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Preferred Engine Conversion
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Corwyn Premium Member
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 7:24 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

This should have been posted as a poll, since the subject is so subjective.
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Crankey
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PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2021 8:35 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

Curious for those who just paid a shop to do a swap...
Did you pick the shop and and let them dictate which swap to do or pick the engine and find the best shop that does it ?

It's been suggested that swap success is highly dependant on how well it's done more than what engine.
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Hounddogs
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PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2021 9:42 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

Jacebc wrote:
I just drove past Eion’s shop today. Would you mind sharing the cost and time to complete? Would you do it again?

The cost for the engine and components are on the FAS website http://www.foreignautosupply.com/

I had Eions do an extensive amount of work beyond swapping in the new engine when I had the van delivered to them last summer during their busiest time, so I couldn't tell you how long it would take them for just the engine swap. I would rather refer you to Eion about the time frame and the cost.
Yes, I would do it again. They're an upfront and honest shop given my experience, and I love the reliability and performance!

Hounddogs wrote:
Zeitgeist 13 wrote:
Super disappointing to see PV bailing on the best gas option out there. At this point, there are no PNW shops I feel comfortable recommending for engine swaps. That's sad.


Eion’s installed my FAS Gen V 2.0 last year and I’m more than happy with the shop and my new engine.

Someone on this thread mentioned the higher cost of this conversion option, but they failed to acknowledge or mention the fact that everything is brand-stinking new. Sure it was expensive, but that adds a lot of value in my mind.

And it fits...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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Hounddogs
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PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2021 9:54 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

Crankey wrote:
@Hounddogs hey that definitely looks very clean and well done.

Love to know, is this your daily driver ? Is it diesel or gas and how long since your swap.

I spoke with Eion about the 1.8t swap too about a week and a half ago but now leaning 2.5 subi. More leaning to go with Eions shop for the feedback I have read. Though I haven't read or had bad service at the other vanagon shops I've been to.

I am wanting daily driver and only vehicle reliability and serviceability.


This won't be a daily driver, however being that this has been designated as a family camping vehicle, our daughter has been on an extensive road trip in it throughout the west since late winter. She's driven it over at least nine mountain passes (across the Cascades, Sierras and Rockies) without a hick-up. Granted, it's only got 3,500~ miles on it, but I chose this engine because I liked the fact that everything is new as I'd mentioned before, and it's known for it's reliability and ease of maintenance. I became weary of the waterboxers - we like getting to our destination without worry as we age. Not to say we didn't enjoy the other three Vanagons with original power plants we've had.
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Hounddogs
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PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2021 10:08 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

Crankey wrote:
Curious for those who just paid a shop to do a swap...
Did you pick the shop and and let them dictate which swap to do or pick the engine and find the best shop that does it ?

It's been suggested that swap success is highly dependant on how well it's done more than what engine.


After researching a number engine options on my own, and then shops that were local to me, I chose the one that actually took the time to return my email and phone call within a reasonable time frame, then were willing to discuss with me the options that were available. We chose what was the best engine for our wants and needs, based mostly on wanting reliability as well as ease of maintenance. We weren't looking for HP or performance. Our Adventurewagen has an automatic tranny so my wife and daughter can drive comfortably.
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MaineRich
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PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2021 11:55 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

I am having FAS install one of their Gen V engines into my 1991 Westfalia Auto. I am the original owner and this will be its 3rd engine. Second engine was a Boston Bob Big Bore which is now down in NH. The transmission was just rebuilt by Matt Steedle and is on its way to FAS. $2300 to have the transmission rebuilt. Peloquin was added and I think it was $1200. $14k for the engine and about $5000 for the install. FAS is going to add their new AC unit which will add another $5000 to the cost. There are a few other thing FAS is going to do,, but I am looking forward to another 30 years of Vanagon ownership!
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PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2021 12:35 pm    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

That is really going to transform the van. The next 30 years are going to be luxury driving!
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ahrma439
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2021 4:07 pm    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

I am in need of a new engine. Short story; I bought a 1984 Doka in Denver about a month ago from a Samba member and while driving from Denver to Madison, WI experienced a catastrophic engine failure. ( bad noises, rapid loss of all oil, smoke and seized engine.) Previous owner had paperwork indicating installation of a 2.1L rebuilt engine with new heads, reconditioned con rods, "big Bore kit" a Vanistan oil cooler, clutch, stainless steel exhaust among other items. In addition there is evidence of recent break and suspension work (all receipts from 2014/2015). I had a friend familiar with transporters check it out and take an extensive test drive. All looked good and I struck a deal and flew to Denver to pick up my new treasure. Spent several days in Denver driving around and checking what I could. On the second day of the drive back, the Doka broke down in Grinnell, IA ( the Jewel of the Prairie). Fortunately, one of the POs had used the vehicle as a tow behind for a big motorhome and had brackets installed fro a tow bar which was included. After using every dirty word I could think of, I contacted my son in law and he drove out in a pickup and we towed the Doka home with out incident.
Since then I have been contemplating a new motor. I have reviewed all the postings I could find on Samba and other forums and believe I have deciphered the scared texts of the Church of the WBX, Subaru, Inline four (both gas and diesel). I am not yet ready to select a new motor but was leaning toward a new slightly bigger WBX based on cost alone. I noticed that "tencent" stopped building his highly regarded motors and just today contacted Rocky Jennings on to have the man himself tell me he had just recently stopped building WBX motors.

I greatly admire all the posters who have converted to an in line 4 or a Suby on their own using inexpensive donor engines, duck tape and bailing wire. However, this process is probably beyond my capabilities (A man has got to know his limitations!). So for me a professional shop with lots of experience is probably in my future. I have been quoted prices ranging from $16,500 to $18,000 plus little things like upgrades cooling systems, transmissions and perhaps brakes and suspension.

My question for the brain trust is; does anyone know os a reputable shop that does rebuilt WBX engines in the Midwest, preferably within 100 miles of Madison, WI. I still like the idea of a WBX as the install should be straight forward and I am not looking a for dramatic increase in power. Rather I would like a reliable engine for a really cool truck that will probably seldom venture more than 100 miles from home.

Just so you know, I have no animosity toward the previous owner who was as helpful as could be throughout.

PS. If anyone is looking for a really cool 1985 Doka with a slight engine issue, let me know as I may decide to cut my looses and just work on getting my 77 tintop Westy back on the road.

Thanks
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Ahwahnee
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:01 pm    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

ahrma439 wrote:
My question for the brain trust is; does anyone know os a reputable shop that does rebuilt WBX engines in the Midwest, preferably within 100 miles of Madison, WI.


You may find that geographic limitation somewhat restrictive.

Have you considered a crated GoWesty engine shipped to a shop who can install it? Some VW experience is preferable but hardly needs to be a WBX specialist to do the R&R.

https://www.gowesty.com/product/made-in-usa/24110/2200cc-engine-

Like you, I did not want to do either the rebuild or the install. I have hobby cars where I get my fill of all that so I had a local European/Asian shop do the work (very reasonably).

We've had our 2.2L in our 84 Westy for 15+ years now and couldn't be more satisfied.
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Zeitgeist 13
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2021 8:11 pm    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

Wow, RJE is now out of the game. Sad state of affairs. He built amazing engines. With him out, then there's Northwest Connecting Rod or hopefully Marco Mansi is ready to sell his built longblocks. Other than that it's just FAS and Boxeer. The rest are pure junk.
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:39 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

I really like my SAH 1.8T 22mpg average and being thats its a quite modern motor parts are super easy and plentiful.
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Zeitgeist 13
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:45 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

Oh yeah, that one as well. ^^^
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 8:02 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

I'd ask around or look here on Samba and buy a conversion take out engine and be back on the road for under $2500.00. That'll give you time to sort it out and find a quality engine builder.

Most engine conversions are done for more power and not because the engine was bad.

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PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 8:28 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

ahrma439 wrote:
I but was leaning toward a new slightly bigger WBX based on cost alone. I noticed that "tencent" stopped building his highly regarded motors and just today contacted Rocky Jennings on to have the man himself tell me he had just recently stopped building WBX motors.


ok...so if 2 builders quit building these engines it should be shooting off warning sirens flares and horns in your head....

you have to ask yourself why they stopped. i don't know that answer but can only speculate its for a few reasons....

one would be they are sick of dealing with junk parts and junk cores. the man hours it takes to correct these issues just aren't worth it anymore. trying to source anything with a shred of quality for these engines is just daunting and quite honestly the time it takes them to source the parts, modify the parts etc probably eats into a VERY narrow profit margin. basically...the juice isn't worth the squeeze anymore

if you want the most bang for the buck, go subaru. when done properly a 2.5 will get you 165-170 horse right out of the box and is probably one of the neatest easiest to work on swaps out there.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


no engines laying on their sides or a bunch of rube goldberg shit to make them work. you can literally dance in the engine bay and easily access everything for service.

a proper subaru swapped van sells for as much if not more on the open market as a vw powered swap. you can still get a BRAND NEW short block from subaru for about 1800.

yea... haters gonna hate on the subaru. but consider this... the overall platform has been in use for decades and parts are readily available from the dealer....can't beat dealer quality parts.

dunno...just saying don't discount it. it fits easily and i'd be willing to bet there are more subaru converted vw's than any other platform out there
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 10:45 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

Crankey wrote:
Curious for those who just paid a shop to do a swap...
Did you pick the shop and and let them dictate which swap to do or pick the engine and find the best shop that does it ?

It's been suggested that swap success is highly dependant on how well it's done more than what engine.


First I picked the Bostig conversion. I'd been following them for years and when it was time for a new motor in 2015 I bought the kit intending to install it myself. After 6 months of not getting to the project I had Eion's in Seattle do it. Eion had already been doing some work on my van and they've done dozens of Bostigs, maybe more than anyone on the planet, so it was an easy choice. Five years and more than 50K miles later I love the Bostig and the quality of work at Eion's (they're installing the RG9 catifold this week).
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 2:47 pm    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

Shillin' like a villain...
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 4:09 pm    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

ahrma439 wrote:


My question for the brain trust is; does anyone know os a reputable shop that does rebuilt WBX engines in the Midwest, preferably within 100 miles of Madison, WI.

Thanks


Its not Madison, but I'd recommend a couple of shops in the Minneapolis area -

https://vangoautomotive.com/ in Saint Paul

and

https://www.fptuned.com/ in Minneapolis.

Good luck!
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:53 pm    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

I have Stephan’s 1.8t conversion chipped and bigger exhaust in my Syncro. I have owned subaru converted vans and they drive well but just don’t compare to the feel of the 1.8t. It’s the perfect engine for a vanagon. Reliable, powerful, great gas mileage. Stephan’s support and tidy kit and manual make it a no brainer. I have had zero problems with my conversion. Engine sounds great with exhaust. It stays vw and with a modded rear cushion the 2” raised deck lid is not an issue.
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 10:59 am    Post subject: Re: Preferred Engine Conversion Reply with quote

My daughter just bought a '98 Passat with only 125k miles. That thing is a total blast to drive, and I can definitely see why the 1.8t is the perfect gas engine for these vans. The torque is right where you want it, unlike just about any naturally aspirated gasser. If she wrecks it, like she did our trusty Quattro, then the engine will probably make its way into a van of some kind.
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