Conversion Info for 2.8 V6 (not VR6)

[Jteerlink]

I have come across a great deal on a 1999 Passat 2.8 v6, however I cant seem to find any engine conversion info for our vans . Has this been done or are there examples on the Samba?

[Zeitgeist 13]

Try running a search on an Audi V6 conversion, which should be the same engine.
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Casey--

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

[D Clymer]

Unfortunately you aren't going to find much on the Samba about this conversion. It has been done by a few people in europe, but no one that I know of that is a member here has actually done it. The topic has come up a few times and there are threads that have photos of converted vans, but not much in the way of tangible information to actually carry out the swap.

The engine would actually be a good fit in the Vanagon engine bay and it uses the same bellhousing pattern as an Audi 5 cylinder, so a SA bellhousing or 5 cylinder KEP adaptor kit could be used. However, you'd be completely on your own for an engine mount bar, cooling system design, wiring, and exhaust. A lot of work.

I would sooner do this conversion than a VR6 because it fits the van better, but with only 193 hp and 206 lb ft of torque, a reputation for oil leaks, and a soft torque curve at low rpms, I'm not sure it's worth the trouble. And, yes, I've had a car with that engine

David

[Jteerlink]

Thanks guys for the head start! Ill check out KEP

@ D Clymer, you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the cooling system. Everything else is doable especially the perfect fitment of the engine in the van given that is isn't as tall as the VR6. Its that cooling system that has me buggered!

Looks like I will be breaking new ground here!

[Zeitgeist 13]

What's your biggest concern about the cooling system?
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Casey--

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

[James 93SLC]

[Zeitgeist 13]

I gather the later multi-valve engines are more problematic than my lowly, yet reliable 12v version of the 2.8L.
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Casey--

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

[r.e.wing_fc3s]

the later multivalve engines do leak oil from the valve cover seals, cam plugs and tensioner seals. this is also an issue on 1.8 t. the emisions/breather hosing is ridiculiously fragile. earlier v6 had fewer issues but was more anemic.
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Reference Automotive: NW Washingtons Vanagon Specialist. (360)366-6965. referenceautomotive.com

[James 93SLC]

For comparison sake.

VR6
Horsepower: 172 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 173 lbs./ft. @ 4200 rpm

V6
Horsepower: 190 @ 6000 RPM
Torque: 206 lbs-ft @ 3200 RPM

The V6 also has a much more complicated valve-train with it being a 5V per cylinder engine. It is also a Drive-by-wire system vs the early OBDII VR6 cable throttle. Maintenance is far simpler on the VR6, so that really outweighed the small performance gains of the V6 for me.
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91 Vanagon Carat
93 Corrado SLC
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Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/slc.corrado
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tencentlife "Sometimes a pooka is a problem and sometimes it's just a pooka"

[xoo00oox]

[Zeitgeist 13]

Just to fill out the Audi V6 (12v AAH) specs:

Horsepower: 174 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 184 lbs./ft. @ 3000 rpm

I like the lower torque curve of the 12v and 30v engines, but definitely prefer the chain drive and single head design found on the VR6. Frankly I'm surprised more folks aren't installing the 12v engines, since they're cheap and plentiful. I'm planning an mTDI swap, but since I potentially have a spare 12v around, I can't help but consider the option.
_________________
Casey--

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

[Jteerlink]

[Franklinstower]

[Jteerlink]

[Zeitgeist 13]

Hi Paul, what model Avant do you have? My 100CSQ Avant (C4) has acres of room up front between the engine and radiator, but I've seen the same engine installed in the 90 models that was seriously pinched in there. I suppose it's the same with the A4 versions. An AAH installed in a van should have lots of room on three sides, but it might be tight at the rear between the intake manifold and firewall.

_________________
Casey--

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

[Zeitgeist 13]

[D Clymer]

The 30V engines are the same as the 12V engines in terms of the cooling system component layout. They just added 30V heads to the old engine along with different pistons.

In all fairness, the oil leaks are not a deal breaker on the 30V engines. It's pretty much just valve cover gaskets and the cam adjuster seals. The latter can be a pain to change, but with some practice and dexterity it can be done without taking the whole engine apart.

The version of this engine that I think would be a good match for a Vanagon is the 3.0 version from the 2002 and later cars. I had a 2004 A4 with this engine and a 6 speed, and it was impressive. This engine is significantly different than the earlier engines. It has an aluminum block with balance shaft and makes 220hp and around the same amount of torque. IIRC, Cosworth helped develop this engine during the short amount of time that VW owned them during the early 2000s. It's a sportier sounding engine too. This one, I'd do if I found the right deal on an engine.

D

[Jteerlink]

Golden! Thanks guys!

Now that I know the cooling system will work with some minor mods (thanks Zeitgeist) and the leaky head and cam seals issues are easy to maintain due to good fitment of the 2.8 V6 in the van (thanks Clymer), I think I will hold out for the 3.0 2002 version for now.

[SL12572]

I owned an Audi A4 with the 30V 2.8. It had approx. 200k miles on it when sold.

In my opinion, it's a very solid motor, but the small stuff can easily kill your pocket book.

1. Cam adjuster seals. Kind of a pain to replace, but manageable. There's a trick to replacing them without removing the camshafts.

2. Valve cover seals. Must be very careful in replacing them. It's very difficult to see if you have pinched the seal, once installed.

3. Cam tensioners. Quite a big job to replace and very expensive. If the engine sounds like a diesel, good chance the cam tensioner is bad. If I recall, they are about $600.00 each (theres 2) and then you have fun replacing them (removing cams).

4. Timing belt. Replace your timing belt at 75k miles! I've heard of way too many horror stories of people not changing them soon enough and then stuck with an engine that's toast.

I always praise people for stepping outside the box and trying something new. However, I believe these engines are pretty complex and would be very expensive to keep it nice, especially with a used engine.

Prove me wrong though....I would like to see a 2.8 installed in a Vanagon....

[James 93SLC]