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California562
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2015
Posts: 39
Location: Long Beach, CA
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 Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 10:04 pm Post subject: Re: Bostig Zetec Review: Install and after 2000 miles |
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i'm in CA and have a 87 2WD Westy with the original engine (149k) and it's running great for now. My buddy has a Subie engine in his and he's offered to sell it to me (and do the conversion - since he did it on his before). It would cost me about 6K I believe he told me for everything. It's the smaller Subaru engine - 2.2 I believe. He wants to put in a larger Subie for his - he already has it on standby. After my stock engine croaks, what would be the best bet?
-friends Subaru 2.2 engine (running well as far as i know)- i think it has around 150k on it also - $6k total including labor; i think he'll give me a "warranty" too- since we're good friends - at least 50k more i'm sure.
Granted he has incentive to not tell me about any shortcomings as he wants to unload it so he can put in his dream engine instead
-Bostig- but 'technically' not legal in CA is that right? and if not, how likely am I to get burnt for that? would I not be able to use it again and would have to have it taken out? Bostig is 10k and up i've heard but seems fantastic.
-other engines like diesel or turbo?
I'm already saving $ up for it as is my wife since we want to be ready for when the stock engine dies. Just sux w the more limited 'legal' choices for CA folks |
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jimf909 
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7479
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 9:30 pm Post subject: Re: Bostig Zetec Review: Install and after 2000 miles |
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Agreed. The zetec is a simple motor. If a tech can troubleshoot a wbx or a 1.8T they can work on a zetec blindfolded.
That said, the 1.8T is an attractive alternative.
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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WestyBob
Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2004
Posts: 2346
Location: Portland, Oregon
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| Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:06 pm Post subject: Re: Bostig Zetec Review: Install and after 2000 miles |
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In my berg there are places where the vw mechanic will service both the subie and the rest of the van mechanicals.
The only reason the 1.8T and diesels are pushed so much on the Samba is because of California (even though they can be good engine options for the enthusiasts leaning that way) where *technically* the zetec and subie 2.5 are not permitted. The subie 2.2L is permitted and can be an inexpensive option for those on a budget. |
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Jon_slider
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2007
Posts: 5091
Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
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| Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 5:50 pm Post subject: Re: Bostig Zetec Review: Install and after 2000 miles |
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| Chainsaw wrote: |
| this vs the subaru engine. |
skip the 2.2 subaru
imo the Subaru 2.5 is a really good option
and the 1.8T is an outstanding option
Being all VW, if you ever need service from a shop, you dont have to dance between a VW mechanic for your van, and a different one for your motor
_________________
My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7479
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 9:11 am Post subject: Re: Bostig Zetec Review: Install and after 2000 miles |
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Cost to install has also increased notably over the 2009 prices quoted, think closer to $8K-$10K DIY, $15K for a pro-install.
After nearly a year and 10K miles with the Bostig, I've found it to be a notable improvement in many ways over the wbx.
There's lots more out there to read though. Enjoy!
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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MsTaboo
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 4098
Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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| Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:48 am Post subject: Re: Bostig Zetec Review: Install and after 2000 miles |
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| Chainsaw wrote: |
| This is certaily interesting. Gotta do some mor reading on this vs the subaru engine. |
Some of the information in this thread is old. The Bostig kit has changed quite a bit since '09. ECU is now inside the van, the Cobra intake head has replaced the long hose, etc. For now there is no turbo option, Jim is working on new power upgrades.
The power available from the two engines (EJ22 vs Zetec) is pretty close, but I would rate the Zetec engine as the more reliable.
_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
Help the fight against Truth Decay.
Defend democracy, support Ukraine. |
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Chainsaw
Samba Member
Joined: August 07, 2015
Posts: 249
Location: Issaquah Washington
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| Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:27 am Post subject: Re: Bostig Zetec Review: Install and after 2000 miles |
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This is certaily interesting. Gotta do some mor reading on this vs the subaru engine.
_________________
89 Westy. 2wd. Manual. |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 7:54 pm Post subject: Re: Zetec conversion |
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| sbf6463 wrote: |
I'm just starting to research converting my 91 Westy automatic and Zetec has been recommended. Everything I've read so far is about converting synchros...Is the Zetec a good conversion for an automatic, as well?
Susan |
Yes, they work great in 2WD autos. I think they have worked out their "vibrations in automatics issue" at this point. Those vibration issues were mostly at idle anyway not while driving and they weren't that bad regardless from what I've read.
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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sbf6463
Samba Member
Joined: August 31, 2014
Posts: 7
Location: Portland, Oregon
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| Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 6:35 pm Post subject: Zetec conversion |
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I'm just starting to research converting my 91 Westy automatic and Zetec has been recommended. Everything I've read so far is about converting synchros...Is the Zetec a good conversion for an automatic, as well?
Susan |
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BillM
Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 1381
Location: Stonington,CT
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 10:14 am Post subject: |
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| mtnwater wrote: |
| DeadSetMonkey wrote: |
| so. EJ22 vs Bostig |
Whattya want to know? Normally aspirated bostig power/torque was comparable to the EJ22. I installed a beta turbo kit about 10k miles ago and never looked back. |
I also have a beta turbo mated to my zetec. The only thing
I look back at is to see the faces of the people I just passed!
_________________
Bill M
87 Westy |
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mtnwater
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2008
Posts: 215
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:48 pm Post subject: |
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| DeadSetMonkey wrote: |
| so. EJ22 vs Bostig |
Whattya want to know? Normally aspirated bostig power/torque was comparable to the EJ22. I installed a beta turbo kit about 10k miles ago and never looked back. |
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DeadSetMonkey
Samba Member
Joined: April 15, 2010
Posts: 532
Location: Denver, CO
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:28 pm Post subject: |
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| mtnwater wrote: |
| Swing - I converted my van from an EJ22 to the Bostig V2.0 zetec. Not only is it possible, I believe that in some ways it's easier than converting from the wbx. There are a few nuances that you would need to pay attention to, but as others have noted the support from Bostig guys and the other Bostig customers is fantastic. Go for it! |
so. EJ22 vs Bostig
_________________
----------------------------------------------------
'90 Syncro Westy 2.5Subi Turbo, BFGs 215/75/15 Rheins |
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240Gordy
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2008
Posts: 2354
Location: Vancouver, BC
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| Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 3:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Crankey wrote: |
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the main reason for not keeping the same side of the engine bay is the ECU box is behind the Driver's taillight.
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ok, so if you have a doka then you have lots of access to the vents on either side you can do whatever works best ? cool ! |
and the engine compartment has a little more headroom !
_________________
Tencentlife said,
"So, now that you know what you're doing, go to town."
2010 GOLF TRENDLINE 2.5
1985 GL now with more! a 2.1L
H&R SPORT(RED) Springs FRONT , SLAM SPECIALTIES RE6 AIRBAGS REAR |
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Crankey
Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2004
Posts: 2659
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| Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 3:04 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
the main reason for not keeping the same side of the engine bay is the ECU box is behind the Driver's taillight.
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ok, so if you have a doka then you have lots of access to the vents on either side you can do whatever works best ? cool ! |
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bostig
Samba Member
Joined: February 01, 2006
Posts: 235
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| Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:52 pm Post subject: |
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| Crankey wrote: |
| I don't see why the intake is running across the engine bay, why not fit the air box on the same side as the TB ? |
Lot's of valid questions, the main reason for not keeping the same side of the engine bay is the ECU box is behind the Driver's taillight.
The reason for not going larger is cost + fitment + noise attenuation doesn't equal a return in performance equivalent to the effort. Someone pointed out how much time folks spend smoothing and touching up little aspects of the intake tract... we've had quite a bit of experience with head porting and our own in-house flow bench... very rarely does it make sense to do as much work as folks are willing to pay for to improve flow in most situations. Typically it's a matter of this is theoretically correct, therefore this must have a tangible effect, when in fact this is rarely the case, especially when weighed against the cost and/or effort of doing so. Compressible fuilds like air DO NOT respond or act as common sense dictate, period. Anyone that applies a flowing water metphor for instance will quickly be surprised at how little it applies and how easily they will mislead themselves.
The vast majority of money spent on even "substantial" things like head porting, are wasted because the rest of the system isn't optimized to take advantage of it... esp when it can and has been measured. Speculation is all well and good, but it yields nothing. Testing on the other hand yields substantially more. This isn't to say there aren't more solutions to the problem, but folks are paying us to make the best use of their conversion dollar, and we do what we believe that is.
Jim Akiba |
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Crankey
Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2004
Posts: 2659
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| Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:35 pm Post subject: |
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| I don't see why the intake is running across the engine bay, why not fit the air box on the same side as the TB ? |
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Williamtaylor33
Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007
Posts: 1545
Location: Arkansas
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| Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:06 am Post subject: |
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I'm getting 19 around town and 22 on the highway
_________________
89 Bostig powered syncro westy |
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Loosenut893
Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2009
Posts: 28
Location: Vermont
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| Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:14 am Post subject: |
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| What kind of mileage does eveyone get with the Bostig? |
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Crughy
Samba Member
Joined: July 12, 2004
Posts: 576
Location: Montreal, Qc
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| Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:06 am Post subject: |
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Why not simply go with a bigger intake (except where the engine mates) and air filter.
Not like a big funnel. but simply over sized to reduce restriction.
There can't be too much air.
Why is this a pb?
JP |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 9620
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 9:45 pm Post subject: |
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| mtnwater wrote: |
| vinnyvango wrote: |
| As an engineer (with a lot of background in fluids) I'd say it's not theoretical...It's turbulent vs. laminar flow. Most intakes are designed to "remedy" turbulent flow within a few pipe diameters. |
Agree that turbulant vs. lamanir flow is real, I'm just not sure that turbulant flow through the intake is significant enough to "restrict" the intake in an appreciable way. I could be wrong. |
The hotrod folks spend hundreds of hours with little grinders removing every bump in an intake tract, grinding welds smooth on exhaust headers, matching manifold gaskets to make the engine breathe well. They spend hours and hours then sit there all satisfied, with a cigarette, after removing the disruptive equivalent of one inch of that corrugated pipe.
I bet the ribbed pipe reduces the effective diameter to half that of a smooth pipe. A few HP increase might provide an mpg increase too. Smooth exhaust pipe and rubber elbows at the corners might be a lot less restrictive and low cost too. I'll bet it would be worth the effort to smooth it out. I wouldn't know what to say about the noise problem. All guesses here.
If the dyno shows only 2-4 hp, that's not very much to worry about.....considering the ease of the rest of the conversion; the intake duct is easy to deal with later. A reliable exhaust is much more important from the beginning than an intake tract. The big part is getting the engine in there, start it up and go camping. Spring is here (in the NW).
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb
Last edited by Sodo on Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:33 am; edited 3 times in total |
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