FAQ For Conversions in Our Shop

I have thought about buying a new car or van that gets better mileage and has lower emissions. Why wouldn't I want to do that rather than sinking a whole bunch of money into an old Vanagon?

#2. Resale value

A Vanagon today has bottomed out as far as book value goes and is on it's way up ! Syncro Westys are selling consistently for more money than they cost new a couple of decades ago, Westfalias are doing the same and the rest of the Vanagons are close behind. The Subaru powered Vanagons are bringing more than those with the stock engine. A nice Vanagon will be worth more in 5 or 10 years than it is today.

#3. Unique utility

Many customers have told us that they have searched for a replacement for their Vanagon and could not find another vehicle that would do everything their Vanagon will do. From Campers to Pickups, it's hard to find a vehicle that can replace them.

What time frame does a Subaru engine conversion require?

We like to prepare the engine ahead of time when possible. This usually takes about a week. After the Vanagon arrives, we usually have it finished in 2 weeks. Add 2-3 days each for upgrades to brakes, transmission, suspension, heaters, etc.

What engine would you recommend for a passenger Van or a 2wd Westy?

The smallest Subaru engine we install is the 2.2L with 135-142 horsepower. This four valve overhead cam is a huge improvement over the stock 2.1L engine. In power, smoothness and torque range, the difference is dramatic and amazing. The 4 speed Vans are much easier to drive because of the broad torque band and the automatic Vans are no longer anemic and seemingly over revving at highway speeds. For many owners, this engine has all the power they need.

Our completely upgraded conversions run, handle and stop so much better than stock that they are very comparable to a new Van or SUV. One test drive in a Small Car upgraded Vanagon and you will have no doubts.

What about the 2.5L engine?

These are our most popular Subaru engines. The phase II 2.5L with 165-173hp and 155-166 lb/ft of torque are remarkably well suited to a Vanagon and the power curve makes for much less shifting than with the stock 2.1L Waterboxer. Since the parts and labor needed to install a 2.2 and a 2.5L engine is the same, many customers choose to spend a bit more for the 2.5 with additional power and a generally newer 1999-2007 engine.

I like the idea of the 2.0L turbo engine. Can that one be used?

Yes, we have converted a number of 2wd Vanagons using the WRX's 228hp 2.0L turbo. You can to some extent have good mileage and fantastic power with this motor and they do have the advantage of losing very little power at altitudes, unlike a normally aspirated engine. Upgrading other parts of the Van become important with the over 200hp engines, so you should plan on upgrading the transmission if it's an automatic, and the brakes and wheels and tires, since these are no longer adequate for most drivers. A Westfalia camper with 200+ horsepower becomes a kind of motorhome on steroids and really needs some help in handling and stopping.

Could you provide an estimate for the following? I have an '89 Syncro Westy and I plan to drive about 80/20 onroad/offroad. I'm not a speed freak, or serious offroader, but would like more reliability, power, and ease of driving.

The heavy Syncro Westy is the only Vanagon that could be said to need at least a 165hp 2.5L to get around in a reasonable and safe manner. The 2.5 performs great and of course vastly better than the original engine in an otherwise stock Syncro Westy, but if you start adding bigger tires and wheels and other accessories, you should consider the 3.3L 230 hp engine. Please see our Vanagon VX page for pricing. The published prices are accurate and other than the optional items listed, there are no hidden costs.

I am seriously interested in picking up an older Vanagon and converting it. Do you have a recommendation of what year and/or model is good for conversions?

Any year water cooled is good. Syncros and campers are worth more so those are more popular for conversions. Newer models and low mileage Vanagons hold more value and they are all appreciating, making them a very wise investment.

I am looking for a Vanagon or a Vanagon camper to add a Subaru engine for touring/camping. If I am more concerned about weight and performance, would the "weekender" be the one to get? Are you able to find these with a solid body? Any advice on where to look? What year? Later  is better? With a blown engine?

Any western US Vanagon would probably be good as far as rust goes. If you don't need the sink and stove, a weekender or base model camper would be great. All the different years of the watercooled Vanagons are similar in the interior and exterior, the later ones generally have nicer upolstery and have more of the options like A/C, power windows, door locks, cruise etc.

Can I test drive a converted Vanagon?

Please give us a call if you are going to be in our area and we will try to accommodate you. We are open from 9:00-6:00 Monday through Friday.

Do you take Credit Card payments?

Yes, we take all the bankcards, debit cards, checks and cash as well as Paypal E-checks.

How much deposit do you need to start?

If we are supplying the engine, we ask for an initial deposit that covers the engine cost. When the Vanagon arrives here, we ask for 50% of the estimate plus the cost of wheel/tire upgrades or other special order items.

Where will I find a shop to service my Subaru powered Vanagon?

Our customers have told us frequently that finding a shop to do repairs and service after a conversion is completed is little different from finding a place to repair the Van with the original engine. VW dealers are generally not an option but often an independent shop that has provided good service in the past is willing and able to continue with the Subaru engine installed. I believe Subaru Vanagons have reached the point where most shops and technicians are not afraid of them and can easily perform quality service. We of course are able to offer technical assistance when needed.

What maintenance is required and where can I get my 500 mile service done?

We highly recommend a 500 mile service to check over all newly installed parts. This service is free in our shop.

What happens to my old parts?

The old engine and any other parts are yours if desired and you should plan on picking those up when picking up your Vanagon.

Can you do any maintenance and repairs to my Vanagon during the conversion?

It is a very good time to look at ball joints, cv joints and other things that may need replacement or servicing. Let us know what you would like us to inspect, service or replace. There is labor savings on some items. We also have a glass shop next door and can replace a windshield for $195.

I have heard stories in the last few years of people that had Vanagons with Subaru engines, some even installed by shops, who had problems with the conversion. Why wouldn't I expect to have some of the same issues.

The Subaru to Vanagon engine swaps started over ten years ago and the learning curve to make the combination work well has been long. We did our first conversion about 7 years ago and it was the world's first 3.3L Subaru six cylinder installation. We then did the first 2.5L and have been looking forward ever since. Honestly, early conversions were less than perfect but we have been encouraged by customers who have enjoyed previously unavailable performance and were willing to make allowances for that. I am happy to say that the curve is flattening out nicely for the 2.2L, 2.5L, 3.3L and the 2.0L turbo installations and that our conversion customers today find their Vanagons to exceed their expectations.

My local repair shop wants to do the conversion for me. Can they do the job as well as you would?

While most of our parts are available to purchase, a shop that starts doing Subaru conversions steps up onto the learning curve (see answer above) and is going to take some time to be proficient at doing the swaps. This either means a very expensive conversion, too many hours to make a reasonable profit on the job, or the need to take shortcuts to get the Van done quickly. Usually what happens is some combination of the above, and us getting lots of calls for help. This is especially true for the 3.3L and the 2.0L turbo engines. The number of shops in the US specializing in conversions is very limited so please call us and we may be able to recommend a shop in your area that has done conversions. Recently we rebuilt the cooling system on a conversion that was done in a Seattle shop a couple of months ago. The owner of that Vanagon said "If anyone thinks your conversions are too expensive, please have them call me. Mine ended up costing much more in time and money!"

A WRX engine is up for sale on Ebay. Should I consider buying and shipping to you, or do you only deal in engines that you supply?

We do install customer supplied engines, but you need to be sure to get all the required components. We do charge more for our engines than a wrecking yard or Ebay because we guarantee the engine and the installation. In other words, if you purchase an engine from a junkyard and it has a problem, they might warranty the engine but not the labor. On an Ebay engine, you are lucky to get any warranty at all. If we supply the engine, we are responsible for the engine being in good condition and running well once it's installed. One customer bought an incomplete engine on Ebay and by the time he was through, he had spent almost $4000 after buying many of the missing components from the dealer.

What changes do you make to the automatic transmission?

For the 2.2 and 2.5L normally aspirated engines, we install an external transmission oil cooler and in some cases modify the governor to shift at a little higher RPM. Rebuilding the transmission is not necessary but they are available. We do have a terrific limited slip differential for a great improvement in traction. For the 2.0L turbo, we strongly recommend upgrading the internals of the auto trans. Please call for information on that.

How about the manual transmissions?

With the additional torque available, there is an opportunity to lower the RPMs at highway speeds for a quieter ride, less wear on the engine and better mileage. This can be accomplished by changing the 4th gear ratio or in some cases changing third and fourth gear. The more torque you have available, the greater the logic of using the taller gears. Wheel and tire changes can affect the engine RPMs also and should be discussed at the same time. We also have a terrific limited slip differential available for a huge improvement in traction.

What about emissions testing. Is there anything there I should be aware of?

In states where there is simply a tailpipe emission test, you should pass emissions easily. Most of California and some parts of Alaska require an inspection from a referee. Please call for more information on that subject.

I have a 1982 Vanagon Westfalia that I want to consider conversion to Subaru power. This is an air cooled model. Do your conversions accommodate changing to water cooled?

The 82 air cooled can be converted but it is more expensive than doing a water cooled by about $2000-$3000 depending on what is done for a heater system. It is definitely worth considering to start with a water cooled Vanagon.

I'd love to be able to detail out the engine bay, motor and tranny before it's all installed. I'm very fanatical about up keep on my vehicles and would love to do it all when it's easily accessible.

My recommendation would be to have the engine bay and drive train steam cleaned ahead of time. We can detail any small areas left when the Van is here but we're handicapped for complete cleaning because of our watershed.

What clutch do you use?

We use the stock Subaru and VW OEM clutch parts for the 2.2 and 2.5L NA engines but also have clutch upgrades available that work very nicely. The upgraded clutch is standard on the over 200hp installations.

Does the installation include a new exhaust?

All the engine installations include a new stainless steel exhaust header. Your "J" pipe, cat, muffler and tailpipe can be reused for the 2.2 and 2.5L, or we have an optional complete stainless exhaust. The 3.3 and the 2.0L turbo installations include a complete new 2 1/4" system.

I read something about a problem with the studs attaching the adapter plate to the transmission. Do these need to be stronger than the traditional approach?

We now use our own custom designed bellhousing for the perfect Subaru to Vanagon interface.
 

I was looking at the performance Waterboxer engines and thinking that keeping as close to original as possible would be best. Why not?

The hard sell is not my style, but I really can't see why a performance waterboxer would not have all the same issues as a stock engine plus a few extra. The stock 1.9 and 2.1L engine's basic design is from the  1940s, and any 1990 and later Subaru engine will outperform these in mileage, power, smoothness and longevity. Also of value I believe is the replacement of the waterboxer alternator, A/C compressor, ECU, fuel system, and exhaust piping. Plus, if you do a price comparison and include the items that are part of our installation package, radiator and clutch for just two examples, our 2.2L is about the same price as the 2.4L performance waterboxer and the 2.5L Subaru is about $1000 more. I really think the costs out the door are very close, and honestly, there is just no comparing the performance, and that's coming from someone who has been servicing Volkswagens for 35 years.

Of course I really don't think you should come here because we're cheaper or go elsewhere because we're more expensive. The cost of the upgrades will be relatively unimportant weeks or months down the road when you are enjoying all the performance from your Van. I have to say that for 25 years, we serviced strictly VW, Porsche and Audi. During that time we made a good living doing Vanagon head gaskets and other repairs. Since upgrading my own 3.3L Vanagon, I quickly became a convert to the Subaru engines. For me, keeping an open mind to new ideas is part of business and part of life. It certainly has helped bring Vanagons into a new era.

Brakes and Suspension

On a Syncro with much larger than stock tires, what do you do about the spare tire?

If we install a decoupler, a smaller spare can be used as a temporary spare. If no decoupler is installed, the alternatives are to stick to a tire size that will fit in the stock or modified spare area or to add a tire carrier over the back bumper or on the roof. Our modified spare carrier holds up to about a 215/65-16 tire.

Do your Syncro springs make the ride stiff at all?

They really help with cornering, raise the ride height just a little and are a little stronger in the rear to work with the small additional weight of the Subaru engine. I don't think the springs make the Van stiff. They just make the Syncro Westfalia ride more like a passenger Syncro or slightly better. The Syncro passenger Vans see much improved handling and additional ground clearance important for off-road travel.