Why a Subaru Conversion? - VW Vanagon Westfalia

[@larafreeman1111]

Do you know what was wrong with your Vanagon in the first place, when you first got it? I remember the video of when it came off the trailer and kept stalling.

[@BluffCoast]

Hey Lara! The van you're thinking of is actually my other Vanagon, a 1984 Tintop. Yes, I was able to fix that idling problem by replacing the intake boot attached to the airbox. It was old and cracked, therefore causing some air/vacuum leaks in the system and creating an inconsistent idle. I also replaced the exhaust on the van, which made it sound 100% better!

[@huevoneousmaximus2309]

Hows about a ballpark figure on cost. We've got an 87 westfalia and are thinking of doing the same thing. Thanks.

[@BluffCoast]

@@huevoneousmaximus2309 There are many factors that play into cost depending on if you buy a used or rebuilt engine, which conversion kit you decide, etc… but my conversion was roughly ~$8k doing it myself. Give or take a bit because I ended up doing a lot more work while the engine was out :)

[@johnkempf1808]

How old was the 2.1 water pump? Was it original to the engine? If so, 30 years is remarkably reliable. Just like any 30 year old engine you have to maintain them until a full rebuild is needed. There is no reason that a well maintained engine can't be reliable.

[@BluffCoast]

It was tough to say if it had ever been changed - definitely not any time recently. I 100% agree that if original, that's very reliable. I'm not saying a waterboxer can't be a reliable engine if maintained well, I just didn't have the knowledge at the time to know what was good or bad on the engine! There were signs of it failing, I was just too naive to know.

[@johnkempf1808]

@@BluffCoast Thanks for the reply. I have a 84 westy with a recently rebuilt 30k 1.9 waterboxer. I live in Colorado and as long as I drop down to second I get through the passes just fine. I understand the subi swap but I was never concerned with power.

[@BluffCoast]

@@johnkempf1808 That’s awesome, good for you for keeping it! I’m looking forward to having the subie power, but I also have an 84 tintop with a 1.9 that I look forward to maintaining. Next step is to make it out to your neck of the woods and explore 😄

[@johnkempf1808]

@@BluffCoast If you have to do a head job on the 1.9 get the new Spanish heads. They will last decades. Just keep it in low gear and I'll meet you at the pass.

[@BluffCoast]

@@johnkempf1808 Thanks for the tip! I’ll keep that in mind down the road. Safe travels John!

[@galegarcia1988]

Hey, got a quick question. Did you experience power loss with your current wheel size and the original stock engine ? I’m wondering if I could run 15 or 16 in wheels with my 2.1L engine :D! Thanks

[@BluffCoast]

Hey Gale! Nope, no power loss with the 16” wheels. It does technically change the transmission gearing slightly since the wheel diameter is different, but overall just improves handling and stability drastically. A great upgrade in my opinion!

[@DanTheManIOM]

excellent decision to hire Jeff R.... I did my own harness and what a PITA....and it really slowed me down...single most point of issues, and all self inflicted...

[@BluffCoast]

Very glad I decided to go with Jeff, most definitely worth the investment! Saved me the headache and like you said, saved my time as well. Jeff’s a great dude!

[@MattyDCCollins]

Love it! Do you have a budget for this whole process as you're doing it yourself?

[@BluffCoast]

What’s up Matty! Yes, budget was a big part of the project because I wanted to keep the cost low without sacrificing too much quality. Ideally I was aiming for $5k-6k but it realistically ended up being around $7-8k I believe. I will have to do a final tally soon!

[@DeepDickons]

What's your ladder and bike rack set up? I'm looking for something similar for my 83 tin top.

[@BluffCoast]

I'm planning to do a video showing it eventually, but it's a Gary Lee ladder with the removable bike tray bars on both sides. Then I just have two older-style Yakima bike trays (for the round Yakima bars) on each side. Works awesome for hauling our mountain bikes!

[@DeepDickons]

@@BluffCoast Right on thanks for the reply. That's the one I was looking at also.

[@BluffCoast]

@@DeepDickons Of course! It's a pretty practical setup and easy to access. The only real downfall is the difficulty opening the rear hatch when bikes are fully loaded + the jerry can, but still able to be opened, just not easily haha

[@DeepDickons]

@@BluffCoast good to know. Looking forward to the video about it. Curious to how it opens up with bikes on.

[@thomaskellam2169]

I did a ej25 swap with the RMW kit also. I love it good luck

[@BluffCoast]

I've heard nothing but good things. Thanks Thomas, I'm excited!

[@memphismarkog]

Thinking about swapping our 1972 Bus

[@BluffCoast]

Hey Mark! Bay window Subaru swaps are awesome. I wish I had more knowledge about that era of vans. I’m sure it would be a fun project!

[@mogulermike959]

I'm so here for this. What was the worst part of the swap so far?

[@BluffCoast]

Thanks Mikey!! So far the hardest part has just been deciding what parts of the Subaru engine to refresh and how far to go with it, and sourcing all of those parts. Mostly because I second guess myself though ;)

[@mogulermike959]

@@BluffCoast completely get that. If it were me doing this project I'd probably have 4 of each part to make sure i have the one i want and a very empty bank account. haha ordering big things is tough!

[@loveliftadventure5864]

Awesome channel guys!! Keep it up. Safe travels from Miami, FL 🙂🤙

[@BluffCoast]

Thank you!! Safe travels to you always! ✌️

[@vanstechcorral]

As a professional mechanic, I can't say Subaru engines are entirely reliable. The rubber timing belt in an interference engine has been the source of many woes - ruined engines that cannot be repaired when valves collide with pistons. Overheating with water pump failures occurs on these too. It is true that the power and fuel economy are better. I've seen a lot of failures that wouldn't have happened except for that belt in Subarus. It does fit better than the other conversions, some of which are better in power and economy, because it is a similar flat opposed four.

[@BluffCoast]

Totally agree, 2.5L Subarus definitely still have their woes, as does any engine. When maintained regularly, a rubber timing belt is at least much easier to service and cheaper than a chain! Hoping new head gaskets and timing components will keep her going strong. Thanks for the input!

[@vanstechcorral]

@@BluffCoast Subaru has decided to move to chain timing. The waterboxer uses gears, no belt or chain. It was a creative update of the venerable air cooled bug engine!

[@BluffCoast]

@@vanstechcorral It's cool to see the evolution of engines over the years! Long live the waterboxer!

[@nikthompson2187]

Great stuff man

[@BluffCoast]

Much appreciated as always, Nik!

[@waynesitarz424]

I've had an 02 2.5L Subaru in my 88 GL automatic since 2003.

[@BluffCoast]

Mostly good things since then I assume?! That's plenty of time for trial and testing. I'd be curious to hear what issues and feedback you have. Thanks Wayne!

[@hermesjackle5903]

I know you want the van but you want the soul of a V70 Volvo to eat up the miles in front of you without burping .Subaru engine same miles per gallon roughly as your t3 .I have the 1986 2.1 vanagon i keep thinking should i try change it to diesel ,then i think i may as well wait it out with my relic, as the drive for all things electric is upon us .But the old transporter will live on, necessity is the mother of invention .one day second hand electric units will be fitted to the old wedge /the air coolers /Austin martins/Morris minors/Jaguar MK2 /Plymouth satellites/Maserati bla bla.And many others.

[@BluffCoast]

I’m happy to keep my vans gas-powered for as long as I live! I’ll be curious as well to see if one day electric vehicle swaps will be more common than we imagine now. A diesel swap is also a tempting option, I agree!

[@DanTheManIOM]

What ? BS about "stress"...you ahve an 87 you could put bigger brakes on it...trans will handle it

[@BluffCoast]

Haha fair enough! Eventually I will probably upgrade to bigger front brakes, hopefully all will be smooth until then though.

[@bostonaudi]

@@BluffCoastI thought your comments were spot on - bigger motor will stress other components that were designed around 90 hp. The original brakes aren’t great.