pros and cons of the Audi V6 conversion.

[Zeitgeist 13]

Ok, the engine's out and separated from the trans. I stripped the entire harness out of the car, which isn't easy, but should make the swap go more smoothly. Until I actually proceed with the install, I'll continue to use this thread rather than initiate a dedicated build thread.

so long bud

This style of hydraulic engine mount might be useful for other swaps, since they bolt to vertical surfaces rather than horizontal.

I may modify this bracket for the front...er, rear mount.

I suppose the easiest and cheapest way forward is to just use an SA bellhousing and manual flywheel/clutch combo. I'd like an auto, but that would just prolong the project...maybe in a phase two development.

This is the longest and heaviest transmission I've ever wrestled with.

I haven't measured, but this is an extremely short engine, and quite possibly shorter than the WBX.

What's the absolute bare minimum sump to road height that one should contemplate for a Vanagon? The sump on these things is really quite shallow when measured from the crank centerline to the bottom, so I'm thinking I can drop the install height down an inch or two to minimize the top protrusion. Dunno for sure yet.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[edgood1]

any updates?
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1987 Syncro Westfalia powered by Subaru
1963 Panel to Deluxe Bus project :::: (photo album)
'65 Westfalia

[Zeitgeist 13]

It's a very intriguing option, but based upon what I've been hearing about the fuel mileage stats of other six cyls installed in vans, I don't think I could live with it and remain happy for long. I'm now back to my original plan to swap in a TDI. If someone in the Puget Sound area is interested, I could let this thing go for a song. It's taking up valuable space in my shop.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[hellenic vanagon]

LEFT INTERCOOLER, TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER,&co.

FUEL TANK TURBOS HEAT PROTECTION

LEFT SIDE EXHAUST, FUEL PUMP, LEFT CATALYST

LEFT SIDE

RIGHT SIDE, EXHAUST

LEFT SIDE, EXHAUST

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The Syncro Heresy

[240Gordy]

Hellenic vanagon indeed, very cool!
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Tencentlife said,
"So, now that you know what you're doing, go to town."
2010 GOLF TRENDLINE 2.5
1985 GL now with more! a 2.1L
H&R SPORT(RED) Springs FRONT , SLAM SPECIALTIES RE6 AIRBAGS REAR

[SyncroGhia]

I've stolen this from another of my threads:

]I haven't posted on this for a while as I've been busy with work but Vanfest has just been (great show!) and I was lucky to find a Whitestar with an Audi V6 2.8 AAH on show and took a few photos. I also managed to get back later on and take a tape measure with me to get some real measurements.

I must admit, I'd never thought of using the original engine mount before.. this is an easy way and looks good.

He's used the South African Bellhousing so I know that the measurements are accurate for my application.

I'm always suprised by how much room there is between the back of the engine and the rear cross member.

MG
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T3 Syncro 16 S6 Westfalia Limey SOLD
T3 Syncro 6x6 SOLD
T3 RS6 Bluestar
T3 Tristar Syncro 16 SOLD
T3 Tristar Syncro RHD SOLD

[D Clymer]

I think the design of the oil sump on the Audi V6 is a deal breaker - at least it is for me. Mounted in a Vanagon the low portion of the oil sump ends up at the back of the van with the oil filter protruding out towards the bottom. This is a vulnerable setup to say the least. Combine that with the fact that the engine does not fit under the lid, the soft low end torque of the non turbo version, and the oil leak and cam adjuster seal issues, and using an Audi V6 doesn't seem like a very practical choice.


David

[danfromsyr]

Syncroghia, thanks for the pics..
it's always these swaps that are on the fringes that instantly get the nay-sayers w/o any creative or helpful comments.
"it's no gud for me, Yer Dum"

while maybe not suited for a vanagon the engine is no more low nor vulnerable than in it's original front mounted sedan. in fact it's likely safer in the rear than the front at any height.
the oil filter comes out horizontal (yes because it was a low mounted engine) and that could be remote mounted.

it's not a practicle van engine for a bunch of reasons. but it's no more vulnerable. it's dangers depend on the driver's road/driving expectations.

the availability of a SA bellhousing and intruding into the decklid are major deal breakers. but the VR6 guys are no better off with than the intrusion, other than using a KEP adapter vs a SA bellhousing and bits.

I'm certainly curious to this as I do own a SA bellhousing. i'm setting up with a 130hp Audi 100 NA 5cyl install. mainly because I can. can't afford the 3B engine nore breaking the Trans bits. and not convinced a turbo 5cyl w/ DIY Fuel injection is right for me.. but I'm not going to kick dirt in someone else's ideas even when they don't seem to make sense to me.

Dan
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[Zeitgeist 13]

I've owned two of the AAH engines, and can't say as I've ever heard of one being damaged at the oil filter location. These engines also don't have cam adjuster seals or their purported leaks. To me the only deal breaker is the lousy fuel economy associated with six cyl. gassers in the T3.

I just tore down the engine in the pics I posted earlier in this thread. It had 174k and looked essentially brand new inside. They're a good sound engine design. I just prefer diesels.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[SyncroGhia]

Any updates on the installation?

MG
_________________
T3 Syncro 16 S6 Westfalia Limey SOLD
T3 Syncro 6x6 SOLD
T3 RS6 Bluestar
T3 Tristar Syncro 16 SOLD
T3 Tristar Syncro RHD SOLD

[ViolentBlue]

where can I get one of these?

[danfromsyr]

thats a south african 5cyl bellhousing
they were imported a while back in a group buy I belive.
they can be quite uncommon to rare in the US
I paid about $800 for mine when it came up a couple years back.

the Audi V6 and V8 can be mounted to them with a little light adjustment.
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