Author |
Message |
Al Gilliland Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2004 Posts: 62 Location: calgary, canada
|
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:38 pm Post subject: Subaru 2.5 or zetec |
|
|
Have a 1988 westy I would like to put a new engine in. What's the thoughts these days..A 2.5 subie or a Zetec
Cheers
Al |
|
Back to top |
|
|
levi Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2005 Posts: 5522 Location: Las Vegas
|
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Unfortunately no one has ever put a different engine in a vanagon.
If they had, you'd be able to run a search on this very site and get tons of information I'll bet. _________________ One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way
https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Type17 Samba Member
Joined: April 24, 2012 Posts: 300 Location: Chicagoland
|
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:06 pm Post subject: |
|
|
My $0.02: go with the ford if you want the reliability of a modern engine, go with the subie if you want the reliability of a modern engine and more power. the ej22 is also a good choice. _________________ I don't check these forums daily and often loose track of threads and comments. Please PM me a reminder if you're waiting on a reply. Thanks! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
D Clymer Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2005 Posts: 2978 Location: Issaquah, WA
|
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
With a stock output of 165hp, 166 lb/ft of torque and a physical layout that is a perfect fit for the Vanagon, the Subaru EJ25 is an ideal conversion choice.
D |
|
Back to top |
|
|
ftp2leta Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2004 Posts: 3271 Location: Montreal
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
Not to be rude but search! Look at the sticky, many engine option threads in here.
The short answer is. Both. It all depend if you do it yourself or not.
If I was a "normal" customer and "lightly" mechanically inclined I would go with the Bostig. Easy to install - cheap engine.
If you have the Bostig installed by a mechanic, well, it will cost you more.
As for Subi, there is no easy kit out there. Small car doesn't have a full complete kit but a starter kit.
If you have a lot of money to spend you can call a guy like me _________________ Working with rust, grease, dirt and dust is a sad truth.
------------------------------------------------------
FI part for sale: http://www.benplace.com/parts_sale1.htm
My site: http://www.benplace.com/vw2.htm
Subi conversion: http://www.benplace.com/vanaru_eng.htm
Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/ftp2leta |
|
Back to top |
|
|
insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:33 am Post subject: Re: Subaru 2.5 or zetec |
|
|
Al Gilliland wrote: |
Have a 1988 westy I would like to put a new engine in. What's the thoughts these days..A 2.5 subie or a Zetec
Cheers
Al |
Since you are in Canada, call Ben for a 2.5 or have him install the Bostig.
He has the entire van covered as he has done a few conversions and restorations |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GBA 88West LA Samba Member
Joined: September 04, 2008 Posts: 1279 Location: New Hampshire
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:41 am Post subject: |
|
|
subaru _________________ 88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th..solar powered cabin |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Zero419 Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2008 Posts: 2160 Location: PA
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:52 am Post subject: |
|
|
I went with Bostig because of the amateur DIY completeness.
Fits real nice
Takes up less room then a Subaru, not that it matters, but I saw a few people say that the Subaru motor fits better.
I love Ford, and its inherent reliability.
Used low mileage engines can be had for 300 bucks all day every day.
I would have looked at Subaru harder if there was a complete kit.
Rocky mountain westy comes very, very close.
http://www.rockymountainwesty.com/Subaru_Vanagon_4_cyl_Conversion_Kit_p/rmw-skit4.htm
_________________ 1987 Westy Auto Bostig 2.0 Ztec |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Al Gilliland Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2004 Posts: 62 Location: calgary, canada
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:01 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hi everyone
Many thanks for the feedback and not so much to the sarcastic posts..I'm leaning towards the zebec and feel that is still the route for a backyard mechanic. Sounds like they have a great warranty also.
Happy cruising
Cheers
Al |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Jake de Villiers Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007 Posts: 5911 Location: Tsawwassen, BC
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:32 am Post subject: Re: Subaru 2.5 or zetec |
|
|
insyncro wrote: |
Al Gilliland wrote: |
Have a 1988 westy I would like to put a new engine in. What's the thoughts these days..A 2.5 subie or a Zetec
Cheers
Al |
Since you are in Canada, call Ben for a 2.5 or have him install the Bostig.
|
Hey Dylan, Canada's a *REALLY* big place. Calgary's not close to Montreal... _________________ '84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
|
Back to top |
|
|
joseph928 Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2011 Posts: 2114 Location: flagstaff az.
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:33 am Post subject: engine |
|
|
.I'm leaning towards the zebec I hear the ones with the black and white stripes are faster! Anyway the Ford is the way to go, if your are on a budget or not a great mechanic. _________________ 1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Zero419 Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2008 Posts: 2160 Location: PA
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:46 am Post subject: Re: engine |
|
|
joseph928 wrote: |
snip Ford is the way to go, if your are on a budget snip. |
My DIY Bostig final cost was equal to a Subaru conversion done by a professional. _________________ 1987 Westy Auto Bostig 2.0 Ztec |
|
Back to top |
|
|
r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:26 am Post subject: |
|
|
ftp2leta wrote: |
As for Subi, there is no easy kit out there. Small car doesn't have a full complete kit but a starter kit. |
http://www.vanaru.com ????
BUT, it depends, of course. Now mind you, that this, like just about every other of the many (hundreds?) of engine threads will lead to one result. Everybody has an opinion, choose one.
I choose what I choose based on my requirements. You should figure out what your requirements are and go from there.
Good Luck! _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
One more islander... Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2010 Posts: 399 Location: Canada: British Columbia West Coast
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:46 am Post subject: |
|
|
Okay, I'll bite, and wait for all the "use the search" comments as well I've used the "search" before, and I know there's tons of info on the topic available on a multitude of different threads, but having it condensed here would be really nice!
Question: I see that the Bostig turnkey, when available, is just under $8000. The Vanaru turnkey is just over $9000.
Assuming I can assemble a team of friends and family who are knowledgeable enough to do the transformation (I know my own limits, but I think I can tap local talent) am I getting pretty much the same level of completeness, just a different engine, in these two packages?
Thanks!
Kathy |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bosruten Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2011 Posts: 544
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 12:13 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Wow...tough crowd today!
Zetec is good, but shipping from Boston might hurt.
Vince from Basco in Edmonton does excellent Subaru conversions...just ask him!
Not sure about Calgary.
Good luck! _________________ '87 Syncro Weekender |
|
Back to top |
|
|
insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:19 pm Post subject: Re: Subaru 2.5 or zetec |
|
|
Jake de Villiers wrote: |
insyncro wrote: |
Al Gilliland wrote: |
Have a 1988 westy I would like to put a new engine in. What's the thoughts these days..A 2.5 subie or a Zetec
Cheers
Al |
Since you are in Canada, call Ben for a 2.5 or have him install the Bostig.
|
Hey Dylan, Canada's a *REALLY* big place. Calgary's not close to Montreal... |
Exchange rate and shipping make dealing with any Canadian shop a better value.
Ben pulls from further than Calgary.
He does good work and knows his way around a Vanagon.
Well worth it to have a pro with exerience do it. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Buying some one else's converted van is just that - some one else's.
Generally speaking nobody sells a perfectly good vehicle.
So you can or may suppose that if someone is selling a conversion it may not be up to your standards.
Just like buying a used stock van, you need to get it checked out.
Trick with buying a converted van is to find someone who actually can evaluate your proposed purchase.
That is a tough spot to be in....
Suby vs Zetec is REALLY a tough one, too. I urge others to read real close about the different experiences people have with them.
FYI: Many many people with limited skills HAVE successfully installed both.
You must choose wisely, Grasshopper. _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
|
Back to top |
|
|
insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 3:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I have done prepurchase exams for buyers.
The sellers didn't like me very much. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
stclair411 Samba Member
Joined: July 12, 2009 Posts: 222 Location: working on it
|
Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I gave it a lot of thought. I'm having an EJ25 installed this month. Also, having it installed by a Pro was not a whole lot more than DIY. I'm no mechanic, so I'm going with a Pro. As for not using the search option..sometimes it's best to start a new thread. Also, things are constantly improving/changing so why rely on old info. That, and new threads keep the Forum alive and interesting. Good luck, and enjoy! _________________ 1987 Syncro Westy "June" |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|