Westy Poptop Syncro California TDI Import Dreams

[jeffreythesloth]

Hey all!

I've tried to do my research but I'm a newby to the Vanagon thing and am not sure I've got the facts straight. Hoping you've got some pointers/tips/advice/etc. especially regarding initial considerations when taking on a major build. I figure it couldn't hurt to have a more current thread covering the latest CARB intricacies, because as I understand it they have changed.

I recently acquired a salvage title 1984 Westy Poptop WBX and would like to do the full syncro and engine conversion (ideally diesel) but am hesitant to pump so much into a salvaged title. As I understand it CA makes it pretty much impossible to go from gas to diesel and also limits me to an EJ22 or similar conversion, and the syncro conversion requires a donor and lots of money and time.

So, I'm considering importing an '86 Syncro 1.9 TDI with dual lockers from Poland *hint* it's in the Samba classifieds right now (it also seems to have Joker top, but the inside is pretty much gutted).

In theory IF the title is clean and IF I can get it registered in CA I'd have a clean title syncro ready for upgrades and a Boxeer engine kit. I could build out the camper end of things myself as the syncro is a hi-top (for me, as a woodworker, much less intimidating than converting the other way around) and sell the Westy OR, since it's salvaged, pull the Westy parts - roof and all! - and make a Westy Poptop Sycnro.

The other seemingly safer alternative is having the guys at small car (or similar) do the swap/conversion for me more conventionally with my existing salvage Westy. I'm not overly concerned with the salvage thing (or should I be?) but I'm not as excited to spend a ton of money and time on a rather mild engine upgrade, especially when I plan on spending A LOT of time in this thing on and off road.

Let me know what you guys think!

LINK TO PICS OF MY WESTY: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6NSf3VWyGVbkZS1A7
LINK TO POLAND SYNCRO LISTING
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2315800
LINK TO POLAND SYNCRO ENGINE VIDEO/PICS: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eKNeffiDMKbMANy68
.
THANKS!!! - Jeff

[newerwesty1987]

Sorry but you aren't importing anything that new, much less a diesel, and getting it legally titled in Ca. no matter what you do. It's just not allowed by those commie F***s that run the failing state. You are so far better off letting someone like smallcar do a build.

Also there's nothing wrong at all with that EJ22 engine. I fly over the place with one and actually prefer the lower power which keeps me from tearing up the fragile trans.

[11BC2]

Th naysayers will say you can’t do it, but from experience if you go to the referee before doing any swap, they’ll work with you to keep you legal.
If you really want a Diesel engine swap, it has to be an engine that was originally offered for sale in California in the same vehicle weight class.
All of the emissions related equipment from the donor vehicle must used on the swap vehicle.

[jeffreythesloth]

[jeffreythesloth]

[newerwesty1987]

It might be easy if you are in Wisconsin but Ca. has irrational and insane rules around non US imports no matter what your engine plan is. The ones that may have been registered by "accident" could always be revoked in the future and then you are done. Get into an accident and get a nosy insurance guy and you may have lots of trouble if there was a suite from the other side... etc.. NOT WORTH THE TROUBLE.

More torque = more problems from a system engineered to handle under 100hp to begin with. Reliability is more important to me than trying to turn a 30yo car into a modern road-racer. They just aren't and never will be without constant issues.

[Zeitgeist 13]

There are literally dozens of threads here detailing Cali gas to diesel conversions, and importations of 25 years or older diesel vans.
_________________
Casey--

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

[baltik]

The hard part is importing a diesel legally and getting it titles in California - once that’s complete I believe you are smog exempt so you can put in whatever you want

[MarkWard]

Sell the one you have and import the high top. Once you've gotten over all those hurdles, then you can decide how and where to spend your money on upgrades.

To a point you'd be probably better off buying a sorted van with all the upgrades already completed and start enjoying it. The price of admission might seem high, but long run, if you are paying to have the upgrades done, your spend bill could exceed one that meets your needs already. Plus you save on aggravation.

[SyncroChrick]

This does not seem to be a good idea all around. Too many risk everywhere along the way.