Date: Sat, 22 May 2010 15:40:46 -0700
Reply-To: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: All engines have issues...
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTilUnj1JvfwrzI1PDd0U2ID7wGRMK0q1whqnF0ik@mail.gmail.com>
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Hi Peter,
I have (going on 3years now and about 85k miles) an 84 with a 92 1.8 liter
inline Golf/Jetta/Rabbit motor in it. It works fine for me and the previous
owner also was happy with it.
I think the Jetta Mk 3 motor, the one coded ABA, is supposed to be even
slighty better than the Mk 11, the one I have. Mine has been outstanding so
far. If this one ever does fail, I plan on replacing it with one of those.
(93-97, I think they were made) They are supposed to have a bit more
power...I have seen them available for around $300. I am told the ABA
block, which ups the displacment to 2.0 liters will accept all the parts,
direct bolt on, from my current 1.8 engine, which is an identical casting to
the VW diesel offered in the diesel vans. Mine is mounted using all the
factory diesel engine mounts.The electrics are from the gasoline vanagon.
The Digifant fuel injection is very dependable, simple and inexpensive.
Mine gets 23-24mpg always, more if driven slowly.
I'd highly recommend the inline four VW conversion. From all the numbers
I have seen it is by far the most economical way to run a Vanagon. I know
looking at F.S. used conversions with other power, they are many times more
expensive. I have certainly had no issues that cause me to think there are
inherent problems of any kind using a Jetta Inline four in a Van.
I would, however, avoid the CIS injection system motors...I understand
that is an expensive and quirky system that didn't last through many model
years in VW's product line.
Oh...Every VW mechanic and shop I have ever visited likes to work on the
inline VW motors...They are so plentiful and well known and parts are very
cheap. Plenty of aftermarket upgrades available for the type, too.
Don Hanson
On Sat, May 22, 2010 at 11:18 AM, Peter K <bybike@gmail.com> wrote:
> I read that line in the Frydae thread about what every vanagon owner should
> know (the Truth About...) and wanted to explore the idea. Please correct
> anything I have wrong (remember, I'm a total newbie who's looking to take
> that first leap off the cliff) and offer you're opinions/comments/thoughts.
>
> I know the common alternatives to original engines are either Subaru (I
> gather there are a few different models) or the Ford Zetec (with Bostic
> being "the" conversion kit of choice for the Zetec). And I can see the
> merits of a newer, more powerful engine. I also see the costs, I'm hoping
> to
> avoid that for a year-one project... so I've been looking for good sturdy
> bodies that have also been cared for mechanically.
>
> One that I came across (and will visit on Monday) is an '83 wasserboxer
> that
> has had a 1.8L Golf engine put in. The current owner is the mechanic who
> owned/ran Lorne Park Car Centre here in Toronto until he retired after 33
> years. He has had the Westy for 11 years, so I would expect the Golf engine
> to be around 98-99 and probably from a Mk3 version of the Golf. I would
> also
> think he knows enough to keep his own vehicle reasonably well : )
>
> Obvious body etc are top of the list, I'm curious if a bus with this engine
> is a good candidate or if it puts me on the fast-path to replacing it?
>
> http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-minivans-vans-1983-Volkswagon-Westfalia-for-sale-W0QQAdIdZ201230065
>
>
> --
> /Peter K
> > You can find me at http://studiofstop.com
>
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