Help deciphering a Syncro

[bnam]

Hi!
A friend here in India just picked up a VW Syncro T3. These were never officially sold here and were typically private, consular, or govt imports.

The seller had 2 Typ 3s. One was this syncro and the other a camper (without its TD engine).

We're trying to decipher some inconsistencies and need help on this.

The Syncro is RHD with a DJ code engine.

As I looked up the info, somethings did not seem to fit together well. The manf plate and m-code sticker are both there.

Here's the data --

Manf plate:

Typ - 253 - 299 (this was confusing as it indicates a LHD with 1.6L TD engine if I've interpreted it correctly).

Chassis number: WV2ZZZ25ZHG051167 (this shows up on one site as an 87 Combi 2WD). Go Westy says:
W - germany
V - VW
2 - MPV
Z - camper
Z - ?
Z - ?
25 - Vanagon
Z - check digit
H - 1987
G - Graz (normally for Syncro)

In my search I came across both Westy's and a Doka Syncro that came with ZZZ - so could ZZZ in this case refer to the syncro?

M-code sticker:
ENGINE CODE/Trans Code: DJ AAK
PAINT NO/INTERIOR: LH1B/LH9D AK
M-options: DWZ HS8 018 183 187 343 545 573 999

THe paint (Bamboo yellow lower, white on top) and other options seem to match.
I did not get info on DWZ and HS8.

So, what's going on here? Is the manf ID consistent with a Syncro?

If it is consistent with a Syncro, then the remaining inconsistencies would be: (1) the TYP showing as 253 which is listed in all the lists as a LHD while this is clearly a RHD. My friend believes he has seen instances of UK RHD Syncros with 253 as typ.

(2) typ 253-299 --> the engine seems to point to a 1.6L TD while the Mcode shows a DJ engine. Is it possible that in this case the 299 just refers to M299 (syncro option)?

(3) the DJ engine has a carb and looks factory. My friend was expecting DJs to be FI only.

Thanks!
_________________
1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
Click to view image
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

[syncrodoka]

ZZZ is a european vin code

[termuehlen]

As you indicate in your VIN reading, the last G means it was built in Graz. Only syncros were assembled in Graz.

As Syncrodoka said, the ZZZ was issued for non-US models. The GoWesty VIN decipher key is intended for US models only. So the meaning of the ZZZ letters is not listed in their key.
_________________
1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx

[MarkWard]

My Syncro does have a ZZZ in the chassis number stamped into the frame near the rf jack point. The door jam and dash have the same number minus the ZZZ. It’s a North American Syncro.

[Arne@kleinersyncro]

Nice find of your friend

The 253-299 is the number for the chassis variant.
253 = window van with up to 9 seats
-299 = add on for Syncro

It doesn’t tell anything about Engine or RHD/LHD. Same with theChassis number, this won’t tell you anything too apart if identifying the car. The multiple Z’s in the European VIN numbers are used as spacer!

The sticker under the dashboard is relevant for engine code, gearbox, paint code and add on’s (M-Codes).

M-Codes List:
http://vwt3.com/t3-tech/t3-data/vw-t3-m-codes-options-list/

Cheers Arne
_________________
1991 Syncro self made camper van, cruising around the Black Forrest area (Germany)
1990 Syncro converted by Camperize NSW, cruising around Australia

[Steve M.]

Think you have all the lines sorted, but this might help. (This VIN # is mine hence the M for 1991 while yours is "H" for 1987.)
_________________
This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[Steve M.]

a good website for info is

http://syncro.org/how-to-fix-a-vw-syncro/
_________________
This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[crazyvwvanman]

The assembly plant depends some on the year. When the Hannover plant was switching over to T4 they diverted 2wd T3 production to Graz as there was still demand. So a 90 or 91 2wd could be built in either place, 92 2wd Graz only afaik.

For example, these in the classifieds.

A 90 2wd from Graz
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2291869

A 91 2wd from Graz
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2286233

Mark

[termuehlen]

Mark:

Thanks for clarifying the late T3 production move to Graz. I had no idea!
_________________
1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx

[bnam]

Thanks guys! I will relay the confirmation to my friend.

Any ideas on the DWZ and HS8 codes?

And, were the 2.1l DJ engines also offered with carb option?
_________________
1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
Click to view image
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

[Arne@kleinersyncro]

Don’t know what the other two codes are, could have been something internal.

The DJ was always EFI via Digijet.

Cheers Arne
_________________
1991 Syncro self made camper van, cruising around the Black Forrest area (Germany)
1990 Syncro converted by Camperize NSW, cruising around Australia

[bnam]

Arne,
This is the engine in the syncro. The engine is a DJ. Factory stamping. But running on carb. It looks like a factory conversion. Definitely not something that would have been done in India.

The syncro was offered by the German Govt to the Indian govt for some social program. We're wondering if it was special ordered with a conversion to carb as FI would not have been maintainable in the rural locations that the van was being destined for. Perhaps the unexplained option codes in the sticker account for it?

_________________
1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
Click to view image
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

[Steve M.]

That is looking exceptionally clean! If the rest of it is like this then you have made a good deal!
_________________
This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[bnam]

MY friend with his new syncro...

_________________
1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
Click to view image
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

[bnam]

On the m-code sticker, the AAK apparently refers to open differential. Any ideas on what the AK in the second line stands for?
_________________
1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
Click to view image
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

[kamzcab86]

[SyncroButter]

Exceptionally clean Syncro, never seen a two tone before... clean looking carb conversion as well. Neat!
_________________
Grant
In the stable: 1986 Syncro Westfalia/Bostig, 1989 Doka Tristar, 1974 Vespa Rally 200, 1973 Vespa Primavera 125, 1963 Solex 2200, 1938 Buick Special
Gone but not forgotten: 1989 Porsche 944, 1973 Standard Beetle

[Steve M.]

[SyncroButter]

PS: tell your friend to change out his gas lines!
_________________
Grant
In the stable: 1986 Syncro Westfalia/Bostig, 1989 Doka Tristar, 1974 Vespa Rally 200, 1973 Vespa Primavera 125, 1963 Solex 2200, 1938 Buick Special
Gone but not forgotten: 1989 Porsche 944, 1973 Standard Beetle

[bnam]