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The Subaru 3-liter horizontally opposed, 24-valve six-cylinder engine produces 212 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 210 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Four chain-driven cams result in very low maintenance and compact power plant that fits perfectly in the Vanagon engine bay. Power delivery is smooth and even heavier Vanagons have no trouble accelerating.
All the original troublesome Vanagon engine components are removed, including the engine management computer, fuel injection wiring harness, injectors, distributor, A/C compressor, alternator, exhaust header, etc. and replaced with 2002-2004 Subaru components. These have the most advanced OBD2 diagnostics for simple troubleshooting.
Vanagon optional items like cruise control, air conditioning, Syncro skid plate can be refitted and remain completely functional.

The engine easily fits under the engine lid and tucks up nicely below without losing any ground clearance.
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The Vanagon can be more reliable! The engine starts quickly, idles so quietly you sometimes forget it's running and has so much reserve power that you never feel you are taxing it in the least. The Van is so much more pleasurable to drive that you have to wonder why VW did not build a better engine for them. I have driven dozens of Vanagons hundreds of thousands of miles but only now fully realize what great cars they really are.
After a long drive in a Subaru powered Vanagon, you will find that you have arrived at your destination in a shorter time, more relaxed and more safely as well.
If you're going to make it go, you've got to make it stop! Vented, larger diameter rotors with bigger calipers in the front and SmallCar designed vented disc brakes replace the original drum brakes in the rear. 16" wheels and performance tires complete the traction package.

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Vanagon 3.0L Features
- New design engine mount
- Shortened oil pan and headers keep existing ground clearance and the ability to fit the Syncro skid plate.
- Engine management computer located in original location under the rear seat.
- 120 amp alternator standard
Comments after 4000 miles
"The engine performance is awesome! Overall, I think the conversion is killer, with more power than needed but a lot of fun to drive and it looks great back there. I think a passenger Vanagon will be a real killer power house with that engine."
"It's amazing that you can go around a right hand city street corner in third gear and just drive smoothly away with no hiccups or vibration."
The Cost
The cost to install a 3.0L six cylinder in a Vanagon 2wd or a Syncro is $8975 plus the cost of the engine.
What's Included
- Stainless steel header
- SmallCar aluminum bellhousing
- Custom manufactured engine mount system
- Stage II clutch including slave cylinder
- Complete exhaust system and high-flow catalytic converter
- Shortened oil pan and pickup
- Intake and filter box modifications
- Installation of three oxygen sensors
- Stainless exhaust tip
- Speed sensor
- All installation labor, fluids, etc.
Optional items
- Air Conditioned cars - $485 Note: This cost is based on a Van with properly functioning A/C.
- Cruise control (if already equipped and operating) - $150
- Westfalia with extra battery/refrigerator - $125
- ScanGauge driving computer installed $185.00
- 7,000 RPM tach face $125
- White Gauge faces with 7K tach $225
- Syncro skid plate refitting $325
- Ceramic coat header $225
- Wheel and tire upgrades
- 11" vented front brakes
- 10.4" rear disc brakes
- OME, HD shocks
- HD springs for Syncro Campers
- Transmission repairs or 4th gear changes
- Maintenance items on the Vanagon
- Maintenance items on the engine
Warranty
All new parts have a 6 months or 6,000 mile warranty. Used parts have a 30 day warranty. Extended warranties are available on request. If the vehicle cannot be returned to us for warranty service, repairs at another location should be authorized with us before the repairs are completed. Diagnosis is not covered unless it is performed in our shop.
Payment terms
Before arrival of your Vanagon we generally get a deposit of approximately the engine cost to acquire and prepare the Subaru engine. Upon delivery of your Vanagon for the installation, a 50% deposit is required with the balance due upon completion of the work. There is a $15.00 per day storage fee after 5 days.
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