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carterzest
Samba Member
Joined: January 22, 2008
Posts: 3841
Location: Eagle, ID/Sun Valley, ID
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 Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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| Love My Westy wrote: |
| Any updates on how the Vanistan engines are performing now that they been installed for a few years? There also must be a lot of newer installations since the last post in 2014. Let's hear how they're running. I'm still in the market for one. |
I would still highly recommend a Vanistan, just have it professionally installed by a mechanic who gives a shit about it unlike the mechanic who performed the install on Mr. Hanky. What a clusterF$%& this whole situation has been. I had to redo 80% of the install work I initially paid him to perform.
Mine, Vanistan #51, runs like a raped ape. I cannot wait to put bigger tires on it as around here it is hard to use the power in the higher gears. I get on the freeway in third gear and get up to speed @60ish, then shift into 4th and it wants to go back into 3rd as it is in the low 2,000 range and feels like it is lugging. The shifting points are much higher than stock, in fact, you can take it way up into the redline as necessary. The torque is just awesome.
Well worth the $$$, Friend Rich! Get yourself one, have Hans help you with the install  |
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Love My Westy
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007
Posts: 1899
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| Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2015 1:12 pm Post subject: |
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| carterzest wrote: |
| Love My Westy wrote: |
| Any updates on how the Vanistan engines are performing now that they been installed for a few years? There also must be a lot of newer installations since the last post in 2014. Let's hear how they're running. I'm still in the market for one. |
I would still highly recommend a Vanistan, just have it professionally installed by a mechanic who gives a shit about it unlike the mechanic who performed the install on Mr. Hanky. What a clusterF$%& this whole situation has been. I had to redo 80% of the install work I initially paid him to perform.
Mine, Vanistan #51, runs like a raped ape. I cannot wait to put bigger tires on it as around here it is hard to use the power in the higher gears. I get on the freeway in third gear and get up to speed @60ish, then shift into 4th and it wants to go back into 3rd as it is in the low 2,000 range and feels like it is lugging. The shifting points are much higher than stock, in fact, you can take it way up into the redline as necessary. The torque is just awesome.
Well worth the $$$, Friend Rich! Get yourself one, have Hans help you with the install |
Thanks Jeffrey,
I'm glad to hear you finally got yours running right. I don't know when I will get the Vanistan, but it's still on my list. $$ are always a problem, but so is the fact that my 2.1 is still running great and the advice that everybody gives me to just keep driving it. I need to have the oil pressure checked and the engine evaluated because I sure don't want to ruin my core by having it blow up.
Good to hear from you. |
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highaltidude
Samba Member
Joined: July 18, 2005
Posts: 219
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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| Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:40 pm Post subject: Re: Vanistan 2.2 engines: Lets hear some more reviews! |
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I've had my Vanistan motor installed now for two weeks.
I live at 7,100ft, so I got the "high altitude" version. It replaced a stock 1.9L. I also have the RMW/Vanistan stainless exhaust, and added the oil cooler kit.
Everything came professionally packed and secured. The instructions were clear and it came with all the little things needed for installation. I had the install done by my air cooled mechanic and he was impressed with the "fit and finish".
I had questions about what other things should be addressed when the motor swap was done (this is a 32 year old vehicle after all.....)... Chris was prompt and thorough in his e-mail responses. VERY helpful.....
My Vanagon is not a daily driver, and usually just sits in December, especially in Colorado.... But I've been driving it every day. Groceries, Christmas shopping, errands.... It's just flat out way more fun to drive now. Each time out I drive a section of road I've struggled with before, and I can really tell the improvement. I no longer fear freeway on ramps.
I'm only 400 miles into ownership, but I'm quite happy!!! It just feels stronger each time out....
I've checked one tank of gas for mileage so far. 18mpg w mostly "city" driving. I got 20-21mpg w the 1.9L. But I know I'm driving with a heavier foot right now enjoying the increased power pulling the hills.
The wife and I have never been to Florida. We'll be driving the Vanagon out there early next year, and also have plans for an extended trip to Mexico. This motor should really make a difference on those trips.....
Chuck
_________________
66 Double Cab
83 Vanagon Westfalia, Vanistan'd |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 9:42 pm Post subject: Re: Vanistan 2.2 engines: Lets hear some more reviews! |
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My Vanistan day 1:
It has been pulled from the original van it was installed in and is getting a mild refreshening so it will look this good again.
30,000 miles logged thus far. |
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highaltidude
Samba Member
Joined: July 18, 2005
Posts: 219
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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| Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2015 10:41 am Post subject: Re: Vanistan 2.2 engines: Lets hear some more reviews! |
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Mine wasn't blue......
Chuck
_________________
66 Double Cab
83 Vanagon Westfalia, Vanistan'd |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2015 10:56 am Post subject: Re: Vanistan 2.2 engines: Lets hear some more reviews! |
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Awesome Chuck.
Sweet looker for sure.
This time around for me, mostly gloss black, with true blue highlights.
All the stainless will be polished on the engine and the WBXhaust will be wrapped with black DEI titanium header wrap with stainless ties.
I will post pictures as it is being reassembled before spring. |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2015 11:06 am Post subject: Re: Vanistan 2.2 engines: Lets hear some more reviews! |
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Here are the intake runners and crossover coolant pipe for this engine.
I featured them in another thread dealing with rust converting and coatings.
You can see the flip flop in colors.
These engines from Chris are so sweet, I can't help myself making them look the part
Once installed, the van will only see Memorial Day to Labor Day use and be enjoyed on sunny days. |
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