Torn ???

[presslab]

[scottf3334]

I've had a split, bay, and vanagon.

The split I loved, but it really was more to look at than functional in todays world.

The bay was semi functional, no heat, no AC, loud, didn't feel real safe over 65mph. I still camped in it an had a great time, but didn't go too far from home.

The vanagon has good heat, good ac, keeps up with traffic, quiet inside etc... Driven it all over the place and when we get there, we are not worn out after dealing with all the traffic etc...

Driving something old and slow is fun as long as you don't have too go far. It is nerve racking dealing with the road conditions. Kind of the same reasons most people don't ride motorcycles on every long distance trip.

I say get a real nice 2wd vanagon camper that runs and looks excellent and put away some $$ for an engine conversion sometime in the future. Then get out there and make sure you like camping in it. Visit friends and relatives you haven't seen in awhile. Make it fit you.

Your engine swap decision can be made after you've had one for awhile and driven it around. Just be sure and keep enough money that you can do whatever swap you want to in the future.

Ask the same question an the bay forum may get you a different answer
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84 Westy
78 Super vert
87 Westy Zetec

[Jon_slider]

whatever you buy, spend no more than 20k, you will need the other 10k to keep it running

here is the cheapest syncro westy on samba right now... 11k, it has rust
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1176493

I dont think you need 4wd, save money, buy a 2wd
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?...ton=Search

It costs less to buy a van with a motor already converted, than to pay to convert one after you buy it

You sound like a Sprinter candidate, for reliability reasons. Vanagons need more than oil changes.
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My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco

[J Charlton]

If I had 30K to use to get a rig that I could drive, live in and travel in .... I'd define if I needed a syncro or not - if not, get a good late model 2wd van preferably with engine "issues" and therefore cheaper - probably less than 3.5K. A syncro, less than 10K. Then off to Greasecar for a TDI conversion 12-14K??, or Ben in Montreal for a 2.5 suby 10-12K?? or to ??? for a Bostig conversion 10K??? The advantages of the TDI would be superior fuel economy and range.
Anyhow, after that - off to one of the Northamericanhightop installers for a hightop and custom interior. 3-6K.
If you've begun with a 2wd you still have budget for other niceties like big brakes, upgraded wheels and tires, maybe a paint job. Its obviously tighter if you've gone the syncro route.
You'd end up with a long distance traveling cruiser that you could live in for a while. With the engine conversion, it would hold its value well as well.
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NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 1 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 4 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2024

[0to60in6min]

for $30K..

something like this

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=496371

if you don't like syncro then full westy w. conversion engine