Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 06:26:14 -0500
Reply-To: VWRuss <kaefer@IX.DENIZ.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: VWRuss <kaefer@IX.DENIZ.COM>
Subject: Re: Cheapest engine conversion
In-Reply-To: <000e01bf49e1$5d45fbc0$1fbb173f@loi-bear>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
If you wanted to get by really cheap, you could scour the newspapers for
a VW Fox. You'll get the JN code 1.8 liter engine with hydraulic lifters,
either a CIS-E (->'90) or Digifant ('91->), and the engine mounts you need
as they're the same as the Quantum and 4000. I bought the one I am driving
every day to work for $500.00. It had 151,000 when I got it. I bought a
'90 _running_ that I drove home (although it did need a wheel bearing and
muffler) for $200.00. It had 96,000 miles on it. Even the catalytic
converter looked OK. There was even a Fox for sale from NY state
originally that was pretty rotted in the rockers, but it ran, etc... for
$100.00! Most of the parts are Brazilian, even the head and block, but
I've put 7500 miles on the thing since the end of July and it's been OK.
BTW, if you have any Fox questions don't hesitate to e-mail me, and if you
do get one... I might be interested in a few parts. That'd make the
conversion even more economical.
VWRuss
1986 Jetta GL
1988 Fox
Massaponax, Virginia
At 12:24 AM 12/19/1999 -0500, Pat Dooley wrote:
>VW I-4 1.8L gas motor with Kennedy adapter plate.
>
>2.0 motor from Audi 80 is better choice, but more expensive.
>
>Motor - $100-300
>Adapter - $500
>
>Get some motor mounts from an Audi 4000 or Quantum 4 cyl.
>Use your existing WB cross bar to attach motor mounts to.
>
>Mount at 15 degree angle to avoid oil pan/pickup tube/dipstick problems. No
>good for Westy bed, but you asked for cheap.
>You could even set it up with a carb from a rabbit if you want to get really
>cheap/lazy/enviro-unconscious.
>
>The exhaust may be a problem unless your handy with a MIG. Can get a cat
>from Depot for $100 or probably your local FLAPS. This is an area you can
>get creative. I really don't think a special EM is needed, probably a
>rabbit or sirocco manifold would do just fine.
>
>With my access to junkyard parts I could do this swap myself for $1000-1500
>complete. Problem is finding the time.
>However, I seriously doubt you could find someone to do all the labor for
>under $1500, so even this swap may be out of your $3000 budget.
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
>> Of John Rodgers
>> Sent: Saturday, December 18, 1999 11:52 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Cheapest engine conversion
>>
>>
>> Ken, I have a tight budget on this rebuild.
>>
>> Given that the labor is hired, what would you suggest as the cheapest
>> engine conversion that would get me out of wasserboxer engines and into
>> something that is bullet proof.
>>
>> Installed and running it has to come in under three grand even if it's
>> only by a dollar.
>>
>> John Rodgers
>> "88 GL owner
>>
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