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Al Gilliland
Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2004
Posts: 62
Location: calgary, canada
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 Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:38 pm Post subject: Subaru 2.5 or zetec |
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Have a 1988 westy I would like to put a new engine in. What's the thoughts these days..A 2.5 subie or a Zetec
Cheers
Al |
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levi
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Joined: February 11, 2005
Posts: 3277
Location: Las Vegas
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| Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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Unfortunately no one has ever put a different engine in a vanagon.
If they had, you'd be able to run a search on this very site and get tons of information I'll bet. 
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Type17
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Joined: April 24, 2012
Posts: 82
Location: East Bay, CA
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| Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:06 pm Post subject: |
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| My $0.02: go with the ford if you want the reliability of a modern engine, go with the subie if you want the reliability of a modern engine and more power. the ej22 is also a good choice. |
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D Clymer
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Joined: December 22, 2005
Posts: 2207
Location: Issaquah, WA
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| Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:32 pm Post subject: |
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With a stock output of 165hp, 166 lb/ft of torque and a physical layout that is a perfect fit for the Vanagon, the Subaru EJ25 is an ideal conversion choice.
D |
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ftp2leta
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Joined: October 11, 2004
Posts: 2597
Location: Montreal
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:49 am Post subject: |
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Not to be rude but search! Look at the sticky, many engine option threads in here.
The short answer is. Both. It all depend if you do it yourself or not.
If I was a "normal" customer and "lightly" mechanically inclined I would go with the Bostig. Easy to install - cheap engine.
If you have the Bostig installed by a mechanic, well, it will cost you more.
As for Subi, there is no easy kit out there. Small car doesn't have a full complete kit but a starter kit.
If you have a lot of money to spend you can call a guy like me 
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insyncro 
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Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 6536
Location: New York
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:33 am Post subject: Re: Subaru 2.5 or zetec |
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| Al Gilliland wrote: | Have a 1988 westy I would like to put a new engine in. What's the thoughts these days..A 2.5 subie or a Zetec
Cheers
Al |
Since you are in Canada, call Ben for a 2.5 or have him install the Bostig.
He has the entire van covered as he has done a few conversions and restorations  |
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GBA 88West LA
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Joined: September 04, 2008
Posts: 1353
Location: New Hampshire
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:41 am Post subject: |
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subaru
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currently 88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th |
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Zero419
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Joined: January 11, 2008
Posts: 1980
Location: PA
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:52 am Post subject: |
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I went with Bostig because of the amateur DIY completeness.
Fits real nice
Takes up less room then a Subaru, not that it matters, but I saw a few people say that the Subaru motor fits better.
I love Ford, and its inherent reliability.
Used low mileage engines can be had for 300 bucks all day every day.
I would have looked at Subaru harder if there was a complete kit.
Rocky mountain westy comes very, very close.
http://www.rockymountainwesty.com/Subaru_Vanagon_4_cyl_Conversion_Kit_p/rmw-skit4.htm
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1987 Westy Auto Bostig 2.0 Ztec |
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Al Gilliland
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Joined: April 08, 2004
Posts: 62
Location: calgary, canada
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:01 am Post subject: |
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Hi everyone
Many thanks for the feedback and not so much to the sarcastic posts..I'm leaning towards the zebec and feel that is still the route for a backyard mechanic. Sounds like they have a great warranty also.
Happy cruising
Cheers
Al |
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Jake de Villiers
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Joined: October 24, 2007
Posts: 1483
Location: Crescent Beach, BC
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:32 am Post subject: Re: Subaru 2.5 or zetec |
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| insyncro wrote: | | Al Gilliland wrote: | Have a 1988 westy I would like to put a new engine in. What's the thoughts these days..A 2.5 subie or a Zetec
Cheers
Al |
Since you are in Canada, call Ben for a 2.5 or have him install the Bostig.
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Hey Dylan, Canada's a *REALLY* big place. Calgary's not close to Montreal...
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joseph928
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Joined: September 22, 2011
Posts: 1429
Location: flagstaff az.
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:33 am Post subject: engine |
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.I'm leaning towards the zebec  I hear the ones with the black and white stripes are faster!  Anyway the Ford is the way to go, if your are on a budget or not a great mechanic.
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1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof GW2.3 rear locker decoupler custom bumper roof rack Gary Lee tire rack lift south african grill big brakes rhein alloy 15 BFG AT 617 gears ShadyBoy awning 140 watt rear 85 watt front solar mppt truckfridge automatic fire extinguishing system - 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley - Dodge 4500 4x4- 1987 tin top westy Jetta 2.0 ABA 1.8 head, 55 watt solar automatic fire extinguishing system -Just sold my 84 Westy |
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Zero419
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Joined: January 11, 2008
Posts: 1980
Location: PA
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:46 am Post subject: Re: engine |
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| joseph928 wrote: | | snip Ford is the way to go, if your are on a budget snip. |
My DIY Bostig final cost was equal to a Subaru conversion done by a professional.
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1987 Westy Auto Bostig 2.0 Ztec |
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9009
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:26 am Post subject: |
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| ftp2leta wrote: | | As for Subi, there is no easy kit out there. Small car doesn't have a full complete kit but a starter kit. |
http://www.vanaru.com ????
BUT, it depends, of course. Now mind you, that this, like just about every other of the many (hundreds?) of engine threads will lead to one result. Everybody has an opinion, choose one.
I choose what I choose based on my requirements. You should figure out what your requirements are and go from there.
Good Luck!
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22 running well...
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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One more islander...
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Joined: May 14, 2010
Posts: 346
Location: Sunshine Coast, B.C.
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:46 am Post subject: |
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Okay, I'll bite, and wait for all the "use the search" comments as well  I've used the "search" before, and I know there's tons of info on the topic available on a multitude of different threads, but having it condensed here would be really nice!
Question: I see that the Bostig turnkey, when available, is just under $8000. The Vanaru turnkey is just over $9000.
Assuming I can assemble a team of friends and family who are knowledgeable enough to do the transformation (I know my own limits, but I think I can tap local talent) am I getting pretty much the same level of completeness, just a different engine, in these two packages?
Thanks!
Kathy |
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bosruten
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Joined: February 11, 2011
Posts: 374
Location: Edmonton, Alberta Canada
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 12:13 pm Post subject: |
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Wow...tough crowd today!
Zetec is good, but shipping from Boston might hurt.
Vince from Basco in Edmonton does excellent Subaru conversions...just ask him!
Not sure about Calgary.
Good luck!
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insyncro
Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 6536
Location: New York
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:19 pm Post subject: Re: Subaru 2.5 or zetec |
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| Jake de Villiers wrote: | | insyncro wrote: | | Al Gilliland wrote: | Have a 1988 westy I would like to put a new engine in. What's the thoughts these days..A 2.5 subie or a Zetec
Cheers
Al |
Since you are in Canada, call Ben for a 2.5 or have him install the Bostig.
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Hey Dylan, Canada's a *REALLY* big place. Calgary's not close to Montreal... |
Exchange rate and shipping make dealing with any Canadian shop a better value.
Ben pulls from further than Calgary.
He does good work and knows his way around a Vanagon.
Well worth it to have a pro with exerience do it. |
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insyncro
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Posts: 6536
Location: New York
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r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9009
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:45 pm Post subject: |
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Buying some one else's converted van is just that - some one else's.
Generally speaking nobody sells a perfectly good vehicle.
So you can or may suppose that if someone is selling a conversion it may not be up to your standards.
Just like buying a used stock van, you need to get it checked out.
Trick with buying a converted van is to find someone who actually can evaluate your proposed purchase.
That is a tough spot to be in....
Suby vs Zetec is REALLY a tough one, too. I urge others to read real close about the different experiences people have with them.
FYI: Many many people with limited skills HAVE successfully installed both.
You must choose wisely, Grasshopper.
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22 running well...
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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insyncro
Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 6536
Location: New York
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 3:36 pm Post subject: |
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I have done prepurchase exams for buyers.
The sellers didn't like me very much. |
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stclair411
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Joined: July 12, 2009
Posts: 226
Location: working on it
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:15 pm Post subject: |
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I gave it a lot of thought. I'm having an EJ25 installed this month. Also, having it installed by a Pro was not a whole lot more than DIY. I'm no mechanic, so I'm going with a Pro. As for not using the search option..sometimes it's best to start a new thread. Also, things are constantly improving/changing so why rely on old info. That, and new threads keep the Forum alive and interesting. Good luck, and enjoy!
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