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Freytag
Samba Member
Joined: January 03, 2012
Posts: 43
Location: Santa Cruz
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 Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 5:00 pm Post subject: |
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Just pulled the trigger on having Stephan install his wonderful engine in the syncro. There are three vans ahead of us so we are scheduled to drop off in April. Thank you for everyone's input and have a great Friday!
Best'
Dale
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1987 Syncro |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16505
Location: Brookeville, MD
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12115
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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| syncrodoka wrote: |
| Freytag wrote: |
| Syncrodoka: I live in the Point and it would be cool if I could stop by/talk to dredward about his install experience. |
PM dredward he is a friendly guy. |
Yeah, Dredward is a nice guy, but it's really hard to get him to open up and share his thoughts and feelings about this engine swap. It's like pulling teeth. |
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Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5391
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:11 pm Post subject: |
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| Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
| syncrodoka wrote: |
| Freytag wrote: |
| Syncrodoka: I live in the Point and it would be cool if I could stop by/talk to dredward about his install experience. |
PM dredward he is a friendly guy. |
Yeah, Dredward is a nice guy, but it's really hard to get him to open up and share his thoughts and feelings about this engine swap. It's like pulling teeth. |
He's just shy, but once you get to know him...
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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TequilaSunSet
Samba Member
Joined: May 30, 2012
Posts: 2109
Location: Philippines
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| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:51 pm Post subject: |
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| Freytag wrote: |
Just pulled the trigger on having Stephan install his wonderful engine in the syncro. There are three vans ahead of us so we are scheduled to drop off in April. Thank you for everyone's input and have a great Friday!
Best'
Dale |
Congrats... E N J O Y 
_________________
Don't harsh my mellow...
1985 Hightower Vanagon 1.8T- Gone
1972 Panel Bus- Gone
1967 Bug- Gone
1964 Euro Sunroof Bug- Gone
1969/72/63 Sunroof Bug- Gone
1975 Brazilian Bug in the Philippines 🇵🇭- New to me |
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regis101
Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2005
Posts: 2078
Location: Livermore, Ca
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| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:10 pm Post subject: |
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$25k is like, what, six Vanistan's.
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Peace, Regis |
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dredward
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2007
Posts: 1081
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| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:11 pm Post subject: |
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| syncrodoka wrote: |
Dredward has done a few DIY kits and he is in the seabright area by me.
As convenient as it is to have it done by a pro if something goes wrong and you have no idea how it was done or where things are you are stuck. Every time I have traveled in a group the person who holds up everything is the guy that doesn't work on their van and has no basic understanding of it. I prefer driving with the guys that turn wrenches or those that that have taken time to understand their systems. I vote DIY. |
Thanv Mario! 
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Cars owned: 1979/89 scirraco, 1983 gti, 1984 gti, 1986 gti, 1990 gli, 1989 cabriolet(2.0,16v conversion), 1992 gti, 1982 Westy, 1987 syncro Westy(w/ 1.8t conversion stg1 chip), and finally 2004 r32.... |
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dredward
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2007
Posts: 1081
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| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Freytag wrote: |
Syncrodoka: I live in the Point and it would be cool if I could stop by/talk to dredward about his install experience. I also own Friday Realty on 41st Ave if you guys want to stop by.
Stacy: I have spoken to Stephan at a couple events and he's very cool. Also driven a buddy's van that was done by Stephan. Very nice. I just wanted to get some feedback from some folks that have done his DIY kit as I'm trying to figure out what I want to do.
Thanks |
Any time!
_________________
Cars owned: 1979/89 scirraco, 1983 gti, 1984 gti, 1986 gti, 1990 gli, 1989 cabriolet(2.0,16v conversion), 1992 gti, 1982 Westy, 1987 syncro Westy(w/ 1.8t conversion stg1 chip), and finally 2004 r32.... |
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dredward
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2007
Posts: 1081
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| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:26 pm Post subject: Re: Experience with installation of stephen's 1.8 engine kit |
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| Freytag wrote: |
I have a 1987 Syncro and I'm thinking about installing Stephan's 1.8 engine conversion. Could people who have done the conversion themselves please let me know:
1. How long it took?
2. Best place to source the engine?
3. Completeness of the kit?
4. Special tools required?
5. Difficulty?
6. Any other thoughts?
I have done a lot of wrenching in the past but nowadays I just don't have a lot of time. I was thinking of having the kit installed by Stephan but his prices have gone up so I'm trying to see if it makes sense doing the install myself. I appreciate your time and thanks for letting me know.
Best'
Dale |
1. a solid 30-40 hrs for me + time to take it to ref.(last kit I installed didn't need ref. smog guy I dealt with was just fine with c.a.r.b. exempt #) however for ease may as well get sticker from ref too.....
2. that's a hard one. ebay, or vendor with swap experience. Nxt best thing is a wrecked car with low miles.
3. very every thing needed aside from fluids was included.
4. VAG-com, volt meter, drill, grinder, and a complete 1/4(and 3/8's) drive socket set, and of course wrenches, engine hoist, engine dolly, jack stands and/or ramps. I am sure I am missing something but off the top of my head you'll need above at bare minimum.
5. Not to bad for me but this swap wasn't my first rodeo( van or golf).
6. Do it. Every one who has has been stoked regardless who did it..... Also splurge on chip and cruise control.....
_________________
Cars owned: 1979/89 scirraco, 1983 gti, 1984 gti, 1986 gti, 1990 gli, 1989 cabriolet(2.0,16v conversion), 1992 gti, 1982 Westy, 1987 syncro Westy(w/ 1.8t conversion stg1 chip), and finally 2004 r32.... |
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Freytag
Samba Member
Joined: January 03, 2012
Posts: 43
Location: Santa Cruz
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| Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 11:18 pm Post subject: |
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Washing the van on Sunday and dropping it off at Stephan's on Monday
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1987 Syncro |
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TequilaSunSet
Samba Member
Joined: May 30, 2012
Posts: 2109
Location: Philippines
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| Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:02 pm Post subject: |
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Awesomeness... enjoy
_________________
Don't harsh my mellow...
1985 Hightower Vanagon 1.8T- Gone
1972 Panel Bus- Gone
1967 Bug- Gone
1964 Euro Sunroof Bug- Gone
1969/72/63 Sunroof Bug- Gone
1975 Brazilian Bug in the Philippines 🇵🇭- New to me |
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'88MoneyPit
Samba Member
Joined: August 26, 2013
Posts: 146
Location: California
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| Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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Just finished the 1.8 install and holy crap what an engine! The install wasnt bad, just a couple of hiccups here and there. Stephan was easy to get ahold of on monday. It took me a couple of weekends, nice and slow. Not slow merging or charging up hills.... Love that turbo.
Tequillasunset, yes we talked at burning van. I test drove Stephan's bus and i was hooked. |
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Freytag
Samba Member
Joined: January 03, 2012
Posts: 43
Location: Santa Cruz
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:10 pm Post subject: |
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The other day I spoke to Stephan and he indicated I can pick up my van on 5/12. Chipped engine, rebuilt trans, cruise control and a/c!
If you know anyone who needs a good running/complete 2.1, I will have mine at my shop in Santa Cruz on the 12th. It would be great if I could get $750 and I just posted an ad in the classifieds.
Can't wait to get my van
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1987 Syncro |
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TequilaSunSet
Samba Member
Joined: May 30, 2012
Posts: 2109
Location: Philippines
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 5:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Freytag wrote: |
The other day I spoke to Stephan and he indicated I can pick up my van on 5/12. Chipped engine, rebuilt trans, cruise control and a/c!
If you know anyone who needs a good running/complete 2.1, I will have mine at my shop in Santa Cruz on the 12th. It would be great if I could get $750 and I just posted an ad in the classifieds.
Can't wait to get my van |
Merry May Christmas 
_________________
Don't harsh my mellow...
1985 Hightower Vanagon 1.8T- Gone
1972 Panel Bus- Gone
1967 Bug- Gone
1964 Euro Sunroof Bug- Gone
1969/72/63 Sunroof Bug- Gone
1975 Brazilian Bug in the Philippines 🇵🇭- New to me |
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regis101
Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2005
Posts: 2078
Location: Livermore, Ca
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 6:14 pm Post subject: |
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Perfect timing for Bus City. Yeah, huh?
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Peace, Regis |
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Freytag
Samba Member
Joined: January 03, 2012
Posts: 43
Location: Santa Cruz
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| Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 10:50 pm Post subject: |
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Picking up my van from Stephan on Wednesday and I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas
_________________
1987 Syncro |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Tue May 27, 2014 11:46 pm Post subject: |
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| Freytag wrote: |
| Picking up my van from Stephan on Wednesday and I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas |
Well.......... How do you like it so far?
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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syncrodoka
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005
Posts: 12008
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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| Posted: Wed May 28, 2014 12:03 am Post subject: |
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I was eating at chill out cafe this weekend and I saw him drive by. I heard a little bit of turbo whistle so he has it back and it is in operation.
Needs to update the WBX licence plate though.  |
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BenT Syncro
Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2005
Posts: 1085
Location: San Francisco
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| Posted: Wed May 28, 2014 12:48 am Post subject: |
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I met the guy who supposedly engineered the SAH 1.8T conversion. It's too late now but this guy is quite open with sharing his ideas with fellow VW/Audi enthusiasts. After SAH, he worked for IPB Autosport in Sac. But he is in the middle of moving to Truckee, CA this week to start working for an Audi specialist.
On the other side of that coin, I have seen the SAH blue Syncro and the new engine demo trailer built by the aforementioned gentleman. I have also seen 'dredward's' rig.
Organizing Van-O-Rama for 9/7/14. Maybe they will bring their rigs this year. VOR was historically held on the Saturday after Labor Day but moved to Sunday this year due to scheduling conflicts.
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BenT |
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