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tjet Samba Member

Joined: June 10, 2014 Posts: 3724 Location: Az
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 8:38 pm Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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chillzombies wrote: |
Strange thru searching I’ve come across this thread and realized I saw this van in September when I was looking to purchase a van. We couldn’t come to an agreement on price due to her lack of records and knowledge of the van. She told me her ex bf owned the van and she inherited when he passed away. Here’s some pictures of the van when I saw it.
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Wow, Syncroincity's Syncro - rest in peace dude |
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zuhandenheit Samba Member
Joined: June 27, 2008 Posts: 893
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 10:55 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Gizmoman wrote: |
zuhandenheit wrote: |
Wow. That van deserves to be saved.
I'm surprised the paint look so bad ... |
Have you ever been to NY in the winter? It's like driving your vehicle through acid. |
Haha I know yes I live in NYC too! I was maybe falsely assuming that the van had been sitting in Jerry's old driveway. (The pictures look like his place.) |
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Gizmoman Samba Member

Joined: September 10, 2011 Posts: 1560 Location: Nevada
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 10:08 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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zuhandenheit wrote: |
Wow. That van deserves to be saved.
I'm surprised the paint look so bad ... |
Have you ever been to NY in the winter? It's like driving your vehicle through acid. _________________ 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). |
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zuhandenheit Samba Member
Joined: June 27, 2008 Posts: 893
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 7:34 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Also: is that in Queens? Anyone know if it is still for sale? |
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zuhandenheit Samba Member
Joined: June 27, 2008 Posts: 893
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Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2025 8:49 pm Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Wow. That van deserves to be saved.
I'm surprised the paint looks so bad ...
Last edited by zuhandenheit on Tue Jun 03, 2025 10:55 am; edited 1 time in total |
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chillzombies Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2008 Posts: 47 Location: Long Island, New York
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Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2025 11:15 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Strange thru searching I’ve come across this thread and realized I saw this van in September when I was looking to purchase a van. We couldn’t come to an agreement on price due to her lack of records and knowledge of the van. She told me her ex bf owned the van and she inherited when he passed away. Here’s some pictures of the van when I saw it.
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MsTaboo Samba Member

Joined: June 02, 2006 Posts: 4521 Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 9:08 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Syncroincity wrote: |
The only slight side step is having to raise the back to clear the motor, as is done on just about every other swap except Subarus and 50-deg diesels. |
And Bostig/Zetec  _________________ Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
Defend Ukrainian democracy & autonomy.
Resist Kleptocratic Oligarchy (and Idiocracy)! |
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BlueWestyDiesel Samba Member
Joined: August 01, 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Cary, NC
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Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 7:18 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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zuhandenheit wrote: |
By the way, I've often wondered how different the experience of going from a boxer to an AAZ would be than from an original diesel to an AAZ.
I mean, my van, to begin with, was loud, rattled, left black oil stains wherever it was parked, etc., and was absurdly slow. Now it is somewhat less loud, usually does not stain driveways, and maintains highway speeds up steep grades.
But sometimes when I hear a WBX I think that if I started with a smooth engine like, maybe I wouldn't always be sure that I did the right thing. |
Kinda sad to see the van go to back to a gasser, but in all it is what the owner prefers and enjoys. The 1.8T is a great engine, our A4 has one and had a Passat with AEB code with over 200K miles and ran like a top. Just a bullet proof engine.
I have 2 '82 diesel westys and have followed this build for along time, picked up the intercooler idea for my AAZ swap from the original 1.6 NA.
To answer your question going from the 1.6 NA diesel to a AAZ was a world of difference, the van drives like a normal car. Sure lots of vibration but no more then the 1.6 was. Part of the key is getting the gearing right. I used the original air cooled gearing and have the stock 14" wheels. The van has tons of power, but not top end speed. When my tires wear out, the plan is to replace with larger tires/rims.
The second van I am currently working on is another '82 that will get a mTDI AHU/1z with taller 3rd and 4th gears, bigger tires/rims. This should help the van go down the road faster.
Now the diesel vs gas? If you have a diesel van stay with diesel and a AAZ or mTDI is almost a drop in, otherwise plenty of gas options.
This has been a great build to follow and starting a new chapter with the 1.8T. |
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Syncroincity Samba Member

Joined: April 15, 2007 Posts: 1557 Location: New York City
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Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Jerry tries to be nice, but I have forgotten some stuff that took place over the last few years... sorry about that connection size, that must have been a real W.T.F. when you tried to connect the shaft. A result of getting a larger shaft from Germany. Which is now for sale, folks...
I'm loving the way this has shaped up, and also the fact that we've gone with the motor only, not attached to the Audi trans. All the trans equipment is essentially brand new, including the South African sourced transmission, that is all aluminum and weights quite a bit more than the orignal trans.
Returning to gasoline was more a side bar in getting this motor. I've been matching Andrew's work for a few years with the 1.8T and have just marveled at it's powering the Vanagon. I have the same motor in my '04 Passat 4Motion 5spd and it is so quiet, modern and powerful I would not even consider going back to the flat 4. The only slight side step is having to raise the back to clear the motor, as is done on just about every other swap except Subarus and 50-deg diesels. _________________ '86 Syncro CHC Top AAZ Turbodiesel
'04 Passat Variant 4Mo 5MT
Vanagon Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466866&highlight= |
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xoo00oox Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2010 Posts: 2723 Location: East Nassau, NY
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 5:14 pm Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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First road test went very nicely! These engines make lots of very nice smooth clean power! Unlike the diesel I pulled out, it didn't dump all the oil all over the road. No smoke, no stink, no clatter, no glow plug wait, no shake, no black spots on the driveway, no black gunk covering the engine bay just waiting to cover your arms.
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xoo00oox Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2010 Posts: 2723 Location: East Nassau, NY
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Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:02 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Hey guys, thanks for the comments.
I like diesels too, Ive got a stock diesel '82 Vanagon, an '81 rabbit pick-up, an MK4 TDi, and Ive probably had at least a dozen others. I've also had many 1.8t cars and Vanagons. As the owner of a VW / Audi shop, Ive worked on hundreds of others for the past 25 years.
Jerry is a smart guy, every bit of the work he did that I took out was very well done. This project has fought him every bit of the way once he got it runningThe 1.8t is a great engine proven to work very nicely in our vans. Would a diesel ever be able to match the reliability, power, economy, availability, smoothness, cleanliness, lack of smell, and quietness? I think a TDi diesel could come very close, from my experience, I don't think any of the non-TDi diesels could.
I had been looking to design this 1.8t kit and had been talking with Jerry about it. He was tired of the constant issues he was having with his diesel. I offered to do the swap on his van, and he will be able to just turn the key and go for a very nice price.
There is no diesel hate going on here, just a preference for a nice smooth1.8t at this time.
Andrew- |
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shadetreetim Samba Member

Joined: January 10, 2011 Posts: 1994 Location: Riverside, California
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Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 9:26 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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All these pictures makes me wish I had another 1.8t swap in progress myself. Fun stuff.
I struggled for years with wanting a diesel too, but after driving my 1.8t for the last 1-1/2 years I don't anymore. The RPM range of the 1.8t is tailor made for a stock 4 speed. These motors are freeway fliers and hill climbers wrapped into the same package.
Nice work Andrew. I agree on the snubber, with just the stock side mounts they are very smooth. _________________ Tim Potts
Doing my best every time I drive it to dispel the myth these Vanagons have to be slow!
'89 Vanagon Bluestar/Country Homes 1.8T & .77 4th
'74 Jeep CJ5 |
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rlevans Samba Member

Joined: January 19, 2006 Posts: 193
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Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 9:21 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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I agree with the above.
I've been using this post as a reference and inspiration but now it's kinda sad for me.
Van is going to be awesome I'm sure, based on everything I've heard about the 1.8T, but I'm partial to diesel so forging ahead regardless. |
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zuhandenheit Samba Member
Joined: June 27, 2008 Posts: 893
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Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 5:53 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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That looks fantastic.
But -- well, it's a little bittersweet. This project was one of my inspirations when I was converting my van to AAZ power, and there were so many very well done aspects of the project!
Honestly, though, it looks great. |
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xoo00oox Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2010 Posts: 2723 Location: East Nassau, NY
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Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2016 6:08 pm Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Thanks for the comments fleet. This engine is a 2001 AWM, but with that new mount bar, we can use any 1.8t from Passat or Audi A4 from 1997 to 2005.
There are no plans as of yet for use of the snub mount. Based on my other 1.8t Vanagons, they don't seem to needed. |
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fleet_maintenance Samba Member

Joined: November 01, 2013 Posts: 323 Location: Upstate NY
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Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2016 5:05 pm Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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The engine looks right at home . Apologies if you mentioned it, what code 1.8t is that? Although I own an A4, I'm not quite up on the pre/post facelift differences to where I can guess model year.
Also, any plans for using the snub nose mount? Would there be any benefit tying it into the engine mount bar? If even to provide mounting for a future skid plate or lower motor protection?
Keep up the great work, thanks for the documentation! |
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xoo00oox Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2010 Posts: 2723 Location: East Nassau, NY
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Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2016 4:32 pm Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Getting closer! I drained out 15 gallons of diesel and put it to good use in my waste oil furnace.
All wiring in the engine bay is hooked up, all coolant lines and hoses are complete, exhaust is done entirely in stainless steel, PS lines and tank are complete, electric throttle pedal is mounted and wired, intercooler mount has been fabricated and put in place.
The 1.8t started right up and runs great. I'm waiting on a few silicone elbows to finish up the intake system and I should be ready to start road testing.
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xoo00oox Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2010 Posts: 2723 Location: East Nassau, NY
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Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 8:03 am Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Jerry had a Diesel type bell, we swapped it for the stock flat 4 type and put in a new seal
Complete new clutch assembly and adapter plate.
If Jerry was a nice guy, he would have told me that the input shaft had been swapped for one with a larger spline rather than let me spend and hour trying to wiggle the engine into place. Jerry is not a nice guy.
I had to pull the engine back out, pull the clutch and put in a disc with a larger spline.
New starter and Westy Venture adapter.
We've now got an engine mount bar that allows us to put the inline 1.8t engines from the Passats and Audi A4 into a van using a stock transmission. this allows use of the nice stock 1.8t engine mounts and puts the transmission at the exact height as a stock van so there should be no issues with driveshaft angles. We will be making a jig to duplicate this mounting
bar.
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outcaststudios Samba Member

Joined: February 09, 2015 Posts: 1754 Location: Maine
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 9:29 pm Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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whatever you do to this van it is awesome. i love the 1.8t. _________________ '88Doka JX td
'69 westy
(rip)couple bugs
(rip)three type III"s
(rip) '81 vanagon
a bunch of french stuff,and 9 motorcycles.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2573791 |
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Syncroincity Samba Member

Joined: April 15, 2007 Posts: 1557 Location: New York City
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Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: AAZ Turbodiesel swap into '86 Vanagon Syncro |
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Would have been better had I bothered to re-gear the trans, for sure.
I'll post it up for sale when the 1.8T is done... _________________ '86 Syncro CHC Top AAZ Turbodiesel
'04 Passat Variant 4Mo 5MT
Vanagon Build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466866&highlight= |
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