Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 19:42:23 -0800
Reply-To: John Fleming <jflemin1@TAMPABAY.RR.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Fleming <jflemin1@TAMPABAY.RR.COM>
Subject: Re: Subaru Conversion Comments
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I have been running the 2.2 conversion since the spring of 1998. I agree
with most points. While I only had a 1.9, the power difference was nothing
less than remarkable. I have also used the stock starter with no problem
(was saying that the kiss of death?).
I would also add that the heater valve must be left on to permit water
circulation during the initial warmup. This can be hot in the Florida
summer! The tachometer and engine light does not work either.
Mine has a slight backfire (more like a backpop) when it is hot. After much
troubleshooting I have been unable to totally fix.
The one thing I do miss is the comraderie of being part of all the
discussions about intermittant misfires, hesitations, black smoke,
no-starts, and all other really interesting glitches when I got together
with fellow Vanagoners.
John Fleming
1985 Westaru
----- Original Message -----
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 1999 2:19 PM
Subject: Subaru Conversion Comments
> I recently purchased a reject waterboxer that was extracted to make way
> for a Subaru transplant. I had a chance to look the conversion over
> briefly and talk to the owner, who had some interesting comments, and
> I've also added mine:
>
> Owner:
> Kennedy says they have been selling 5 conversion kits a week recently!
> Did swap in a week with no problems.
> Much quieter engine with 5 mains, overhead cams, cast intake manifolds
> and cast valve covers.
> Estimates his total cost at about $3200.
> Did not notice much, if any, increased power over his 2.1 which had good
> compression. (140 psi)
> Very pleased with the kit and the conversion so far.
>
> My observations:
> Very clean installation and excellent fit. An untrained observer would
> never know the van didn't leave the factory this way.
> No clearance problems.
> Had to fabricate his own exhaust bracing.
> Requires construction of coolant manifold from copper plumbing pipe.
> Have to open the hatch to check the oil.
> Needs special starter.
> Oil pan hangs very low, not good for off-road use. A custom sump could
> be fabricated to improve this condition.
>
> This owner is definitely a skilled mechanic/handyman. He immediately
> hopped in and drove back from California (900+ miles) after completing
> the conversion with no shakedown period. This conversion is not to be
> attempted by a novice, in my opinion.
>
> I will keep in touch and see how he does with it.
> --
> 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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