TheSamba.com :: View topic - Any Zetec/Bostig Vans in the Denver area?

Wed Jun 12, 2024 6:51 pm

I’d like to see a setup up close and talk to the driver and do a ride along.

I’m in Littleton

James

Thu Jun 13, 2024 8:31 am

I know there are a ton of Bostigs in Denver. The Bostig Owners Facebook group is pretty active and you may get better results. I'm in Flagstaff and can answer questions if you have some. You can take a trip to Flagstaff and see mine. I think there are 4 or 5 in town now with that conversion.

Thu Jun 13, 2024 8:38 am

If you don't find anyone here join the Bostig group on fb (I truly dislike fb but this is an example where it can provide a helpful resource of 1.9K active Bostig types that isn't available elsewhere).
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bostigvans/

Seeing and driving a conversion in person can't be beat. The Zetec won't pin you to the back of the seat, but the slight increase in power is noticeable. After 70K miles with a Bostig my favorite benefits are:
- Drop dead reliability. Outside of oil and filter changes it has eliminated any thought of engine issues. My partner took it on a 4,000 mile road trip with a week's notice. Change the oil and filters and go. After returning home she headed out for another 9K trouble-free miles. (She doesn't know all the things she should have anxiety about when driving a Vanagon :lol: .)
- Ease of maintenance. The engine bay is remarkably uncomplicated and everything is easy to access.

Things to consider:
- The high capacity oil pan is a must for increased ground clearance.
- Bostig's aluminum t-stat housing is a big improvement over the stock Ford piece that has been problematic in Ford and VW applications.
- The updated catifold that's been out for a few years is a big improvement over older designs and runs considerably cooler.

Alternatives:
- The Honda K24 swap is intriguing for what appears to be a better power band with more torque at lower revs. It's also a newer motor while the Zetec is getting long in the tooth which hasn't proven to be a problem since Ford made millions of them but it may run its course. See threads here. Bostig is developing a kit for the K24.
- A diesel swap. This wasn't on my radar when I did the conversion in 2016 but they're attractive with torque at much lower revs.

Bottom line:
- While many folks here love the wbx I find it to be far too many pieces, e.g. coolant lines and clamps, fuel lines, old parts attempting to bring an old design to modern standards, etc., not doing enough work to earn their keep. The Bostig/Zetec is far simpler, far easier to maintain and simply reliable.

Check out the fb group for lots of user experiences.

Thu Jun 13, 2024 8:48 am

agree Jim about FB, but for the Bostig info it's great.
I have about 50k on mine and it is my reliable vehicle. No worries about jumping in it and taking if for a long cruise..

Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:09 am

Thank you all for your responses! I've got a happy healthy WBX right now but I'm thinking about an upgrade a year out or so. Will see where the Honda goes in that time frame.

I've been drooling over Zetec for about 8 years now...

I don't have a Facebook account, lol. Shoot. I don't want one! I may have to consider one...

Thanks for the offer to answer questions TopBud. My #1 goal right now is to lay hands on one and to go for a ride!

I'm not looking for a rocket, I'm already pushing a box down the road. Looking at modern, better at elevation, reliability. The next decade of ownership.

Thanks!

Thu Jun 13, 2024 11:01 am

Icebox500 wrote: I've been drooling over Zetec for about 8 years now... !

Yeah, but now the inline 4 swap to do is the honda k24...

Thu Jun 13, 2024 11:32 am

Possibly. I’m watching the development there.

Thu Jun 13, 2024 12:09 pm

Sigh... and now I've joined Facebook...