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Vanagon Nut
Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008
Posts: 10379
Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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 Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2020 5:57 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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I agree. The OP is already familiar with a Suby so why not stick with that?
Any swap, stock engine, will need trouble shooting at some point. I see the fun of having a turbo and I'm biased towards the I4 design but to me, the turbo et al are just one more potential failure point.
I've never driven one but would guess that a Suby 2.5 should provide plenty of power.
Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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markswagen
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2018
Posts: 1039
Location: san diego
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| Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2020 7:24 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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a fellow vandiegan, with an EJ25 conversion, recently upgraded to an RJES bell housing, using the stock subaru clutch and flywheel, he says it knocks the spots off the adapter plate and flywheel that are now in a box in my garage.
he said a HUGE difference, i don't see it myself.
if i ever go back to england, i may pick one up, and bring it home.
he said the personal import was pretty easy, and that Richard made it very easy, from his end.
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markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.
619 201 0310 |
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casey79westfalia
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2003
Posts: 1716
Location: Baltimore
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| Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2020 6:30 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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Drive a stock or chipped awp converted 1.8t vanagon! You’ll never think about a Subaru ever again. In regards to support there is over 250 SAH kits on the rd. Very rare to see any issues with that conversion. Mine has been completely flawless in every way. It’s worth the extra coin for an extremely tidy and sorted kit. There is a Facebook group for 1.8t vanagons and it’s very active forum and Stephan usually chimes in pretty quickly to questions. Don’t get me wrong the Subaru is a decent conversion but engine has always felt a little off to me in a vanagon. Just doesn’t have the German feel and power. Its like driving a civic vs driving a corrado. Reliability is incredible with the 1.8t and you would be hard pressed to find a reputable shop that is not familiar with the motor. If you decide to go 1.8t let me know if you need anything! It’s the best conversion for the vanagon hands down.
_________________
66 Westfalia
87 Westfalia Syncro "Phoenix"
88 Double Cab
76 Porsche 914
2014 Audi Q7
2010 Tdi Sportwagen
Currently looking for 62 Double Cab, 66 Westfalia Parts!
(Rear seat and pedestal, bumpers, mirrors)
http://www.baycountrymotors.com
My 87 Syncro Westfalia 1.8t Restoration
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=418933
"Do it the right way, or you'll pay for it" |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16508
Location: Brookeville, MD
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16886
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2020 7:46 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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| casey79westfalia wrote: |
| Just doesn’t have the German feel and power.. |
ah, the german feel... an empty wallet.
i shovel 21 psi of boost down the throat of a mystery AEB i fluffed up and shoved in a rabbit. it's ok for what it is.
you may find a shop familiar with the engine...only a small handful of places will work on a vanagon, let alone ANY car that was swapped.
i dunno...will be interesting to see how this shakes out.
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16508
Location: Brookeville, MD
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12115
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2020 8:19 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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Team Casey is on it.
_________________
Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16886
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2020 11:35 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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| dobryan wrote: |
| Skills, I am not sure what you are referencing. The 1.8t swap or the Subie when you mention about shop support issues. |
what i mean is you would be hard pressed to get any shop to look at a vanagon, let alone a swapped one.
it would be like bringing a jeep liberty with a Cummins swap to the dealer..
not many shops would work on a vanagon. i know a lot of shops with a 10-15 year cutoff as it is.
sounds like you do your own work, like most vw folks do, and that's fine. i think if you're looking for service on the road, you'd be lucky to find someone to look at it.
i dunno... if you're doing a fresh build...it's a toss up. at least here in good old Sticksville i can find a subaru WAY easier than a 1.8t. in fact, my sharTTruck engine came out of new york and my spare from new jersey...
i get the whole "keep it german" deal but in my mind it comes down to bang for the buck.
i considered building a nasty NA engine for my project... i built a killer tallblock for my jetta and it put 170 hp down to the wheels. the cost was staggering...
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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casey79westfalia
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2003
Posts: 1716
Location: Baltimore
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| Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:59 am Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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| dobryan wrote: |
Casey, you are likely within an hour of me. Can I get a demo drive? Pretty please?  |
No matter what engine or conversion you are doing you will be going down the rabbit hole of replacing many, many parts along the way. I chose to restore my entire van all the systems while I was doing the 1.8t. When in Rome!! In response to getting a shop to look at your vanagon, I think in the scenario that if you are broken down a decent reliable shop would certainly be willing to help. Seriously what shop wants to work on a stock wbx vanagon these days in general??, mechanics most likely these days have never ever touched a wbx. They would probably be excited to know it has a modern engine that they have seen many times. You could explain to them where things are so they can get there head around things in the engine bay. A good mechanic will appreciate the SAH kit. I did my entire conversion myself and recommend that if you have the time. It allowed me to completely understand the engine, wiring, hoses, etc. It’s a very tidy and well thought out kit. Let’s be honest if you are installing a 1.8t conversion you really should be able to fix most things on your vanagon yourself or at least know where everything is. I wouldn’t expect an engine or trans, timing belt or engine rebuild on the side of the road but most of the small things should be able to be handled with a replacement part. Having the obd2 is paramount. I was messing with my speedo cluster a few months back and unplugged the speedometer and forgot to hook it back up. Went for a drive and my check engine light came on for a speed sensor. Reached out to Stephan and he said “is your Speedo unhooked” I realized at that moment what had happened. Plugged it back in and light was off. If you talked with the mechanic or parts store with a “p0420” code. They certainly could sell you an oxygen sensor and would know how to fix that. I wouldn’t be worried about blowing your turbo, or engine in a 1.8t. Carry a couple spare parts (coilpacks, oxygen sensors,etc. and you can travel the world. Let me know if you want me to give you a test drive! You can camp at my property and go over my conversion.
_________________
66 Westfalia
87 Westfalia Syncro "Phoenix"
88 Double Cab
76 Porsche 914
2014 Audi Q7
2010 Tdi Sportwagen
Currently looking for 62 Double Cab, 66 Westfalia Parts!
(Rear seat and pedestal, bumpers, mirrors)
http://www.baycountrymotors.com
My 87 Syncro Westfalia 1.8t Restoration
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=418933
"Do it the right way, or you'll pay for it" |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16508
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:19 am Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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Casey and Skills,
I've been fortunate enough to have been driving and repairing a VW bus for the last 43 years. 22 years of a '71 Bay and the last 21 years in Vanagons. The only thing I have never taken apart and rebuilt was a transmission. All my vehicles have had pretty much every mechanical part replaced throughout the years, by me, so I ain't skeered of working on the bus converted or not. I did an EJ25 conversion on the '87 westy back in 2008 when you had to cobble together all the parts from various places and put together instructions by copying parts of various emails from the subaruvanagon listserve that Warren ran. 
As for finding a shop to work on it if needed I guess I've been fortunate. The very few times I needed some help I was able to get it. It helps a lot if you are able to tell them what is wrong and what you need them to do. And I've had the subaru conversion admired by several Subaru shops, even a dealer. They all were willing to work on it if I asked.
So I will not shy away from the conversion but I do not want to break new ground. I'd like the conversion to be something that is tried and true. If I can find a 1.8T that fits the bill that would be under consideration. I know the EJ25 will work and that is currently top of my list. MMMV. 
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794 |
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casey79westfalia
Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2003
Posts: 1716
Location: Baltimore
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| Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 10:07 am Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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Dobryan,
Sounds like you have had plenty of success with the Subaru conversion. I completely understand not wanting to relearn a conversion and really why bother. It’s nice to have a foundation you can build off of. I personally was never impressed with Subaru in its power delivery. I also really wanted to keep the engine vw! If budget is tight I wouldn’t consider the 1.8t. I will say it was worth it in the end and resale on them seems to be through the roof! I have no plans on selling mine ever!
_________________
66 Westfalia
87 Westfalia Syncro "Phoenix"
88 Double Cab
76 Porsche 914
2014 Audi Q7
2010 Tdi Sportwagen
Currently looking for 62 Double Cab, 66 Westfalia Parts!
(Rear seat and pedestal, bumpers, mirrors)
http://www.baycountrymotors.com
My 87 Syncro Westfalia 1.8t Restoration
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=418933
"Do it the right way, or you'll pay for it" |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16508
Location: Brookeville, MD
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mrshrimp
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2013
Posts: 373
Location: Portland
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| Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 4:59 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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| Why limit yourself to a suby 2.5? If you want more power then consider the H6 3.0 and SVX 3.3. Both kits available, you keep your suby knowledge and get more power. Will still be cheaper too. |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16508
Location: Brookeville, MD
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mrshrimp
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2013
Posts: 373
Location: Portland
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| Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:09 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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| No loss of power? If so then just go with H6 to make up for it. |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16508
Location: Brookeville, MD
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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 6:51 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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| dobryan wrote: |
| Do not need more power than the EJ25. The allure of the 1.8t is no loss at altitude. |
EXACTLY. And the ease to chip it even more. I'd sure as hell not have my Passat 4Motion in any other flavour. Stage 1 I'm adding takes it to 211 hp, and it isn't losing much at all at 4300' where I live OR if I decide to go to 11000'. Oh, not to mention the fatter mid-range powerband, right where it's needed. |
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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 6:53 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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| mrshrimp wrote: |
| No loss of power? If so then just go with H6 to make up for it. |
Last one of those I drove (in a Syncro) wasn't any more exciting that the tuned mTDI Syncro I was driving. |
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mrshrimp
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2013
Posts: 373
Location: Portland
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| Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 10:03 pm Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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| Would the H6 give some relief on the torque end of things? |
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Zeitgeist 13
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 12115
Location: Port Manteau
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| Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 12:48 am Post subject: Re: 1.8T conversion kit other than SAH or FAS? |
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No six cylinder gasser has ever produced acceptable fuel mileage for a T3; it's a cruel joke. I seriously considered installing the V6 from my old Audi 100CSQ I parted, but the shitty fuel economy reports from the Sambaru sixes convinced me otherwise.
I'm constantly baffled as to why Sambarus are so popular with these vans. The torque curve is silly and all wrong for an un-aerodynamic truck. The power is middling to meh, so the appeal is just a head-shaker.
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Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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