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Thu May 19, 2011 12:19 pm

:?:

Im new to this Forum and site. but I thought I ask here as this is dedicated to Vdubs.

Im considering about getting a Westy, but I had a few questions.

1. whats the best option to do a engine swap from gas to diesel? why I ask on diesel is better MPG, better torque , and biodiesel

2. is there any way to either have a larger fuel take OR have dual tank set up, and how

3. where does an Aux battery go and how big of a battery will fit. that way if Im at a campground or campsite that doesnt have connections I can run on batt , and I do plan on having solar energy.

thanks :D

Thu May 19, 2011 12:33 pm

Diesel conversion is possible (some early Vanagons came with diesels) but can be pretty tricky because the original engine compartment was designed primarily for a flat-four engine. Most diesels are too tall to fit so they need to be tilted over at an angle. Some people have done beautiful VW TDI diesel conversions but it's expensive and non-trivial.

Maybe look for an early diesel Vanagon or consider a dodge sprinter which comes with a nice high-tech diesel ready to go.

Cheers,
-Bill
'89 Syncro

Thu May 19, 2011 12:35 pm

Welcome and take a seat, have a look around and hopefully stay awhile.

those are some loaded questions, that are often debated here by the 'experts' ad nauseum.
so besides a nice introduction of yourself, your intentions and goals
I'd say the next step is to take awalk thru the search with some key words and learn..

for the most part a Diesel swap isn't an economical venture. the payback of return of investment can be a few years. maybe a quicker ROI if you are brewing your own fuels. but we all know that nothing (incl labor) is cheap, easy or free.

Dan in NY

Thu May 19, 2011 12:51 pm

danfromsyr wrote: Welcome and take a seat, have a look around and hopefully stay awhile.

those are some loaded questions, that are often debated here by the 'experts' ad nauseum.
so besides a nice introduction of yourself, your intentions and goals
I'd say the next step is to take awalk thru the search with some key words and learn..

for the most part a Diesel swap isn't an economical venture. the payback of return of investment can be a few years. maybe a quicker ROI if you are brewing your own fuels. but we all know that nothing (incl labor) is cheap, easy or free.

Dan in NY

First and foremost, I'm Julian, Im in college for computer sciences and my goal is own my own business at some point.

I'd like buy a westy and rebuild it to my liking. I do understand that my questions are pretty epic for a first timer. But any help would nice in my
venture. Why I ask such questions is so I can drive and enjoy it, not let it sit in my back yard and collect tree sap.

Thu May 19, 2011 12:57 pm

If you're looking for a diesel, it's probably easiest (and cheapest) to find one that was originally a diesel or has already been successfully converted to diesel by someone else. This will probably save you more time and money in the long run.

Dual fuel tanks, multiple batteries and solar panels are all options that plenty of people on here have added to their vehicles. Search the forums and you can start to determine what you do and don't like about each option.

Thu May 19, 2011 1:08 pm

Being that you are from Michigan my #1 priority would be rust. working on suspension that is all seized up really sucks.

Thu May 19, 2011 1:22 pm

I live in Flint; Grand Blanc, actually. I bought an 84 Westy a couple years ago and have been working on it. No disel conversion, however. Fixing up a Westy costs $ and time (if you do it yourself). If you want a hobby and a cool form of transportation and fun, go for it.

Thu May 19, 2011 2:24 pm

Mittens wrote:
3. where does an Aux battery go and how big of a battery will fit. that way if Im at a campground or campsite that doesnt have connections I can run on batt , and I do plan on having solar energy.

^That I can answer: It goes under the driver's seat. In regards to what will fit, peruse the FAQ sticky at the top of the Vanagon Forum's main page and/or do a search for "aux battery". Lots and lots of info on what to do and how to do it.

Thu May 19, 2011 6:45 pm

kamzcab86 wrote: ...It goes under the driver's seat....

Or some (me anyway) put it under the rear seat where there is more room and hence more choices in size & brands.

Oh Julian - I figured you for about college age when you asked about bigger/larger fuel tanks. When you get to my age frequent gas station stops are de riguer & most welcome.

Thu May 19, 2011 7:56 pm

Ahwahnee wrote: kamzcab86 wrote: ...It goes under the driver's seat....

Or some (me anyway) put it under the rear seat where there is more room and hence more choices in size & brands.

Oh Julian - I figured you for about college age when you asked about bigger/larger fuel tanks. When you get to my age frequent gas station stops are de riguer & most welcome.

the less trips I take there the better :D, yah my school isnt far, but when you go 4 times a week AND working, it becomes a toll on the wallet (it seems to rip into flames every times I pull my Visa out for fuel lol)