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vodo1976 Samba Member
Joined: February 01, 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Navarro, CA
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Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 4:42 pm Post subject: Jetta 2.5 se conversion? |
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Someone just wrecked their Jetta 2.5 se near my house
Will that engine fit into my 86 Westy? |
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MarkWard Samba Member

Joined: February 09, 2005 Posts: 18751 Location: Retired South Florida
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Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 5:14 pm Post subject: Re: Jetta 2.5 se conversion? |
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I had to google it. Looks to be an inline 5 cylinder. Owners have installed the Audi version of that engine. Maybe slight trimming. I recall reading there was a South African Vanagon that had a 5 cylinder new.
Probably not a weekend project, but with skills, time, and money, I’m sure it’s possible. |
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OlisGarage Samba Member
Joined: June 01, 2022 Posts: 240 Location: Indianapolis, IN
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vodo1976 Samba Member
Joined: February 01, 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Navarro, CA
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Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 7:45 pm Post subject: Re: Jetta 2.5 se conversion? |
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Awesome. Thanks for the link.
Gotta figure out if I need the diesel bell housing. |
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danfromsyr Samba Member

Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15352 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 4:47 am Post subject: Re: Jetta 2.5 se conversion? |
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No you don't use the diesel 50* bellhousing
you use a Kennedy Adapter plate.
and some DIY fabrication. _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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Kdj Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2017 Posts: 269 Location: Naptown
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 5:36 am Post subject: Re: Jetta 2.5 se conversion? |
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Yes the 07k from a 2.5 jetta will fit in a vanagon.
It will take some fabrication. I posted what I did in the earlier linked thread.
Also suggest you read Pchills thread on Honda k-24 swap. His excellent skill is what inspired me. There are a couple of other k-24 threads also.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=766259&highlight=k24
The biggest hurdle is the front timing cover. I opted to raise my engine cover but have since learned of a better solution. The audi DAZA found in RS3's has a timing cover that would solve this problem pretty easily. Then its the intake manifold, again aftermarket solutions are available or just keep it stock.
Got more then 2000 miles so far and am very happy. Torque is your friend when trying to push a brick down the road. This engine has it. Maybe not as much as a diesel, but a big jump over the old 1.8 8v that was in my van when I got it. |
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vodo1976 Samba Member
Joined: February 01, 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Navarro, CA
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:06 am Post subject: Re: Jetta 2.5 se conversion? |
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I think you mentioned that the conversion cost you about $5,000 using your own labor.
Does that include the cost of the engine?
What are the major costs/parts?
Also, can I stick with my stock transmission? |
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vodo1976 Samba Member
Joined: February 01, 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Navarro, CA
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:34 am Post subject: Re: Jetta 2.5 se conversion? |
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I think you mentioned that the conversion cost you about $5,000 using your own labor.
Does that include the cost of the engine?
What are the major costs/parts?
Also, can I stick with my stock transmission? |
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vodo1976 Samba Member
Joined: February 01, 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Navarro, CA
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:38 am Post subject: Re: Jetta 2.5 se conversion? |
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Oh man. This looks like it may be over my skill and commitment level.
Might just need to find a conversion that has a comprehensive kit.
I can do basic welding (MIG) and some electrical work, but that’s about the extent of my skill level.
Plus I can barely fit my van in my tiny over-stuffed garage! |
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Kdj Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2017 Posts: 269 Location: Naptown
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:57 am Post subject: Re: Jetta 2.5 se conversion? |
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There's a link to a spreadsheet with cost brake down in the 07k thread. I'm just guy in his garage also, so don't underrate yourself. Though do have access to some equipment at work there really isn't anything that can't be done with a mig welder and angle grinder. If you want it you can do it! But also much respect a man who know his limitations. |
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