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Scubavw
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2008
Posts: 85
Location: Montose, CO
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 Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:05 am Post subject: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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Hello
Looking to put a cruise control unit in my 1986 Subaru Syncro and was wondering if anyone has any experience in this area. I found the Rostra 250-1223 Universal Electronic Cruise Control kit on Amazon and it looks pretty good for my application. For the ones that have after market Cruise control, what are you using and how do you like it ?
Thanks, Marshall |
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khughes
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2013
Posts: 913
Location: Phoenix AZ
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:44 am Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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| Scubavw wrote: |
Hello
Looking to put a cruise control unit in my 1986 Subaru Syncro and was wondering if anyone has any experience in this area. I found the Rostra 250-1223 Universal Electronic Cruise Control kit on Amazon and it looks pretty good for my application. For the ones that have after market Cruise control, what are you using and how do you like it ?
Thanks, Marshall |
I've heard good reviews on Rostra (GW sells a kit) but haven't used them. I purchased the GW Rostra unit to replace an Audiovox CCS-100 unit, but then I installed the FAS conversion which has cruise built in so I didn't use it. The Vanagonaut I sold the Rostra too was quite happy with it last I heard. The audiovox units have never lasted more than a year for me (had 2 in the van, 1 in a Golf) so I'd advise staying far away from them.
_________________
'86 Westy FAS GenV Turbo (Marvin) |
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dobryan 
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17292
Location: Brookeville, MD
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a2wolfsburggli
Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2018
Posts: 283
Location: WI
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:12 am Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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I've installed the Rostra kit on 3 vehicles. 2 motorcycles and my old Vanagon. Here is my dip switch settings and more info:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=736663&highlight=
Feel free to ask any questions.
As a note, I went with the Rostra kit as a very reputable Subaru conversion shop in the WI Dells uses that kit on their swaps.
_________________
Current: '74 Type 181 | '16 Audi Q5 3.0T S-Line Chipped to ~460hp
Past:'87 Westfalia | '09 CC 3.6L 4motion "R36 wannabe" | '02 Audi TT "ALMS Edition" | '84 Jetta GLI with Autotech Supercharger | '89 Helios Jetta GLI 16v's (x2) | '95.5 URS6 | and the list goes on.
Never underestimate the entertainment value of OCD overruling Common Sense
Last edited by a2wolfsburggli on Mon Oct 04, 2021 1:03 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Scubavw
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2008
Posts: 85
Location: Montose, CO
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:17 am Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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| Thanks for the information. |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4588
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:21 am Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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Rostra, you can buy directly from them and save some $
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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khughes
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2013
Posts: 913
Location: Phoenix AZ
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:48 am Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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| dobryan wrote: |
| I must be lucky. I have had a Audiovox CCS-100 unit in my bus for many years with no real issues. I am not sure what is being offered nowadays so maybe their quality was better back then. |
We have a whole lot more engine compartment heat to deal with here than most places, so that could be a factor as well. On all 3 of my units a solenoid in the vacuum actuator died. Worked fine until they croaked.
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'86 Westy FAS GenV Turbo (Marvin) |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8245
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:05 am Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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I've installed the Rostra universal on two cars, incl. a Bostig Vanagon, and the results were trouble-free and what I expect from factory installed CC.
I really like the RF switch that can be mounted on the steering wheel and controlled w/out removing a hand from the steering wheel.
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- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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16CVs
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2004
Posts: 4280
Location: Redwood City, California
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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I personally would piece together a factory style kit. With a Subaru conversion you use a Land Rover Disco pump and servo which is the perfect fit.
The controller or brain is the same as any early water cooled VW, you can buy new pedal switches or source them from the classifieds. You need a speed sensor for the Speedometer.
It will take some effort, but you will end up with a factory style unot that is super reliable. The hardest part to find is the switch, but luckily the Rostra switch will tie into the factory system.
If you enquire to some of the sellers in the classifieds you may be able to find a factory harness or build your own depending on your skill set.
I have retrofit quite a few C/C system and find them to be super dependable.
Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32988
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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a2wolfsburggli
Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2018
Posts: 283
Location: WI
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:14 pm Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Then again …….
Isn’t a definition of insanity doing the same thing repeatedly but hoping for a different outcome?
Dave |
It is Dave. And you seem to do a lot of it.
I wouldn't take Dave's assessment on the Rostra Kit as anything more than self created implementation challenges or expectations beyond the capabilities of the equipment / his vans performance.
Here is Dave's 5+ page install thread. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8159749
Mine and others have had perfectly running Rostra installs.
_________________
Current: '74 Type 181 | '16 Audi Q5 3.0T S-Line Chipped to ~460hp
Past:'87 Westfalia | '09 CC 3.6L 4motion "R36 wannabe" | '02 Audi TT "ALMS Edition" | '84 Jetta GLI with Autotech Supercharger | '89 Helios Jetta GLI 16v's (x2) | '95.5 URS6 | and the list goes on.
Never underestimate the entertainment value of OCD overruling Common Sense
Last edited by a2wolfsburggli on Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:23 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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16CVs
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2004
Posts: 4280
Location: Redwood City, California
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:23 pm Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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The only GW Rostra I installed was on a 1.9 Westy auto and it would only work on flat ground, the second it hit a hill it shut off with a bang.
I applaud GW for doing what they did to keep everything in one place, but in the engine is probably a better place for it. But you then need to lengthen wires.
Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread. |
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a2wolfsburggli
Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2018
Posts: 283
Location: WI
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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| 16CVs wrote: |
The only GW Rostra I installed was on a 1.9 Westy auto and it would only work on flat ground, the second it hit a hill it shut off with a bang.
I applaud GW for doing what they did to keep everything in one place, but in the engine is probably a better place for it. But you then need to lengthen wires.
Stacy |
Mine never had a single issue. I installed it per GW's install method. I logged over 3000 miles on mine in 2 years.
If it shut off immediately, that means that there's too much tension on the activation cable. Usually the result of a kink in the cable, trying to bend the cable in too tight of a circle somewhere or most likely in this case, your throttle linkage needing to be looked at for corrosion or binding as it set properly then deactivated during acceleration.
_________________
Current: '74 Type 181 | '16 Audi Q5 3.0T S-Line Chipped to ~460hp
Past:'87 Westfalia | '09 CC 3.6L 4motion "R36 wannabe" | '02 Audi TT "ALMS Edition" | '84 Jetta GLI with Autotech Supercharger | '89 Helios Jetta GLI 16v's (x2) | '95.5 URS6 | and the list goes on.
Never underestimate the entertainment value of OCD overruling Common Sense
Last edited by a2wolfsburggli on Mon Oct 04, 2021 1:05 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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Howesight
Samba Member
Joined: July 02, 2008
Posts: 3419
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:58 pm Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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For my SVX-powered Syncro Westy, I built my own cruise control from an assortment of VW-Audi parts, plus epoxy for my turn signal stalk switch. The idea was to put all these parts together in very much the way the factory Vanagon system worked, albeit using the Subaru actuator-with-attached cable setup. For me, it was a fun project and the system works well, but it is not a practical approach. It took me far too long. I just couldn't bring myself to throw out all those spare parts gathered over the years from other vehicles, so I committed to making my Franken-cruise. The thread is here:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8094550&highlight=#8094550
Having said that, I did look at the major aftermarket units before committing to the DIY approach and the Rostra appeared to have the best reviews from people installing that unit on a variety of vehicles. If you like solving puzzles, no matter the time involved, go DIY as I did. If not, go Rostra.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32988
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4588
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 7:15 pm Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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mines in my engine and works well for almost 2 decades now first on 1.8 and now on subi. I can see how an automatics may need it pulling before the tranny.
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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DeLvxe
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2019
Posts: 143
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:45 pm Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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In installed the GW kit on my 91 Westy manual with a Subaru 2.5. My van never had cruise control, but I found an OEM cruise control stalk and it works great if you at looking to keep it OEM. I've been happy with the cruise control and put maybe 6,000 miles on it in a short time. It cuts out on hills where the van cannot keep the speed. Initially it also cut out on big bumps, but I lowered the sensitivity of the switches and its been great sense.
I followed GW's instructions. If I had to do it again, I would relocate the controller to the engine bay. It works fine under the dash, but I don't like that I can hear it activate. I also think it wouldn't have to work as hard in the engine bay. May move it there when my list of projects is complete.
The GW kit is very nice and well thought out -- I'd suggest giving it serious consideration unless funds are very tight and you are pretty skilled. The brake and clutch switches are nice and unique to GW.
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1991 manual camper with EJ25 |
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Scubavw
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2008
Posts: 85
Location: Montose, CO
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| Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 4:57 am Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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| Thanks for all the great info. I will give it a try. |
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a2wolfsburggli
Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2018
Posts: 283
Location: WI
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| Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 8:14 am Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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| Scubavw wrote: |
| Thanks for all the great info. I will give it a try. |
Here's the kit:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265174771421
And the stalk I used:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/222919036065?hash=item33e7028ca1:g:RScAAOSwjpRazU4W
And the GW VSS if you're still using the stock speedo:
https://www.gowesty.com/product/cruise-control/23945/gowesty-vehicle-speed-sensor-?v=
GW install pdf:
https://www.gowesty.com/files/GW-CRUISE0.pdf
Set the dip switches to my earlier linked how to. You may find you want to adjust them a bit as you have a Subaru that isn't as underpowered as my stock 2.1
You can install to most of GW's install documentation or you can put it in the engine compartment. Your choice.
You don't need the brake and clutch switches. You can tap into the brake light wiring at the master cyl pressure switch or the lighting junction box in the engine compartment. I didn't put a clutch switch in. I can handle remembering not to push in the clutch when going down the hwy at 70. lol.
The Engine Compartment install requires lengthening the wiring harness for the stalk and VSS and any pedal switches you decied to install.
_________________
Current: '74 Type 181 | '16 Audi Q5 3.0T S-Line Chipped to ~460hp
Past:'87 Westfalia | '09 CC 3.6L 4motion "R36 wannabe" | '02 Audi TT "ALMS Edition" | '84 Jetta GLI with Autotech Supercharger | '89 Helios Jetta GLI 16v's (x2) | '95.5 URS6 | and the list goes on.
Never underestimate the entertainment value of OCD overruling Common Sense |
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webwalker
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2006
Posts: 2803
Location: Mount Laurel, NJ
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| Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2021 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Universal Cruise Control Experience |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
I've installed the Rostra universal on two cars, incl. a Bostig Vanagon, and the results were trouble-free and what I expect from factory installed CC.
I really like the RF switch that can be mounted on the steering wheel and controlled w/out removing a hand from the steering wheel.
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Apparently they either don't sell this anymore, or have hidden it well on their website. I remember seeing the current Rostra controls in JC Whitney catalog circa 30 years ago. You'd think they'd at least refresh the interface!
webwalker
_________________
"Consistent maintenance with quality products is the cheapest warranty you'll ever need."
1977 CE1 Transporter Deluxe, Subaru EJ22, Skills Cooling, Steedle HD 091 w/ GuardT .82 4th
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