Turbocharged Transformation | I Converted my VW Vanagon to Boxeer TDI Diesel | Living The Van Life

Boxeer VW TDI Engine Conversion: www.boxeer.com
Follow Boxeer on Instagram: @Boxeer_ / boxeer_
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Living The Van Life Instagram: @LivingTheVanLife
/ livingthevanlife
🔧 Watch a 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon go from gas to turbo diesel! This DIY project covers the process, from engine swap to test drive, all while living the van life.
🚗 Embrace Van Life with TDI Upgrade: Check out this step-by-step guide for swapping in a modern turbo diesel engine, using the original transaxle, and unlocking van life adventures.
⚙️ Boxeer Conversion Kit: See how this kit makes the Volkswagen Vanagon turbo diesel swap smooth, and get insights from our challenges.
🔊 Feel the New Power: Join for a test drive to experience the enhanced performance and the freedom of living on the road.
🛠️ Perfect for DIY Fans and Van Life Enthusiasts: If you're into hands-on auto work and dreaming of van life, you'll love this video's tips and insights.
📈 Subscribe for More: Don't miss future automotive adventures and van life content - hit that subscribe button!
#VWVanagon #DieselConversion #DIYAuto #TurboDiesel #VanLife #AutoUpgrades

[@akseakayaker]

I much prefer these VW Westfalia videos over your Sprinter Van ones. Thanks for bringing the old blue VW back

[@mohammadzaigam.]

Good to see old Vanagon back

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@11fireflower]

Agreed.

[@brianbrwa]

​​​@@LivingTheVanLifeI'm old school. Question, -how many cans have you welded?- the viscous clutch has a torque limit. Looks like you did a subie driveline when you did the EA. automatic on a syncro was unobtanium. Anyway, I saw that as of yet, nobody has been successful in adapting a Subaru drivetrain.

[@laska907]

What happened to the sprinter van?

[@psumike6906]

Dude you are killing me! A MOTOR is electric. Ok I’ll let it go. But you say Vokswagen and not VOLKSWAGEN!! There is an L in there and don’t claim to say it the “German” way either because it’s VolksVagen that way. I know you have a big mush mouth and a lot of tongue and teeth in there do it right you’re pissing us off!

[@ricoolivier]

In 80's South Africa these VW Busses had a whole industry dedicated to fitting Ford V6 3litre engines to them for towing purposes. Later VWSA fitted an Audi derived 2.5 and later 2.6 5 cylinder engines along with many body upgrades including larger side windows. Beautiful busses and heart warming to see yours getting a new life! Well done!

[@bkny]

It's really nice to see your old van again! I know Sprinter is comfortable, but this VW has its own charm. Looking forward to watch another cool video soon! Cheers bud!

[@SSurfer1]

​@@Carson-pb5pfgo away

[@Sithhy]

I know, right? The Sprinter is cool & more offroad capable than the VW, but when he switched to the Sprinter, I felt like the channel lost its charm to some degree

[@mrlee70189]

It's nice to see the old VW again (the Sprinter is expensive and frankly didn't really hit me). I'm happy to be able to watch it again !!.

[@kst357]

That was an awesome engine swap video. LS swaps are all the rage these days but the popularity of diesel engines is growing in the off-road community because of the gobs of torque they produce. If you told someone that you could get 30% more torque & 26 mpg in a Vanagon they'd never believe it but you did it. Well done!

[@ec6933]

Man... I've been watching your videos for the last couple years, my sister and her husband who I also watch them with, (You he and I all look quite a bit alike lol) Just moved to Nashville. I'm up here in Ohio, with a TDI Wrangler but watching this I don't feel like I've been able to relate to somebody almost so much in my entire life. Every time I went to scroll forward a little you were still talking about all the technical aspects and I had to stop and keep listening just because I love that stuff and nobody ever talks about it. If you're ever in Ohio and want to TDI off-road or just compare and contrast I would absolutely love to see this thing in person I've looked at some westfallias but the price is just too crazy anymore. Hit me up if you're around town man! I'm sure you already know but you can do a stage 2 tune without changing a single thing just loading a $500 computer file and get another 50 horse out of these things although to be honest 150 is plenty for what we run then probably 350 torque if I had to guess, with our old stuff we're going to break things if we keep pushing it I've got a 95 Wrangler with ko2 35s, 4.88 gears and a 5 speed and average about 26 myself... When I had 33s and 3.73s I could get about 33 if I kept.my foot out of it... Probably need to go to 4.56s ... Or back to 33s, there's just something about having a swap TDI... The technology is new enough that it's stupid reliable like a Toyota, great gas mileage, you never have to worry about putting miles on it because that's what it was designed for, I plan on keeping mine forever.

[@yellowkamper84]

Looks a great engine, I converted mine a 1984 T3 in 2003 from a 1996 golf . It has now done 250,000 miles all over Europe. I used the flyby wire throttle in the cab but just used a longer wire, I also used Electric power steering , saved all that pump ,oil and pipes. I was amazed how clean yours is under neath, I am in the UK and it is always thick in mud and rust from salted roads. I have thr 4 speed manul box that I fitted a higher final drive and used 15" wheels with 220x70x15 tyres it drives at 60mph at 2500 rpm

[@StellaBlueWesty]

Thanks for this info, it's helpful to those of looking into options.

[@chrisc4288]

Need to see a video about how you changed the engine lid with the engine conversion Chad!

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Perhaps on a follow up video. Cheers!

[@brianbonessa6876]

Awesome, so glad to see you back out in the Vanagon. This is the reason I started watching you in the first place.

[@frock512]

I knew you were a gear head !! You’re not just living the van life , your living the Life !! . Great job on all your accomplishments looking forward to seeing more adventures.

[@dejanmaksic9770]

here in Serbia (central Europe) we use diesel engines a lot and WV is known for its efficiency and low fuel consumption, chip tuning can make the TDI engine even more efficient in terms of consumption.. and the combination of a modern TDI engine and an old automatic transmission makes your van indestructible... All the best and greetings from Serbia 🇷🇸

[@ringonotts]

I’m glad you mentioned the gearbox because here in the UK people have been chewing through stock manual gearboxes after fitting a tdi lump. Is the auto box stronger than the manual box?

[@StellaBlueWesty]

@@ringonotts I would like to know the answer to this as well. I have heard that upgrading the transaxle is basically a must do if you do this TDI conversion. Also, there is information out there about catastrophic water contamination issues that destroyed one gents engine after investing $15K+ into this.

[@ringonotts]

@@StellaBlueWesty well that comment was 9 months ago so i guess its a secret... 😅

[@StellaBlueWesty]

@@ringonotts there seems be to much ambiguity around this Boxeer option for sure.

[@AJ-qn6gd]

The best of the old meets the best of the new, the T3 is my favourite Transporter and the Tdi is my favourite (VAG) engine we have a T5 with the 1.9 Tdi pd engine with a mere 140,000 miles which gives 34-36 mpg (imperial) which gives a range of 600 miles. Love the videos with the T3 in them 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@NoProGoPronto]

It's so good to see you Chad. I watched every second of this video. I'm not a gear head at all, but I find this so interesting. The fact that you are familiar with every inch of your van mechanically must give you amazing confidence. This was so awesome! Keep On Truckin' 🙂

[@warbirdwf]

Great video with super simple explanations through the installation process. As always, beautifully videoed and edited. I'd love to see you and the Vanagon drive up into the mountains during a good blizzard this winter. Love seeing you cook a great meal and being so comfortable inside the Vanagon during the storm.

[@zevilaga]

Welcome back, Vanogan! Chad, it was really interesting to see the heart transplant of your old van. Fun fact: the new heart was built in Győr, Hungary, where Audi operates the largest engine factory of the Goobe. Cheers from Hungary ;)

[@globeztar]

Gotta love the Vanagan. Nice to see you keep her in honour. Especially, because she‘s a big part of your success 👍🏼

[@deanwaller8283]

So good to see the old girl back in the limelight,the mercedes is a beast to be sure,but the old VW has a special place in all our hearts,here's to many more years of her rolling on to bigger and better things!!!!

[@MrMfaust5]

This is a terrific conversion Chad; the T3 is once more a full fetched Volkswagen!

[@motoken]

Nothing beats a small offroad rig. no matter how comfy the sprinter is.

[@JohnQuest]

I Love My Boxeer Diesel Engine in My 1982 VW Westy 4 Speed, but need to convert the transmission into 5 speed! Love every time I start the Westy and down shifting! I’m getting about 28 mpg!

[@Waltygo87]

It was a treat to see all the hard work that goes into upgrading the van! I’m super jealous! Excited to see new videos with the vanagon! Keep on truckin’

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Chad. Glad to see the Vanagon back on the road and searching for the next adventure.

[@cek347]

I appreciate you still making content with the Vanagon!

[@deerwoodretreat]

The beauty of it is now you can run the diesel heater off the fuel tank. Nice!

[@conarc-d1037]

I love these conversation videos more than even some the winter vids!

[@burnhamproject]

I’m not big on sentimentalism, but it’s cool that you’ve not forgotten the ole VW that has been as much of a character in your story as even yourself.

[@SuziPoozi]

LOVE this video! I really like the deep dive into all that was involved in making this happen.

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Cheers to that! Thanks for watching!

[@JeffJones-im1dx]

Wish I still had my 1991 Westfalia. Mine was 2WD, stock, new when I bought. Nice layout inside. Spent a lot of years camping and windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge using this van.

[@uritaub5441]

I think you will find out VW turbo diesels do not like dusty environments. A good idea would be for the air intake to be extended into a snorkel. Regardless, you should idle on startup and shutoff for at least 30 seconds to conserve the turbo. Great to see you back Chad. Best regards from Jerusalem!

[@palousemoto4927]

You can build a bulkhead to close the void between where he has the air filter and the engine, this will make it draw much cleaner air from the side louvers on the van.

[@truckrodhoodlum]

Any engine doesn't want dirt (scored cylinders) DUH

[@uritaub5441]

@@truckrodhoodlum VW TDI especially. But Chad likes the outdoors, and that why we love him and the channel!

[@uritaub5441]

@@palousemoto4927 last video, i think i saw a snorkel!!!

[@neiljenkins2996]

Excellent upgrade - I look forward to seeing what adventures lie ahead for the vanagon .. Thanks Chad !

[@boufd2008]

Good to see you again Chad, I don't see you on my feed like I used to. Nice to see your van with a new heart ! Peace out !

[@claymiller1893]

love the new build, ive not watched some of your content the past few months but this one was spot on. keep it up

[@braddoell1146]

I’ve missed the old Vanagon Vids. Glad it got a new heart and looking forward to new adventures!🙌🏻🥳

[@faceup9257]

I noticed You are not only a van lifer But also a motor enthusiast You have a great know how on engines and total system.

[@RetireandGo]

Loved this conversion! That engine looked so good Great video as always

[@japtasticify]

So glad you kept the Vanagon ….fell in love with them years ago,I’ve had two the latest being a turbo 1.6 diesel 🚌…keep on truckin Chad✌️

[@paulzed8698]

awesome video Chad - great to see the Vanagon getting some love!

[@kanojoe1968]

Great idea for this swap, 👏 👍 One ? For ya .... oil scavenging due to your need for 50 degree tilt vs 15 is sustainable

[@Ronnie_Sh]

Great job chad.. looking forward to see more videos of the VW with the new motor 👍🏻

[@jockajoe9801]

It's already 42 minutes has been passed without noticing it cz of the excitement of the content on that video, thank you chad ✌🏻✌🏻 Greetings from Algerian fan .

[@Delta922]

Chad, congratulations!! It takes a lot to impress me and I'm impressed. 👍

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Another great video from one of the best creators out there. Cheers Chad.

[@ec6933]

Also thanks for not splitting this up into some crazy long series I would have actually even watched a third part, but it was awesome that I didn't have to suffer for another week for another video lol I just sat here and watch the whole thing thanks again man I actually bought a solo stove because of you too! Hahaha

[@rebeccahanson9864]

That's wonderful getting your van fixed. Brand new motor is awesome! ❤

[@robertsuggs7687]

This is so cool you finally made a KZbin video about converting your Van again I first show it on Instagram it's so awesome seeing the whole process

[@derektodd4126]

Just Loving the way the mechanics of these Volkswagon group cars and vans are. Like the way your mechanic @ 30-33 decided to put on a pair of safety specs. Best wishes from Northern Ireland.

[@JimmyDistheMan]

I've been subscribed since 2011 or 2012. I'm glad to see you back in the VW.

[@J4060]

King of the road! Rad van, Chad. Congratulations. Enjoy outdoors, keep on truckin' ✌️

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Cheers my friend

[@mikedelacruz3135]

Super dope to see the o’l Vanagon get some much needed & next level upgrades ✊🏼🧐! Awesome episode Brother Chad, can’t wait to see her back in action!! Cheers, ✌🏻out…. Keep on Trucking My Guy. 👊🏼😎🤙🏼

[@tj-kv6vr]

Simply a very interesting and informative video. Well done Chad. Would like to see how you addressed the engine lid.

[@ruchiramunjal6061]

Looks Amazing Chad !! Good To See Old Vanagon Back . Keep Truckin’ . ✌️

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Cheers! Thanks for watching!

[@ericanewalt4009]

Boy does your van sound GREAT!!!

[@johnkuiper8907]

Glad to see the old van, back in action !!

[@FarrellMcGovern]

It's great to see the old beastie again, with an upgraded heart! Have fun!

[@danielcargill8019]

Congrats on 700,000!!

[@speedygonzales9993]

INCREDIBLE! Just bloody INCREDIBLE!, Chad. Thought we would never see that Vanagon again.

[@robpastore]

Saw you yesterday roaming in btown the rig looks amazing Chad keep up with the incredible content #livingthevanlife

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Hell yeah! Thanks bro!

[@Robert-bm5fz]

Love that vanagon. Glad to see it getting an upgrade and new life.

[@edwardashworth5195]

Great video glad to hear the van running good again🎉

[@ahmetozdilek1355]

Good to see You after long Time 😊 greetings from Turkey 🇹🇷

[@timgray3638]

Brilliant conversion, love it.

[@rodneygilliland2970]

Thank you for bringing your good old van back 👍

[@scottbartlett4853]

I love the DBW to DBC hack! Nicely done gents!

[@calvinmarshall1610]

Congratulations on the new and improved vanagan 😅 cant wait for the next adventure

[@BrianKrahmer]

it's great to see Greg again. i have been following his projects for many years, and can't wait to put a newer TDI into my '75 bus in a couple years. it's a hard decision for me, however, to choose between a hopped up ALH or a newer common rail. i've driven both engines 140k and 40k miles, and there are pros and cons to both

[@Syncrogreg]

Let's do it!! 🙌

[@bearpits]

I really wish that after all these years someone would post a comprehensive video on Vanagon automatic transmissions. I just put an ej25 in my 87' Westy along with a transmission cooler and while the 3-speed auto still shifts great, I cant help the overlying thoughts of what could happen and what I could do to further extend its life. Apart from that, I keep revisiting this video just to see the new life that was put into this amazing Van. Long time fan Chad ! keep up the awesome vids

[@LivingTheVanLife]

The single best thing you can do is keeping the transmission cool. Put a trans temp gauge on it. Make sure it doesn’t ever get much hotter than 185-200

[@bearpits]

@@LivingTheVanLife I have the temp going to a scan gauge which is great ! When I first picked up the van in Washington, I kept this video in mind driving it back across country just for the simple fact that just because I can now do 80mph doesn't mean I should ! Slow and steady

[@quickdogproductions]

I agree. As an auto owner there is not enough detailed information on 3-speed Vanagon transmissions. Someone needs to do the research and get it out there!

[@rover5788]

Wow! Awesome conversion! Congrats! 😀

[@cennsa140driver]

Gotta love those HF lift tables for engine changing in a vanagon! Nice upgrade and sounds like it will suit your driving mission well. Our Westy with subie 2.5 and matching reversed ring/pinion 5 speed gets us 22-23 mpg overall. That includes a combination of 70 mph highway cruising and Adirondack mountain roads. The 4.11:1 gears let you turn 3,300 rpm at 70mph with 16" wheels. I don't off road so that works for us. The drive train has around 30k on and is holding up well.

[@forgedinfire8137]

that's a very cool upgrade. quite the engineering accomplishment. cool company. take care out there Chad

[@rekamniar]

Super cool engine. The oil pan looks neat

[@FredOzeee]

Greg....t'es un champion...impressioné par ce travail méticuleux ...wouahhh !

[@stephaniejohn5232]

Good to see it it still looks great

[@Fitzy6722]

So bloody cool man👍🏽👍🏽All the way from australia

[@mikibajrektarevic2543]

Just found ur channel and i must say it was amazing you guys did awesome work 👏

[@arjuckes]

I have been wanting one of Greg's engines in my French 16" Syncro for years I think it's about time he came back here..;)

[@johnnySMALLpepper]

NEVER COMMENTED CHAD. ENJOYED YOU GETTING THE OLD VAN OUT WITH A NEW HEART. FUN VIDEO

[@cxhyi]

I can't sleep without seeing you like a lullaby

[@karmazhaxi-of9op]

great update nice ride

[@elconcrettv340]

Yessssssss the vw is back yessssss only ogs will understand the love we have for this van uff

[@martinlaver007]

Yaaas! The Vanagon is back!

[@micheldube5542]

Good upgrade Chad !

[@akissparaskevopoulos]

Good luck on yr new adventures.

[@BusterMachineX]

That's awesome! What a great way to breathe life into the old girl again!

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

great video chad !

[@zlatan_2197]

Good old Vanagon, happy to see it on the road again.

[@LivingTheVanLife]

Cheers! Thanks for watching!

[@moosehand8721]

Motor sounds real good.

[@deborahdougherty3208]

Nice video! That van should be amazing

[@wc7568]

i had pretty much the same exact setup in my 82 diesel westy! 1.9AAZ, DK transaxle, giles pump, air to air intercooler on the driver rear intake, magnaflow exhaust, crazy intake ducting to donaldson filter going to the passenger rear. it ripped and and got 28mpg!!

[@StellaBlueWesty]

Thanks for this info.

[@devduttparab]

Diesel cars are fun to drive. I don't know how automatics are. Driving a diesel stick shift for 11 years now rarely a downshift is required. It's pure fun on highways.

[@inigoberenguer5361]

Amazing transformation! Now I want to have that in my already turbo diesel T3 😂😅 Great video, very informative, I'll search for boxeer in the internet. Cheers from Spain!

[@philippelenedic9019]

Amazing swap ! Vanagon will live Forever !

[@type2ryder417]

Thanks for an honest review.

[@alexisgwapo]

this is my 4rth account following you since 43k subs keep it up man. love from philippines ❤

[@bobpadrick7718]

Really nice!!! But you left us hanging. Please "finish" the conversion video by showing the engine lid and cushion mods that were necessary to make them fit.

[@ec6933]

As a long time TDI owner with a couple of Jeep TDI swaps and tacomas myself, I'm so excited to see your reaction to the torque 😂😂😂

[@blazmang3194]

After all this time, you're bringing her back. Nice!

[@jonmortermusic]

The Sprinter is all well and nice, I like it, but the star of the show is the blue T25 and it's great to see it back

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Thank you Chad for sharing this awesome content

[@Leesmith110]

Love the video and love the engine swap nothin better than a brand new engine id probably consider swapping the old auto box for a manual but that’s just my opinion haha good to see the vanagon back and better than ever