| Author |
Message |
jpeekstok
Samba Member
Joined: November 07, 2008
Posts: 20
Location: michigan
|
 Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 4:16 pm Post subject: What motors will fit my vanagon |
 |
|
Hello, i just purchased my first vanagon and i want to put a diferent errr.... reliable motor into it and i was wondering exactly what if any motors will fit and hook right up to the transmission
its a 1984 vanagon w/ a 1.9 water boxer
looking foward to any responces |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Williamtaylor33
Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007
Posts: 1545
Location: Arkansas
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 4:31 pm Post subject: |
|
|
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php
Search the word "conversion"
Its been covered...ALOT!!!!
But basically....you have zetec, subaru, TDI, tiico....Those are the biggies.
And also a few reliable options with sticking with the original motor. (tencent for one)
But yeah......SEARCH!
_________________
89 Bostig powered syncro westy |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mightyart
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 6188
Location: Portland, Oregon
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: What motors will fit my vanagon |
|
|
| jpeekstok wrote: |
| Hello, i just purchased my first vanagon and i want to put a diferent errr.... reliable motor |
Since when did the 1.9 become err...unreliable?
One has been pushing your new Vanagon around since 1984. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
suebicum
Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2008
Posts: 173
Location: Richmond, VT
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject: Re: What motors will fit my vanagon |
|
|
| jpeekstok wrote: |
| Hello, i just purchased my first vanagon and i want to put a diferent errr.... reliable motor into it and i was wondering exactly what if any motors will fit and hook right up to the transmission |
hook right up sure another 1.9 or a 2.1 
everything else, takes adapters or for the VW inline 4 a different bell housing and engine carriers. But as mightyart already said “Since when did the 1.9 become err...unreliable?”
O, you mean that they leak coolant throw rods and been the worst engine ever designed?
And that’s why you still find Vanagons driving around?
Ok “irony mode off” why do you need a new one? Is your 1.9 done?
Michael
_________________
1986 Vanagon GL Syncro |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5390
Location: PNW
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
My 1.9 is one of the hardest working engines out there. I'm nearing 300,000 on the bottom end. One set of heads and regular maintenance is about all it's it's ever asked for.
I'm all for conversions, but I do love my 1.9 just the same and I would never call it unreliable.
_________________
"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] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Vanagon Nut
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10368
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:30 pm Post subject: Re: What motors will fit my vanagon |
|
|
| mightyart wrote: |
| jpeekstok wrote: |
| Hello, i just purchased my first vanagon and i want to put a diferent errr.... reliable motor |
Since when did the 1.9 become err...unreliable?
One has been pushing your new Vanagon around since 1984. |
This is a good point.
An engine conversion can take time. Hunting down (if it's needed) a good used WBX is less work and likely less time.
If it were me, I would put a 1.9 back in no problem. The only caveat for me would be that I *think* some of the parts for the 1.9 *might* be NLA. But considering Vanagon owners are a dedicated/hearty bunch, I'll bet substitutes for these parts have been found.
From what I've read, swapping in a 2.1 isn't a TON more work.
Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Captain Pike
Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2003
Posts: 3340
Location: Talos IV, Piedmont Arizona
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:34 pm Post subject: |
|
|
who needs my 1.9 block?
_________________
LEARN TO SELF RESCUE
59 Panel bus, 1966 Single cab. 73' 181. 73 Westy. 91' H6 Vanagon 3.3L.
.....................All Current....................... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kylemason
Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2008
Posts: 58
Location: Gainesville, Florida
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
camo westy
Samba Member
Joined: July 23, 2006
Posts: 400
Location: Madison, Va
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Its always both cheaper and easier to stick with what ever the manufacturer plugged into the car/van.
A modified VW WBX with the trouble spots repaired/reworked, along with a rebuilt cooling system is a fine power plant.(my 1st Westy came to me via a burst hose which ultimately cooked the 1.9)
All this being said, the 2.2 Subaru in my van is very quiet, dependable, better fuel mileage, more power.
This of course, costs more than a rebuilt 1.9, and took more time.
Every decision is a compromise. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Vanagon Nut
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10368
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
|
| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 8:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| camo westy wrote: |
Its always both cheaper and easier to stick with what ever the manufacturer plugged into the car/van.
A modified VW WBX with the trouble spots repaired/reworked, along with a rebuilt cooling system is a fine power plant.(my 1st Westy came to me via a burst hose which ultimately cooked the 1.9)
.....
Every decision is a compromise. |
At one point during my conversion hell  (a newb tackling a difficult transplant.....) I considered putting the 1.9 I had pulled from the donor '85 Vanagon into my Vanagon. I figured with the new cooling system I was installing/installed (was air cooled) it would be a no brainer. And it could have been cheaper and easier. But, the 1.9 did have a crankcase full of oil/gas and the alt bracket was wobbling on the block. Regardless it did have good compression and did well run after I fixed it.
My point: a decently designed good running engine, is a good thing no matter what it is. Frankly I would have been happy with the 1.9 in that it would have had real heat, and a little more power. But......
I am TOTALLY enjoying the conversion. 
Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ftp2leta
Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2004
Posts: 3271
Location: Montreal
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 7:49 am Post subject: Re: What motors will fit my vanagon |
|
|
| jpeekstok wrote: |
Hello, i just purchased my first vanagon and i want to put a diferent errr.... reliable motor into it and i was wondering exactly what if any motors will fit and hook right up to the transmission
its a 1984 vanagon w/ a 1.9 water boxer
looking foward to any responces |
If i had to choose between 1.9 and 2.1 it would be a 1.9.... If i had to choose between Digijet FI (1983-1985) and Digifan, it would be Digijet. If i had to choose between the 1.9 cooling system and the 2.1, it would be again the 1.9. Honestly, and it will surprise some, i like the little 1.9L. I always enjoy working on them. Less cooling hoses, more reliable FI, dead easy and cheap to fix. (i have to say that i have tons of parts for them)....
The oil cooler hoses, the plastic coolant distributor, the expensive bypass tube... the expensive Digifan FI of the 2.1L are just a few reason why i like the 1.9L. For the very low increase of power of the 2.1L, it's not worthed. On my side, i never seen a 1,9L with a hole in the block.
That said, 1.9L seem to have more head gasket problem... a little more, BUT, they are older so....
Another thing, i have never but never seen major coolant hose failure on 1.9L. I'm not trying the bash the 2.1L, it's just something i can say after working on Vanagon for more than 6 years. It's just a fact.
I don't think they did a very good "upgrade" with the 2.1L.
The only problem for me is that last year.... pistons kit was NLA. They are back in stock lately...
As to conversion.... 
Ben
_________________
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 |
|
|
foodeater
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2007
Posts: 1318
Location: Newburgh, NY
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 9:20 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'm mostly on board with what everyone else is saying, I've always liked the 1.9 as well. I think that the WBX is a great motor, I never had any real trouble from any WBX, my 1.9 lasted to around 225,000 miles (when the van was sold) with nothing but routine maintenance, and the 2.1 was approaching 175,000 when the van was crashed, again with no major issues. With a little understanding of it The WBX will give you plenty of life it a good little motor.
There are times that I wish my current van still had the WBX in it, but then I go up a long steep hill without down shifting and I fall back in love with the conversion.
_________________
89 Bluestar-2.5 Subaru Powered-RIP
'84 Westy Tiico-daily driver-sold
'82 Caddy diesel-sold
'87 Vanagon Syncro-RIP
'81 diesel rabbit-sold
'82 Vanagon auto-RIP |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gorge Runner
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2008
Posts: 199
Location: Portland, OR
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 10:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
Here we go again.
_________________
91 Carat
EJ205 WRX |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mightyart
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 6188
Location: Portland, Oregon
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ftp2leta
Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2004
Posts: 3271
Location: Montreal
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bruce Wayne
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2007
Posts: 1210
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Big Block Chevy will fit,if you have the cubic dollars. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mightyart
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 6188
Location: Portland, Oregon
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| ftp2leta wrote: |
50 miles range on a "Westy camper".... ok, is it just me here???? and all that for a nice 17k$.
As much as i appreciate evolution / conversion / fuel consumption.... oufff.
Ben |
It's a camper for shut-ins.
It's a choice, I didn't say it was a good one for a camper.
I live in the city and only travel more then 50 miles a day when I go camping, so I'd just take my camper for that.
For driving around town an electric transporter would be great as a second car, and like I said the maintaince and fuel cost are alot lower.
I was thinking about electricfying a rabbit, but a vanagon can haul stuff.
Me and the wife were thinking about getting another car, like the civic we had before, you know get in and drive, sell it in 5 years.
We've been driving a Vanagon for a while and like the different, I don't think I want the Civic or a Kia. Blaaah!
$17,000 is a bit steep though, so I don't know for now.
It's a choice for motors the OP wanted them, and it got the thread off those errr....unreliable 1.9's
who knows Ben maybe someone will want you to build'em an electric Vanagon. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MrPolak
Samba Member
Joined: June 20, 2004
Posts: 1337
Location: AG ,atnaltA
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 7:14 am Post subject: Re: What motors will fit my vanagon |
|
|
| jpeekstok wrote: |
Hello, i just purchased my first vanagon and i want to put a diferent errr.... reliable motor into it and i was wondering exactly what if any motors will fit and hook right up to the transmission
its a 1984 vanagon w/ a 1.9 water boxer
looking foward to any responces |
Spoken like true n00b who's been reading too many head leaking rants.
WBX is not unreliable if you maintain it correctly. My '85 Westy covered 189K miles on heads that were never touched. I sold it to a gent in Michigan, who sold it to a gent in Wisconsin 2 years later with the same original gaskets.
If you're scared pull the heads, reseal, change the water pump, belts, fuel lines and you're done. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Terry Kay
Banned
Joined: June 22, 2003
Posts: 13331
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 7:53 am Post subject: |
|
|
<<Big Block Chevy will fit,if you have the cubic dollars.>>
I was thinking along the same line--but only a small block--
$2500.00 gets you a complete new crate motor direct from GM.
_________________
T.K. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
suebicum
Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2008
Posts: 173
Location: Richmond, VT
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
Morning
| Quote: |
| $2500.00 gets you a complete new crate motor direct from GM. |
That will scrap your gear box 
The 2.1l DJ (110DIN-HP) is the biggest for a Syncro (the 2.3l 5Zyl works too)
and the 2.6l 5-Zyl (reduced to 136DIN-HP) the biggest for the 2WD,
Volks Wagen of South Africa found to be suitable for the Vanagon gearbox.
Yes I hear you, “But I have a 3.3l Subi and it works!” yes but how long.
There are max. HP and torque numbers for the different gearboxes, it just simple mechanics.
You don’t have to trust me, but ever heard off a Syncro exploding the G/R housing?
Happens mostly to TDI’s over 110HP.
Just stay on the carpet, why did you buy a vanagon in the first place?
A 1.8l/1.9/2.0l VW/TIICO, 2.3l Audi, 2.2/2.5 Subi, 2l Zetec, are good choices and parts are available.
I would go so far to say that there is not much pro/con about them, if done right they will all perform well.
Some of them there sold from VW like that. 1.8l, 2.3l, and 2.6l there sold in South Africa until 2001, 2.0l Gas and 1.9l Diesel are just bigger versions of the old VW engines
Michael
_________________
1986 Vanagon GL Syncro |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
