ALH diesel, who makes the Vanagon install kit?

[Gnarlodious]

I'm considering going to ALH TDi but I understand it needs a custom oil pan and oil pickup tube. Is there a kit for that conversion? Does someone in Europe make it?
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Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit

[Escorial Syncro]

http://www.foreignautosupply.com/parts-accessories/category/engine-conversion-install-kit/
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Joel Lane
1985 Vanagon converted to syncro, ALH TDI, Reimo Primus top with Westy interior
2002 Toyota Tundra 4x4
1974 Honda CL360 Scrambler (for sale!)

[OlisGarage]

I’m not sure if there is a 100% kit aside from FAS. This guy has some really neat parts that are useful

https://ultimate-engineering.co.uk/

There used to be a kit to install an ALH at 15 degrees. Those are no longer being made.


My personal recommendation is to go AHU or 1Z at 50 degrees. It’s a little more straight forward.
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1981 VW Vangagon TDI (in progress)
1984 VW Rabbit Convertible (daily)
2003 VW Jetta Wagon TDI (recovering from a hit and run)

[MarkWard]

I’m running my ALH at 50 degrees without any problems. It’s connected with a Vanagon diesel bellhousing, with a aftermarket larger input shaft and Dual Mass Flywheel. At the time I fabricated an oil pan using the ALH pan mounting surface. I’m also using the Vanagon diesel carrier bars. Custom is the engine brackets that connect the engine to the carrier bars. I’ve always been unhappy with the custom oil pan and missed the opportunity to purchase one from FAS. I’d recently purchased the stock diesel oil pan adapter from the UK company above. I have not installed it. There was a question as to the adapter with the diesel pan fitting past the AC compressor. Just haven’t had the time to investigate and the UK company at the time had no idea if it would work with AC. They said if it didn’t work, they’d help me sell it on to someone in the US.

Right now FAS seems to be the only complete setup kit. I’ve dealt with them on small items and the pictures of the kits look well thought out. I’m so happy with the ALH, that if I was doing another, I’d have no problem using an FAS kit. If welding and fabrication are not in your experience bucket, a complete kit seems like a good direction for you. Good luck. You won’t regret the power upgrade.
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☮️

[uberaudi]

Another option would be Pioneer Wagonwerks. Same company that's behind all the billet transaxle goodness that Weddle is offering.

http://www.pioneerwagenwerks.com/products.html
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'84 Adventurewagen 1Z Tdi, '89 Tintop ABA, and a 86 Syncro tintop WBX.

[AndyBees]

Like Mark, I did the ALH install on a 50 degree using the OE Diesel Bell Housing.
Dual Mass Flywheel using the aftermarket pilot shaft for the clutch disc.
OE Diesel mounting bars, modified the right side to accommodate the AC Compressor.
I used hydraulic mounts but later changed to the OE diesel mounts.
I used an adapter for the OE TDI starter.

My engine does sit high by about an inch or slightly more. I had a raised deck lid fabricated and then raised the surrounding area, very functional.

My first oil pan was a disaster (my fault and the welder's fault too).
The second oil pan fit perfect, looked good, but the thin aluminum metal I chose cracked away from the welds.
The third attempt was Stainless Steel ...... no leaks and it is awesome.
Total outlay for the oil pans was likely over $500

The first exhaust system was functional but not what I wanted.
The second exhaust system was made of stainless steel from Columbia Bending in Washington State. I cut everything the way I wanted it welded. I used the V clamp system as well as spring loaded donut joints so I could hang the set-up from the body ...... no vibes and works great.

So, it was a trial and error that I started in 2009. Almost 90k miles later, I have no regrets.

Oh, I did "build" a transmission first off in the order of things! This is a must in my opinion.
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'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI. 1989 Tin-top
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine. Seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003.

[dublife13]

[uberaudi]

Dublife, I don't know anyone who's running this Pioneer setup but it seems well made.

All you ALH'ers running a factory diesel bell housing...I was under the impression that the bell didn't bolt up. Are you using an adapter or have I been misled this whole time?!
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'84 Adventurewagen 1Z Tdi, '89 Tintop ABA, and a 86 Syncro tintop WBX.

[OlisGarage]

It bolts right up. The coolant lines however, do not line up like the older diesel.

There also is an adapter plate sold by ultimate engineering to clock the ALH to 15 degrees and still run a dual mass flywheel. That is the setup that I am running.
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1981 VW Vangagon TDI (in progress)
1984 VW Rabbit Convertible (daily)
2003 VW Jetta Wagon TDI (recovering from a hit and run)

[uberaudi]

Damn that's great! Thanks for the confirmation Olis!
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'84 Adventurewagen 1Z Tdi, '89 Tintop ABA, and a 86 Syncro tintop WBX.

[SyncroTrev]

[Gnarlodious]

[uberaudi]

Great news! Who's going to make the 'bolt on' silicone coolant hose set now?
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'84 Adventurewagen 1Z Tdi, '89 Tintop ABA, and a 86 Syncro tintop WBX.