Most reliable engine conversion

[MsTaboo]

[Abelabelabel]

I thought I had something to add, but I don't.

If the work is done well, you're all set.

With enough time and money anything is possible.

And for some reason, Vanagon owners as a collective must have a lot of both. Although, I wonder what the 356 forum is like. . .

I like my stock WBX. It's slow, but that's okay. More and more components on it are brand new or rebuilt with warranty.
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1991 Vanagon GL / Carat Interior / Auto - White "Daily"
1990 Vanagon Carat / manual / Cherry Red "Bella Rouge"

[jimf909]

[Vanagon Nut]

This thread has grown and is likely doing so as I type this!

re: davevickery comments. I was going to mention that we're basically R&D guinea pigs for product be it swap parts/design or OEM type parts.

Something important to consider when weighing out WBX vs another engine;
replacement cost when it blows far away from home.
A used WBX might get you home or last quite a while.
I'd gamble a guess that a used Zebec, Jetta, Suby would on average last longer
and likely hasn't been opened up for servicing or rebuilding.
i.e. the core hasn't been rebuilt at least twice.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[syncrodoka]

To keep my son's vanagon WBX reliable and function properly in the last 18 months I have replaced
Rebuilt AFM $235
Rebuilt throttle body $290
Rebuilt ECU $225
Rebuilt fuel injectors $200
Not counting intake manifold gasket and hoses, throttle body gasket, fuel pressure regulator, idle control valve(used), idle stab. control unit(used), fuel pressure regulator, temp 2 sensor, throttle position switch and cover, O2 sensor, fuel lines, upgraded alt. harness, alternator, water pump, oil cooler hoses, oil cooler o-ring and various hoses($) etc.
If he didn't have a rebuilt engine with 30K on the clock I would have chucked it and went with something else.
My subaru conversions get regular oil changes and tune up items but that is about it.

Whatever vanagon you get have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic that is knowledgeable in the platform. I strongly suggest that you drive various conversions if you can and that may help you narrow the search if you want to go in that direction.
I have had many aircooled cars and the reliability of the watercooled vanagon over them is definitely worth changing over for.

[Ahwahnee]

[CampWesty]

The short answer, if you want reliability, the Bostig Zetec should be your first choice. Longer answer follows below.

[tjet]

[MsTaboo]

[MidwestDrifter]

At the core of the issue is not really design reliability, but the average condition and age of the components.

The newest WBX engine is 26 years old (excluding factory new crate engines). Unless you replace all the age affected components including wiring harnesses, hoses, sensors etc, they will continue to be reliability weak links so to speak.
There are many age and wear parts that are nearly impossible to find new, and are of questionable quality rebuilt.

For many parts aftermarket is the only option (and many are low quality at best!)

Don't get me wrong, a well maintained WBX is a good engine. But its getting increasingly difficult to do so! For the collectors and purists, there is nothing wrong with keeping the WBX alive. For those who use the vanagon for its utility, there are other options. it is getting to the point where many of these vehicles need most everything replaced. Harnesses, hoses, many sensors etc. At some point it makes sense to start over. A rebuilt WBX is still a reasonably cost method, but there are options.


An engine conversion will (hopefully) install a newer (read, more recent production run) engine with a better parts support ecosystem.

Design discussions aside, the WBX has a larger quantity of wear and age affected parts than several conversions (Bostig Zetec and VW I4 for example). Hoses and wiring protection seem to be design deficiencies compared to modern approaches (My opinion as it is).

My point is that just about any conversion that is sorted properly by a skilled mechanic will be reliable. How often do you hear of catastrophic engine failure with modern powerplants? Almost never. I personally lean towards the VW I4 offerings and the Zetec conversions. But there is plenty of options to choose from. Just adjust your budget and find a qualified person to do the work.
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2004 Dodge/Mercedes Sprinter (Custom Camper)
2000 Jetta TDI
1982 Diesel Westy W/ ABA I4 hybrid (Sold)
Epic Road Tripping since 08/05/12 | http://VagariesAbound.blogspot.com/
My Current Build | http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41215

[newfisher]

[Zeitgeist 13]

On this site (ironically), I'd say that they've achieved relative parity
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[shadetreetim]

Which one is best is a personal opinion.

As an avid DIY'er, I invested a lot of research into which one would be better for my Vanagon. The known longevity of the 1.8t was one factor in my choice. Simplicity of design another. Yet another was I purposely did not want to buy a "kit". Where's my fun in that? The only "kit" I purchased was a KEP adapter plate and flywheel. Everything else I needed was custom made in my garage. But, except for the custom motor mount, exhaust, intercooler plumbing, intake plumbing, and wiring is a box stock 1.8t and ECU.

My choice was based on my desires and abilities. I would spend the money and considerable time to do it all over again in a heartbeat with only minor changes. But that's me.

What is going to make you smile every time you drive away from home on the next excursion?
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Tim Potts

Doing my best every time I drive it to dispel the myth these Vanagons have to be slow!


'89 Vanagon Bluestar/Country Homes 1.8T & .77 4th
'74 Jeep CJ5

[MsTaboo]

[ledogboy]

I have had an '87 tintop that went through two rebuilds, and my current '86 Weekender that has had two wbx's (one was used and installed to get me through one camping season), and now I have a SAH 1.8t. In 20,000 miles I have only leaked coolant once (from one of the two hoses that were original) and I have never leaked or burned a drop of oil. The performance is great too, but I'm mostly thrilled to not have the constant leaks. Any well thought out install will probably be rock solid for you.
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1986 Westy Weekender
Now a full camper
1.8t Syncro conversion
Some people call him Maurice...

[Zeitgeist 13]

This thread is focused on reliability. I don't particularly like the design or its performance, but the WBX has proven to be a reliable engine.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[insyncro]

[MidwestDrifter]

[Terry Kay]

The most reliable engine is the one that isn't giving you any trouble.

Guy's with antique wasserleakers put thousands of miles on them with little or no problems.
The key to this however is prompt & faithful periodic maintainence.

I know guys with Subaru transplants who have had good luck with them, some guys not so lucky.

Some guys like oil burners.
Some are good to go for years without any issues, some not so lucky.

The only transplant I can say you see the least amount of problems with, or mentioned here anyway is the German Ford engine, Zetec.

Nothing is perfect, everything is a machine, anything can happen.

The Titanic was brand new, first trip out it failed.

So, what's the best , no problems engine?

Can't say, anything mechanical can be a pain in the arse, and it doesn't make any difference how much money you spend.
Anything can be problematic.

Go from there.
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T.K.

[caravelle c]

The best engine for a conversion: aircooled Porsche 3.0 or 3.2 flat six!