting up to speed on issues and resources.  I
want to Thank you all in advance because you've already been so helpful in
just already participating in this list.. I've already learned a lot.
     First Question- The 87' is stick and the 88' is an auto...I must be
getting old because I think I would prefer to drive an auto.. we have lots of
bumper to bumper traffic in So Cal...I've look at the problem physically and
while it would be work I think I can swap the mechanical...and the
hydrolics..but what about the electricals..is the harness that goes to the
shifter on the auto transferable?  Are there other consideration I'm not
thinking about?
     Second Question-  On refrigerant upgrade..I've read through the tech
articles but have not seen any discussion concerning if the stock hoses have
the proper barrier to contain R-134a.  There is quite a bit of useful
information concerning this issue in general from a Company called Vintage
Air, located in Texas, they specialize in a/c kits for hot rods and classics.
 The Vanagon has the "aeroquip" hose type no. on the side so I suppose it
would be possible to cross reference and see if it has the right material in
its construction..has anyone else looked into this?
     Third Question- The Engine...  to rebuild or to swap..  I have tried to
read everything I can find concerning both directions and I'm still stumped.
From an economic stand point it seems to make more sense to rebuild the orig.
engine..not cutting any corners...about $2500....change the coolant regular
like..but that just doesn't seem to guarantee any thing.  I am attracted to
the I-4 swap but even that is not clear cut ... I hate the smog police here
in California... and its going to just get worse... for that reason a swap
would have to CARB approved in some way... I don't want to have go to a state
referee every two years..I'd rather go to a dentist..the SA kit looks nice
but as of yet does not use a O2 sensor.. does that mean it runs open loop
like my old 76' Westy did.. I don't see how that could ever get by state
inspection on a 87' spec requirement vehicle... what about the program on the
Prom in the Motronic system?  Is it flexible enough for a heavy Vanagon if it
was originally intended for a light Golf?  Does the shift points of a Vanagon
auto need to be changed to match the power curve of the I-4?  If so how?
Shave the governor?  Awhile back someone asked the list for their suggestions
on what engine to swap and it seems that about five responses were for the 5
cyl. But of these responding how many had actually done this swap themselves?
 I would love to hear from people who have actually bitten the bullet and
done the swap..how they did it...what they did right..what they would do
different...the costs involved...how they have dealt with emissions
inspections.

That should be enough for now.
cheers,
Kevin Dawson
87' Wolfie 1/2 Camper Muti-van wan-a-be
88' soon to be ex-Wolfie
74' Triumph TR-6
69' Triumph TR-6
89' Iszuz Trooper II LS - Nice but will have to go after the 87' project is
finnished
89' Honda accord SE-i  the wife's car..what can I say ..she's the sane one in
the family...thank God she loves me