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Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:05 am

Hello
Looking to put a cruise control unit in my 1986 Subaru Syncro and was wondering if anyone has any experience in this area. I found the Rostra 250-1223 Universal Electronic Cruise Control kit on Amazon and it looks pretty good for my application. For the ones that have after market Cruise control, what are you using and how do you like it ?

Thanks, Marshall

Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:44 am

Scubavw wrote: Hello
Looking to put a cruise control unit in my 1986 Subaru Syncro and was wondering if anyone has any experience in this area. I found the Rostra 250-1223 Universal Electronic Cruise Control kit on Amazon and it looks pretty good for my application. For the ones that have after market Cruise control, what are you using and how do you like it ?

Thanks, Marshall

I've heard good reviews on Rostra (GW sells a kit) but haven't used them. I purchased the GW Rostra unit to replace an Audiovox CCS-100 unit, but then I installed the FAS conversion which has cruise built in so I didn't use it. The Vanagonaut I sold the Rostra too was quite happy with it last I heard. The audiovox units have never lasted more than a year for me (had 2 in the van, 1 in a Golf) so I'd advise staying far away from them.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:10 am

I must be lucky. I have had a Audiovox CCS-100 unit in my bus for many years with no real issues. I am not sure what is being offered nowadays so maybe their quality was better back then.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:12 am

I've installed the Rostra kit on 3 vehicles. 2 motorcycles and my old Vanagon. Here is my dip switch settings and more info:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=736663&highlight=

Feel free to ask any questions.

As a note, I went with the Rostra kit as a very reputable Subaru conversion shop in the WI Dells uses that kit on their swaps.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:17 am

Thanks for the information.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:21 am

Rostra, you can buy directly from them and save some $

Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:48 am

dobryan wrote: I must be lucky. I have had a Audiovox CCS-100 unit in my bus for many years with no real issues. I am not sure what is being offered nowadays so maybe their quality was better back then.

We have a whole lot more engine compartment heat to deal with here than most places, so that could be a factor as well. On all 3 of my units a solenoid in the vacuum actuator died. Worked fine until they croaked.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:05 am

I've installed the Rostra universal on two cars, incl. a Bostig Vanagon, and the results were trouble-free and what I expect from factory installed CC.

I really like the RF switch that can be mounted on the steering wheel and controlled w/out removing a hand from the steering wheel.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:19 am

I personally would piece together a factory style kit. With a Subaru conversion you use a Land Rover Disco pump and servo which is the perfect fit.

The controller or brain is the same as any early water cooled VW, you can buy new pedal switches or source them from the classifieds. You need a speed sensor for the Speedometer.

It will take some effort, but you will end up with a factory style unot that is super reliable. The hardest part to find is the switch, but luckily the Rostra switch will tie into the factory system.

If you enquire to some of the sellers in the classifieds you may be able to find a factory harness or build your own depending on your skill set.

I have retrofit quite a few C/C system and find them to be super dependable.

Stacy

Mon Oct 04, 2021 11:54 am

I copied GoWesty’s kit as close as I could on my Automatic 86 2.1
I used the Rostra and pulled at the gas pedal.

The stress and frustration of getting this thing to never work almost gave me a stroke!!

I H A T E D it !!!

I removed it but saved it.
I plan on installing it on my 90 automatic 2.1 but connect it to the throttle body as it should be connected.
I am hoping for a much better result.

Then again …….
Isn’t a definition of insanity doing the same thing repeatedly but hoping for a different outcome?

Dave

Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:14 pm

djkeev wrote:

Then again …….
Isn’t a definition of insanity doing the same thing repeatedly but hoping for a different outcome?

Dave

It is Dave. And you seem to do a lot of it.

I wouldn't take Dave's assessment on the Rostra Kit as anything more than self created implementation challenges or expectations beyond the capabilities of the equipment / his vans performance.

Here is Dave's 5+ page install thread. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8159749

Mine and others have had perfectly running Rostra installs.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:23 pm

The only GW Rostra I installed was on a 1.9 Westy auto and it would only work on flat ground, the second it hit a hill it shut off with a bang.
I applaud GW for doing what they did to keep everything in one place, but in the engine is probably a better place for it. But you then need to lengthen wires.

Stacy

Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:27 pm

16CVs wrote: The only GW Rostra I installed was on a 1.9 Westy auto and it would only work on flat ground, the second it hit a hill it shut off with a bang.
I applaud GW for doing what they did to keep everything in one place, but in the engine is probably a better place for it. But you then need to lengthen wires.

Stacy

Mine never had a single issue. I installed it per GW's install method. I logged over 3000 miles on mine in 2 years.

If it shut off immediately, that means that there's too much tension on the activation cable. Usually the result of a kink in the cable, trying to bend the cable in too tight of a circle somewhere or most likely in this case, your throttle linkage needing to be looked at for corrosion or binding as it set properly then deactivated during acceleration.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:58 pm

For my SVX-powered Syncro Westy, I built my own cruise control from an assortment of VW-Audi parts, plus epoxy for my turn signal stalk switch. The idea was to put all these parts together in very much the way the factory Vanagon system worked, albeit using the Subaru actuator-with-attached cable setup. For me, it was a fun project and the system works well, but it is not a practical approach. It took me far too long. I just couldn't bring myself to throw out all those spare parts gathered over the years from other vehicles, so I committed to making my Franken-cruise. The thread is here:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8094550&highlight=#8094550

Having said that, I did look at the major aftermarket units before committing to the DIY approach and the Rostra appeared to have the best reviews from people installing that unit on a variety of vehicles. If you like solving puzzles, no matter the time involved, go DIY as I did. If not, go Rostra.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:03 pm

16CVs wrote: The only GW Rostra I installed was on a 1.9 Westy auto and it would only work on flat ground, the second it hit a hill it shut off with a bang.
I applaud GW for doing what they did to keep everything in one place, but in the engine is probably a better place for it. But you then need to lengthen wires.

Stacy

This describes my experience.
It was SO frustrating!

I don’t think it was the Rostra, I think it was linkage friction.

This is why I saved the unit and will be installing it to the throttle body on my 90.

Dave

Mon Oct 04, 2021 7:15 pm

mines in my engine and works well for almost 2 decades now first on 1.8 and now on subi. I can see how an automatics may need it pulling before the tranny.

Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:45 pm

In installed the GW kit on my 91 Westy manual with a Subaru 2.5. My van never had cruise control, but I found an OEM cruise control stalk and it works great if you at looking to keep it OEM. I've been happy with the cruise control and put maybe 6,000 miles on it in a short time. It cuts out on hills where the van cannot keep the speed. Initially it also cut out on big bumps, but I lowered the sensitivity of the switches and its been great sense.

I followed GW's instructions. If I had to do it again, I would relocate the controller to the engine bay. It works fine under the dash, but I don't like that I can hear it activate. I also think it wouldn't have to work as hard in the engine bay. May move it there when my list of projects is complete.

The GW kit is very nice and well thought out -- I'd suggest giving it serious consideration unless funds are very tight and you are pretty skilled. The brake and clutch switches are nice and unique to GW.

Tue Oct 05, 2021 4:57 am

Thanks for all the great info. I will give it a try.

Tue Oct 05, 2021 8:14 am

Scubavw wrote: Thanks for all the great info. I will give it a try.

Here's the kit:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265174771421

And the stalk I used:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/222919036065?hash=item33e7028ca1:g:RScAAOSwjpRazU4W

And the GW VSS if you're still using the stock speedo:
https://www.gowesty.com/product/cruise-control/23945/gowesty-vehicle-speed-sensor-?v=

GW install pdf:
https://www.gowesty.com/files/GW-CRUISE0.pdf

Set the dip switches to my earlier linked how to. You may find you want to adjust them a bit as you have a Subaru that isn't as underpowered as my stock 2.1

You can install to most of GW's install documentation or you can put it in the engine compartment. Your choice.

You don't need the brake and clutch switches. You can tap into the brake light wiring at the master cyl pressure switch or the lighting junction box in the engine compartment. I didn't put a clutch switch in. I can handle remembering not to push in the clutch when going down the hwy at 70. lol.

The Engine Compartment install requires lengthening the wiring harness for the stalk and VSS and any pedal switches you decied to install.

Mon Nov 01, 2021 2:02 pm

jimf909 wrote: I've installed the Rostra universal on two cars, incl. a Bostig Vanagon, and the results were trouble-free and what I expect from factory installed CC.

I really like the RF switch that can be mounted on the steering wheel and controlled w/out removing a hand from the steering wheel.

Apparently they either don't sell this anymore, or have hidden it well on their website. I remember seeing the current Rostra controls in JC Whitney catalog circa 30 years ago. You'd think they'd at least refresh the interface!

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