1.9 turbo diesel AAZ motor with turbo

[MisterNixon]

I'm looking at purchasing an '82 vanagon with a 1.9 turbo diesel AAZ motor with turbo. I am wondering if anyone knows of any particular concerns with this motor. The seller says it is very reliable. It was rebuilt 2500 miles ago. The engine is slanted with a slant oil pan. A friend cautioned that this could lead to extra vibration and premature engine wear. Anyone have thoughts or experience with something like this?

[?Waldo?]

An AAZ that has been installed in a quality manner is a big upgrade over any of the stock vanagon engines. There are quite a few AAZ converted vanagons. I don't know what your friend is talking about and don't think he does either. The 50° installation angle was used with I4 diesels in approx. half of all vanagons sold in the world. The AAZ is a good engine. Decent power, fuel economy and reliability. The stock AAZ crankshaft nose/timing sprocket is prone to failure if used un-modified with the serpentine belt system and non-clutched alternator pulley with the result of destroying the engine. Most folks who are into these engines have wised up to that and take appropriate precautions. Listen to self-proclaimed 'experts' who say the stock parts are fine at your own peril.

[Gnarlodious]

Unclear what that even means. The diesel Vanagon has the engine mounted at a slant of 50º in order to fit it under the deck lid. You will note that the gas engine is horizontally opposed (“flat 4”) so it doesn’t need any such angle.

I have the AAZ with 100k miles on it and it runs strong. The only real concerns are what Andrew said.
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Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit

[Team WorldTour]

I can second that. I'm running an AAZ as well.
Aside from a few teething problems (more mine than the motor!), this thing is rock solid and reliable.
_________________
1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
Click to view image
H6 Subaru Engine Swap Thread
WV2ZZZ25ZFH094138(x)/ WV2YB0257LH057308(x)/ WV2ZZZ25ZLG113270/
"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!

[blink-camper]

Hi - Sorry to add into an older thread, but I am considering test driving an 82 west with an 1.9 AAZ diesel replacement engine. I have seen positive and negative feedback about this engine. Some have said it is still a bit underpowered and can add a lot of vibration to the vehicle, others have said they loved it.

Can anyone provide some insight? I have no experience with the good and bad of Diesel engines. Does the 1.9 AAZ have enough power if installed correctly to cruise at 65-70 on the freeways?
Thanks much.

[RolandD]

I have a 82 diesel Westfalia with 345,000 miles on it, of which i am responsible for about 300,000 miles of it. I built my own intake and exhaust adapter for a TB02 turbo from a Sunbird GT/Nisson 200sx. I have always run the stock: crank drives the water pump, water pump drives the alternator v-belt setup . Although it eats belts, no other issues. About 100K miles ago I substituted an AAZ style long block.

Mileage with both is 32-34 MPG. Because I could exceed 10PSI boost with my home made head gasket on the 1.6, it actually had more power and torque, but the 1.9 is easier to drive.

Mileage drops off quickly above 60 mph, so I ussually stick to scenic back roads when on trips. It can cruise at 70, but the oil temp starts to climb.

Crazy Roland

[Team WorldTour]

I can run two-three hours on the Autobahn, at 100-120kph, with no issues.
(62-74mph)
It's a little loud (can sing along with the stereo at '20'), doesn't vibrate too much, and the fuel economy is awesome!
_________________
1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
Click to view image
H6 Subaru Engine Swap Thread
WV2ZZZ25ZFH094138(x)/ WV2YB0257LH057308(x)/ WV2ZZZ25ZLG113270/
"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!

[blink-camper]

RolandD and Teamworldtour
Thanks for the responses. Sounds like the AAZ is a reasonable replacement. If I end up test driving it, I will post back here.
Thanks

[Zeitgeist 13]

I seem to recall Libby mentioning that the stock AAZ pumps are governed very conservatively, which means there's lots of untapped power available with a pump/intercooler upgrade.
_________________
Casey--

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

[ALIKA T3]

[RolandD]

You asked about the engine, but not the transaxle ratios. I do not use the stock 82 diesel transaxle. I will try to report back tomorrow with the code. Fourth gear has been changed also. From memory, 2500 RPM is 55 MPH, and 3000 RPM is 66 MPH.

Crazy Roland

[Gizmoman]

Another extremely satisfied AAZ owner.
Any Van with an engine swap, assuming it's more HP/torque than stock, should consider the transaxle and gearing.
I'm installing a 5 speed with a .76 5th to keep the RPMs down at 70. An oil cooler for the engine and the transaxle as well takes care of the heat.

It never ends but if you like making things go your way, this is a solid route.
AZs for power, I have a 1.6 IP and a holset turbo - no lack for power once it's set up properly.

Libby had a lot to do in helping me with the upgrades and there are several others here that can assist as well.
_________________
82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[Alaskaberrys]

Bumping this thread for anymore info on this fine diesel.

Once I figured out how to even “start” my AAZ (a good indicator of my diesel expertise:) I’ve been been scouring the forums for AAZ info - lots here, but pretty scattered. I’d love to see a AAZ for Dummies thread much like the transmission one. I’m going to try to keep track of the lessons I’ve learned so far (thank you Team WorldTour, Mark Ward, Gnarlodious and the other knowledgeable AAZ owners that have helped me out) and perhaps start said thread, but I’ve got a ways to go!

I’ve thought about getting a the Passat Bently - as I THINK that’s where my transplanted AAZ came from - but not sure just how informative that $90 is? Are there any good books out there that spell out this specific engine for the novice? With pictures? (no, don’t need a coloring book - perhaps tho, the next step up )

Mark of the AAZ brain...
_________________
'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...)

[Team WorldTour]

A mid-90's Passat or Golf MkIII Bentley is your ticket. Those are what the AAZ came out of.
As far as your 'choke' (as I called it), someone said not to drive with it pulled out.
BS!
I'm not allowed to sit and idle to warm up. After I start I HAVE to drive, or shut it down. My job is a ten minute drive away. Seven of that is with the choke pulled out. That's when the temp needle begins to show it's head. The last three minute include a big hill, and just driving up THAT puts my engine at operating temps. Just don't wind the motor out before the needle hits normal temps. As you learn how to drive this motor, it will get easier to know what 'right' is.
_________________
1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
Click to view image
H6 Subaru Engine Swap Thread
WV2ZZZ25ZFH094138(x)/ WV2YB0257LH057308(x)/ WV2ZZZ25ZLG113270/
"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!

[crazyvwvanman]

I'm working on another AAZ conversion now. The AAZ is covered in the Jetta/Golf/Cabrio manual that covers 93- 96/97 years. The 93-99 version has it also along with TDI AHU engines. Those books cover various other engines from those cars so when reading it you have to pay attention to make sure the sub-section you are looking at is for the engine you need info for.

I bought the manual on Ebay slightly used for $40

Mark

[MarkWard]

Don't make the mistake I made. I purchased my manual on CD thinking I always have my laptop for the VCDS software when I travel. Big mistake, get a paper manual. The CD is ok, but laptop battery barely holds a charge any more and nothing like trying to troubleshoot when you have to drag the laptop up, power in the invertor etc. Get the paper back.
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☮️

[Alaskaberrys]

[crazyvwvanman]

The 93-96 version covers the AAZ 1.9TD diesel engine (but not the 1Z/AHU TDI). I had the later 93-99 version book on hand but loaned out my earlier version so I couldn't check until today to make sure. The 93-96 version has the AAZ for sure. So does the 93-99 version.

Mark

[snwbrdr435]

Anyone know of a good source for AAZ parts?

[Team WorldTour]

FleaBay.
_________________
1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
Click to view image
H6 Subaru Engine Swap Thread
WV2ZZZ25ZFH094138(x)/ WV2YB0257LH057308(x)/ WV2ZZZ25ZLG113270/
"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!