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goffoz
Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2007
Posts: 1486
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 Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:16 pm Post subject: Opinions from 1.8t owners...please |
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I am considering taking the plunge, and dropping the dollars on a professional conversion. 
Living in Sac. CA. I have to deal with the CARB, which is making the Suby transplants look less attractive....some of my aquaintances have suffered terribly dealing with the CARB on SVX's and even ej2.2's
And or some reason the 2.5 is "disqualified"
I've looked at bensplace, vanaru,RMW,busdepot, and smallcar and it seems all the pricing is about equivalent...once you consider shipping
Stephans work looks awesome...and his van drives amazingly.
Yes I went took a test drive and scoped the shop out
But I'd like to hear from owners...are you all so happy we never hear from you?
Do any Samba-nistas own a 1.8t powered van?..and what are your experiences?..
thanks |
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VWhead
Samba Member
Joined: September 27, 2009
Posts: 337
Location: Pacific Grove,CA
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| Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:39 pm Post subject: |
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I got one and I did it myself and its freaking awesome!
Stephan sure has some 1.8T experience under his belt.
Do it man,take the plunge.
Dredward will agree! 
_________________
81' Single Cab Syncro 1.8T GMW
88' 2wd Westy 1.8T GMW
www.gmwerks.com
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1621
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2006
Posts: 2174
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| Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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Stephan installed one in my 2wd five years and 55K miles ago. It's been running like a champ ever since. Plenty of power (it is chipped, though nice in stock form as well) and runs smoothly. The coil packs are known to be a problem with the 1.8t, just keep a couple extra on hand in case. I've had one go out on the way to work. I stopped, read the code - misfire on cylinder 3 - swapped the coil pack, and it only set me back ten minutes total. Otherwise a very reliable engine.
You will need to run synthetic oil and premium gas. A minor trade off really for the extra hp and torque. You can run regular, it just won't run as well. I would run a good oil in the trans as well for added protection and change it every 2 years. If its a 2wd the engine needs to be mounted an inch lower at the Syncro height. There's also the raised deck lid, but that's truly a non-issue if you're okay with using a memory foam matress. The extra storage that results from the decklid is nice too. Really very few downsides to the conversion aside from initial cost. I will say though, this conversion is not for everyone, but it certainly is worth it!
_________________
'85 Westy |
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levi
Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2005
Posts: 5522
Location: Las Vegas
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| Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 11:25 pm Post subject: Re: Opinions from 1.8t owners...please |
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| goffoz wrote: |
But I'd like to hear from owners...are you all so happy we never hear from you?
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Yeah, we almost never  hear from dredward about his 1.8t.
_________________
One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way
https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40 |
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ANGOVAY
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2009
Posts: 85
Location: SMF
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 7:55 am Post subject: |
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I'm in Sactown also and have Stephans 1.8T. Shoot me a PM next week and I'll show you my van and let you drive it if you like. It's just frikken bad ass.
_________________
Mark
90 Westy 1.8T Sold
2016 Sprinter Field Van |
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dredward
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2007
Posts: 1081
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:11 am Post subject: Re: Opinions from 1.8t owners...please |
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| goffoz wrote: |
Stephans work looks awesome...and his van drives amazingly.
Yes I went took a test drive and scoped the shop out
Do any Samba-nistas own a 1.8t powered van?..and what are your experiences?..
thanks |
"But I'd like to hear from owners...are you all so happy we never hear from you?
You'll here from me occassioinaly on this topic with nothing but good things to say about it cause there is only good things to say: Plenty of power, dependable, and betterfuel economy. If 180-240 hp is'nt enough it is very easy to tune for more power. There is a wealth of info on this engine via the Vwvortex.com. I've driven my van daily for past 2 yrs. with no probs to speak of. As with Paul i did my own swap with parts such as the harness, mounts, exhaust, and deck lid extension purchased through Stephan. Paul is a stud and did his own harness and fab work. He also sells a mounting system that is very appealing.
" it seems all the pricing is about equivalent...once you consider shipping"
Yes it is so why not get more for yer money?
_________________
Cars owned: 1979/89 scirraco, 1983 gti, 1984 gti, 1986 gti, 1990 gli, 1989 cabriolet(2.0,16v conversion), 1992 gti, 1982 Westy, 1987 syncro Westy(w/ 1.8t conversion stg1 chip), and finally 2004 r32.... |
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dredward
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2007
Posts: 1081
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:25 am Post subject: |
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| 1621 wrote: |
| Stephan installed one in my 2wd five years and 55K miles ago. It's been running like a champ ever since. Plenty of power (it is chipped, though nice in stock form as well) and runs smoothly. You will need to run synthetic oil and premium gas. A minor trade off really for the extra hp and torque. You can run regular, it just won't run as well. I would run a good oil in the trans as well for added protection and change it every 2 years. If its a 2wd the engine needs to be mounted an inch lower at the Syncro height. The extra storage that results from the decklid is nice too. |
"The coil packs are known to be a problem with the 1.8t, just keep a couple extra on hand in case. I've had one go out on the way to work. I stopped, read the code - misfire on cylinder 3 - swapped the coil pack, and it only set me back ten minutes total. Otherwise a very reliable engine."
Yes so far i had a coil fail that had aprox 45-50k miles. It takes minutes to diagnose and change. They've also improved the coil in the after market as well.
"There's also the raised deck lid, but that's truly a non-issue if you're okay with using a memory foam matress." Yes it is a non issue. I hated sleeping on the bottom deck before the raised deck lid. With memory foam it's more comfortable the stock.""Really very few downsides to the conversion aside from initial cost. I will say though, this conversion is not for everyone, but it certainly is worth it!" Off the top of my head i can think of no down sides to this swap. The cost factor for the engine is way better now the 1.8t has come down in price. I got a steal on my swap as i paid 1k for everything needed from the donar to swap into the van. That is a great deal and made doing this swap a no brainer. When you do reasearch the hardware needed to put in another engine is just about the same for all swaps when all is said and done. The difficulty is the same as well.
_________________
Cars owned: 1979/89 scirraco, 1983 gti, 1984 gti, 1986 gti, 1990 gli, 1989 cabriolet(2.0,16v conversion), 1992 gti, 1982 Westy, 1987 syncro Westy(w/ 1.8t conversion stg1 chip), and finally 2004 r32.... |
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dredward
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2007
Posts: 1081
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:26 am Post subject: |
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| VWhead wrote: |
I got one and I did it myself and its freaking awesome!
Stephan sure has some 1.8T experience under his belt.
Do it man,take the plunge.
Dredward will agree! |
YEP!!!!!
_________________
Cars owned: 1979/89 scirraco, 1983 gti, 1984 gti, 1986 gti, 1990 gli, 1989 cabriolet(2.0,16v conversion), 1992 gti, 1982 Westy, 1987 syncro Westy(w/ 1.8t conversion stg1 chip), and finally 2004 r32.... |
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Bman
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2005
Posts: 895
Location: South Coast, Oregon
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Jedi
Samba Member
Joined: October 23, 2007
Posts: 734
Location: Cool California
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 11:55 am Post subject: |
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I am still saving for mine! Stephan is top notch and this is the best choice. KEEP IT REAL~~KEEP IT VW 
_________________
1961 Westfalia SO23 Mango Green/Seagull grey
1961 Westfalia SO34 T/BW
1961 Westfalia SO34 SWR
1964 Westfalia SO33 pearl white
1965 Westfalia SO42 Velvet green
1986 Syncro Wolfram grey with black int GL
1986 Syncro Doka
1987 Syncro Sevana beige Adventurewagen
1987 syncro Sevana beige GL
1973 Pumpkin orange Thing
2 1963 Rag top bug's
1965 Manx
1970 Single cab
1971 combi
1990 Vanagon GL
2007 Audi A4 3.2L quattro |
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novice
Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2009
Posts: 23
Location: West Coast
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 1:36 pm Post subject: |
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couple questions. does the stock tranny hold up ok, and roughly whats the cost. less than 5k ?
thanks. |
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climberjohn
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2005
Posts: 1840
Location: Portland Orygun
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 1:51 pm Post subject: |
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A question for you happy 1.8 t owners - how low are you hanging?
Can you measure the lowest point of your engine / engine mount (in inches) and post it here please? I'd like to see your ground clearance in inches.
Oh, and tell us if you are syncro, lifted rear end, or pretty much stock rear suspension.
(and, while I have driven 1621's van and it is superb, the base cost (no options like cruise control, AC, exhaust, etc) of nearly $13K for a conversion is a significant downside for many, vs. $6-7K for a CARB approved, professionally installed. Suby 2.2.)
pricing from Stephan:
http://www.stephansautohaus.com/VWVanagonDivision/VWVanagonConversionPricing.aspx
_________________
'86 Westy, 2.5 Subaru power
Know your limits. Exceed them often.
Last edited by climberjohn on Wed May 04, 2011 4:34 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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VWhead
Samba Member
Joined: September 27, 2009
Posts: 337
Location: Pacific Grove,CA
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 2:44 pm Post subject: |
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Here is a 85' 2WD I'm working on. As you can see in the pics it has 8.5" of ground clearance with stock suspension and slightly over sized tires.Tires are 215 75 15.
Plenty of clearance for a 2WD, but if you want more just put a bigger tire and taller springs.
The Single Cab Syncro has over 11" inches of ground clearance with the skid plate I made.
_________________
81' Single Cab Syncro 1.8T GMW
88' 2wd Westy 1.8T GMW
www.gmwerks.com
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Last edited by VWhead on Wed May 04, 2011 7:01 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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2doorsdown
Samba Member
Joined: December 08, 2010
Posts: 120
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 3:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Paul did you end up taking any DIY parts for this conversion to SyncroFest? I remember you saying you might. I never read or saw any pics...maybe I missed it somewhere? Love your single cab too! Such a beaut! |
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VWhead
Samba Member
Joined: September 27, 2009
Posts: 337
Location: Pacific Grove,CA
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 3:42 pm Post subject: |
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Yes I was showing the 1.8T DIY engine carrier bars at Syncro Fest. Here's a teaser.They work for Syncro's and 2WD.
_________________
81' Single Cab Syncro 1.8T GMW
88' 2wd Westy 1.8T GMW
www.gmwerks.com
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1621
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2006
Posts: 2174
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 6:02 pm Post subject: |
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Clearance is 9.5" to the bottom of the *stout* skid plate. That's with the engine lowered the same as a Syncro + skid plate (about another inch), GW springs (18" fender to hub), and 215/70-16 tires. Not planning to offroad it so 9.5" is way more than enough. If I'm in a situation where I'm scraping the skid plate, I'll be far more concerned about the unprotected tranny.
Like I mentioned before, cost is a big factor. Likely a limiting factor for most non-DIYers. The same could be said for having someone install a Zetec, Subaru, TDI, etc. At the time of my install he was just getting started and in truth, he didn't charge me enough! The conversion cost what our friend recently paid for his 2.5. It was also the only California legal offering over 120hp. Still is I think.
_________________
'85 Westy |
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modelttouring
Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2008
Posts: 26
Location: El Sobrante CA
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject: opinions from 1.8t owners |
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| I had Stephan's do my 85 weekender last year.I have about 9000 miles on the conversion.I love it!The mileage is better than stock and the power is excellent.I have owned this van since 87 and put 285,000 on the stock engine,transmisson.I would do it again . Holger |
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silversyncro
Samba Member
Joined: May 20, 2006
Posts: 135
Location: silverton colorado
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 6:58 pm Post subject: |
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Do it. You will not be sorry!
I had Stephan install mine in November of 09 & I've put @ 25k miles on it since. Its awesome.
I opted for the cruize & ac as well & haven't looked back. The cruize is rock solid, ecu managed, and the AC blows cold without ever slowing you down.
I commute about 150 miles a day, over multiple mtn. passes, 11,000 feet++ in elevation, cold starts at 9500 feet, 35 degrees below zero...nary an issue. I average 18 mpg, lifted, big tires, 6.17 final drive, huge ski box on top.
Since my van is a syncro, I also go off road a lot. High mountains, low dusty desert...it does it all in style.
I ran mine stock for the first year, and only just chipped it. It was great stock, but with the APR tuning...yeah...holy shit!!
I think the OP hit the nail on the head...you don't hear from us in these forums much cause there's nothing to talk about.....other than how sweet the 1.8T really is, and (ask Dredward) that makes everyone else grumpy.
Parts are easy to find, as there are gazillions of 1.8T's on the road, with a proven history of high performance, and the crew at Stephans is straight-up.
Go for it.
Syncro
11.75 inches clearance to the lowest point
Go westy 2" lift springs
225/75/R16 Nokian Vattivas |
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snowsyncro
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2009
Posts: 1562
Location: East Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 7:16 pm Post subject: 1.8T Coil Pack |
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No vanagon content, I just wanted to comment on the coil pack issue.
My 1.8T('99Passat, engine code AEB) has 321,000km and has had one coil pack replaced, about five years ago, and one ignition control module (they had them then).
My wife's 1.8T ('01 Passat, engine code AWM) had one coil pack go about two weeks ago. Went to the dealer for a new one, he said let me check those numbers...got four brand new coil packs for free! Manufacturers' warranty. Pulled and replaced all four in the dealer lot, in less than two minutes.
Another negative thing you will hear is the need for frequent oil changes, with synthetic oil, or your engine will suffer from engine sludge. This may be true, but my engine has been terribly abused, has never seen synthetic, has seen oil change intervals well beyond 20,000 km. Still runs like a champ at more than 320,000. (I am not bragging, somewhat embarrased actually, but I thought you should know). Also, I have not replaced a timing belt, tensioner, or water pump impeller, and I bought this car with 200,000 km. Wife's car has around 250,000 km, and it does get synthetic oil, about every 10 - 15,000km, also never had a timing belt since we got it with about 110,000 km. Ticking time bomb I am sure, plan is to do timing belts this summer.
I love the 1.8T engine -- my favorite engine.
RonC |
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dredward
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2007
Posts: 1081
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| Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 7:46 pm Post subject: |
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| silversyncro wrote: |
Do it. You will not be sorry!
I had Stephan install mine in November of 09 & I've put @ 25k miles on it since. Its awesome.
I opted for the cruize & ac as well & haven't looked back. The cruize is rock solid, ecu managed, and the AC blows cold without ever slowing you down.
I commute about 150 miles a day, over multiple mtn. passes, 11,000 feet++ in elevation, cold starts at 9500 feet, 35 degrees below zero...nary an issue. I average 18 mpg, lifted, big tires, 6.17 final drive, huge ski box on top.
Since my van is a syncro, I also go off road a lot. High mountains, low dusty desert...it does it all in style.
I ran mine stock for the first year, and only just chipped it. It was great stock, but with the APR tuning...yeah...holy shit!!
I think the OP hit the nail on the head...you don't hear from us in these forums much cause there's nothing to talk about.....other than how sweet the 1.8T really is, and (ask Dredward) that makes everyone else grumpy.
Parts are easy to find, as there are gazillions of 1.8T's on the road, with a proven history of high performance, and the crew at Stephans is straight-up.
Go for it.
Syncro
11.75 inches clearance to the lowest point
Go westy 2" lift springs
225/75/R16 Nokian Vattivas |
I think the OP hit the nail on the head...you don't hear from us in these forums much cause there's nothing to talk about.....other than how sweet the 1.8T really is, and (ask Dredward) that makes everyone else grumpy.
Thanks silversyncro!!!!!! 
_________________
Cars owned: 1979/89 scirraco, 1983 gti, 1984 gti, 1986 gti, 1990 gli, 1989 cabriolet(2.0,16v conversion), 1992 gti, 1982 Westy, 1987 syncro Westy(w/ 1.8t conversion stg1 chip), and finally 2004 r32.... |
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. I say do it!
