Date:         Tue, 30 Nov 1999 21:29:34 -0800
Reply-To:     David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Subject:      Re: 4 Cyl VR-6 Conversion
Comments: To: John Rodgers <inua@SCOTT.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <3844720B.C5E44D91@scott.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 06:55 PM 30/11/1999 -0600, John Rodgers wrote:
>Can anyone tell me about what goes into an engine swap using a 4 cyl
>VR-6 engine.

First off, a VR6 is a 6 cylinder engine.

>Is this a desirable conversion?

Lots of power - 174hp, but you can eat transmissions if you use it all the
time upon launch.

>Can it be mated to a standard 4 speed tranny.

Yes.

>Is an adapter plate required.?

Yes.

>Who makes one for this conversion?

I sell adapters that will work with the VR6

>Are diesel parts required?

Can't use the Diesel parts as the motor mounts are different, also there
are slight differences in the flywheel.

>If so what?
>
>What about any  other components needed. Additional engine supports,
>exhaust system, mufflers, relocation of alternator, power steering
>pumps, AC compressor, etc,etc.

We do not have a VR6 conversion kit per say - we just carry the flywheel
that uses the vanagon clutch and pressure plate and the bellhousing
adapter.  The VR6 conversion kit will be ready when we have a customer who
wants to be a guinea pig.  The motor mounts are the part that will take us
a few hours to figure out.  The exhaust system can be made at the local
muffler shop that custom bends pipes.  You just have to make sure they
design a STRONG bracket that prevents the exhaust system from vibrating at
certain RPMs.  I have pictures of the brackets that our exhaust guys use.
The alternatior does not have to reloaced.  The VR6 powersteering and AC
pumps can drive the Vanagon components.  You will have to get some hoses
made up to extent everything a little as they are not in the same place as
the Vanagons pumps are.

>Any input on this would be appreciated.

Personally I would not install a VR6 unless you have lots of time and
patience to make it all work to your liking.  A far simpler swap would be
an inline four from a Golf or a Jetta.  Please feel free to pmail me if you
have any questions or visit my web site at http://www.fastforward.ca for a
description and pricing of our inline conversion kit.
>
>John Rodgers
>"88GL driver with a very dead wasserboxer.
>
>

--   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) --