Still a lil lost about Zetec...

[wcdennis]

I think what you may not fully grasp is that neither engine you mentioned really fits in the Vanagon. You have to buy (or fabricate--if you have some major skills) the necessary parts to adapt the new engine to the Vanagon. Because these parts are fairly expensive, often buying the engine is the least expensive part of a conversion. As many have said, swapping a water cooled engine for a air cooled one makes the process even more complicated and expensive. Some people might even recommend trading your air cooled van for a 84'+ one to do the conversion on.

P.S. I grew up in Boone, NC. Is your girlfriend a local?

[cactuschris]

what do you think about the cali engine option i put forth? (trading mine isnt an option, sentimental reasons) how do i convince the guy to ship it for me? i guess more money but whats reasonable?


i was born in vermillion SD, raised 99 percent trinity, nc, she's born and raised trinity nc, she goes to app state and i (much to my demise) joined the navy so for the moment we're separated until our paths meet again lol.

[cactuschris]

or how far back as far as engine years can i go with the air cooled, i've only really looked for 82-83 but can i do as far back as like 79-80 or earlier?

[240Gordy]

1980 to 1983.5

unless you are prepared to sink big bucks and a lot of time ( and tie up the base hobby shop for a long time) just find a local used aircooled engine to swap in. It can be done in a day.

The air cooled engine is way simpler than the water cooled.
_________________
Tencentlife said,
"So, now that you know what you're doing, go to town."
2010 GOLF TRENDLINE 2.5
1985 GL now with more! a 2.1L
H&R SPORT(RED) Springs FRONT , SLAM SPECIALTIES RE6 AIRBAGS REAR

[cactuschris]

thanks man! it does make sense to find a local(ish) aircooled thats at least decent and then just save more to upgrade to the next step. i appreciate than man.

i think it took us 4 hours to pull it with a bently manual. (to make drop in time quicker that day and use old engine as barter or pre pulled for affordable reliable rebuild)

i can imagine dropping it not to be a difficult part either.

now to find one of those...


who wants to let me driveway surf! haha

[wcdennis]

The Full Moon Bus Club http://fullmoonbusclub.com/news.php was founded in Charleston. You should post on their site to see is someone local might have a spare engine. I can understand why someone wouldn't want deal with crating and shipping an engine across the country.

I just looked on the FMBC classifieds and there is a guy in Easly, SC with an air cooled engine he is rebuilding to sell: "Aircooled vanagon 2.0L Engine" "I am in the process of re-building it, does anyone need it? "

[ftp2leta]

You can use a 76-79 long block, same engine as yours, you can even use a 1800cc (74-75), not much difference in power, i even think it's about the same. But you need to install the vanagon aircool cooling system.

I do conversion, a lot. Forget such a conversion on an aircool. I did once, never again even for 15K$. I have over 120 pictures and they are never going online.

To do such a conversion you need time (a lot) and money (a lot also), on top to do it right you need a donor van and a well equip shop.

Good luck in your search.

Ben
_________________
Working with rust, grease, dirt and dust is a sad truth.
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[AndyBees]

I read through this Thread hurriedly. So, I missed exactly what the issue is with your engine.... what happened to it?

I have a set of 2.0 rebuilt heads that I'll sell cheap.... if that's the problem. I had the heads rebuilt in 2001, put them on and took them off in less than 1000 miles (probably less than 500 miles). I was heading back to Alaska for the 6th trip in the ole Vanagon. So, I just decided to purchase "new" heads ... cost me over $600.00. The rebuilt ones have all new guides, new exhaust valves and one exhaust seat repaired ... they've been in the boxes since 2001.

Also, I've got some "old" info on an available 2.0 engine. I could call the dude and see if he still has the engine ...... I'm thinking the price was $500.00 or less.
_________________
'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI, two trips to Alaska, 2014 & 16. 1989 Tin-top unmolested.
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine, seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003. 1975 Bay hopeful.

[Williamtaylor33]

Although it *can* be done...I think the zetec or subaru choices are not for you. Obviously.
I could see doing the air to water conversion if you have plenty of money and just have to keep your perfect aircooled van on the road.
With that said i would avoid going the "used motor" route.
I think saving a few bucks by doing this will be more short term than you might imagine.
Save your pennies and get yours rebuilt.
If your interested in a budget rebuilt for an aircooled you can PM me for details. I dont do them but I know somebody who does.
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89 Bostig powered syncro westy

[?Waldo?]

[Franklinstower]

[ftp2leta]

[?Waldo?]

I didn't mean to imply it wasn't possible, just not totally straight forward, and possibly more work than the original poster might want to be in for.


p.s. Was it hard to drive the bus up on those ramps like that?
_________________
I am a high-functioning autistic into VW diesels and Vanagons along with other things that are unrelated to this site.

[ftp2leta]

[?Waldo?]

I imagine a jack was involved.
_________________
I am a high-functioning autistic into VW diesels and Vanagons along with other things that are unrelated to this site.

[jeremysmithatshawdotca]

[cactusthechris]

Thanks to a link provided to me by a poster, i found a guy 4ish hours away with a rebuilt for 1100, he's a member of Full Moon Bus Club. sweet! i think ill go with this for now until i can afford a more extensive upgrade. I appreciate all of your input you guys!

One more question though, i understand ill have to provide my own exhaust, use my old distributer and vacuum hoses and such, but what other things will i need that i should be aware of? (i have brains from my van that i can use on this new engine right?) what about things like fuel injectors and what not? i know where to find those kinds of parts, its just a matter of what parts..i'd like to have everything ready for when he's done building so i can drop it over a weekend ya know?

any help would be appreciated, and thanks again for the help provided so far! Looking forward to seeing you on the road...

[240Gordy]

[hiram6]

[ajdenette]

New fuel lines which can be bought as a kit from some of the vendors wold be a must!
_________________
1985 2wd Westy with 2000 Subaru 2.2 current driver
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=685635
1986 Syncro Doka Project next in line
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732777
1990 Vanagon Syncro Base awaiting body work