markd89
Veteran Member
INTRO:
I'm hoping this will get to be a nice long thread with some good pictures. I have finally decided to do this conversion. My old engine is dead. Emissions here in California tell me if I get a 1997 or earlier engine I will be exempted. TDI is the ideal powerplant for power and economy.
I'm going to have the help of my long-time mechanic to get this done. I'll do some work and get his help too. Although I'll get a great deal on his help, I'll still be paying for it, so it's extra important that I plan this well and make the right design decisions. I want to make this as simple as is possible.
My bus currently has a 2.0l and a 6 rib trans. It has the small engine access hatch typical for Type 4 buses. I plan on a 1Z/AHU (the only TDIs sold in the USA prior to 1998), a re-geared Transaxle and cooling underneath. I want to be able to go up a hill at 75 mph and get close to 30 MPG if I drive nicely. Let's see how close I can get!
GETTING STARTED:
I have a lot more ideas and questions, but to start with:
1. Angle. I know 50* is possible through Kennedy or the Vanagon diesel bellhousing. I read somewhere (but am not sure) that 15* will also work and if I did that I would not need to switch out oilpan and oilpump. Will I be OK on fitment issues at 15*? Any reasons not to do 15*?
2. Fitment of engine against fuel tank. Paulie used an ALH engine and had the the vacuum pump and coolant flange hit the tank. His solution is here http://viewfromabus.blogspot.com/2009/09/fuel-tank-solved.html and I'd like to avoid it. On 13 Window Deluxe's bus http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g5/angryvanagon/Baytdienginecomplete.jpg, I don't seem to see those protuberances. If I stick with 1Z/AHU are these a non-issue?
3. The hole. My bus already has an access hatch for the Type4 engine. I want to be able to do the install and engine maintenance going forward without removing the engine. Can I do that with the Type4 hatch or do I really need to cut a bigger hole back there.
Thanks in advance!
Mark
I'm hoping this will get to be a nice long thread with some good pictures. I have finally decided to do this conversion. My old engine is dead. Emissions here in California tell me if I get a 1997 or earlier engine I will be exempted. TDI is the ideal powerplant for power and economy.
I'm going to have the help of my long-time mechanic to get this done. I'll do some work and get his help too. Although I'll get a great deal on his help, I'll still be paying for it, so it's extra important that I plan this well and make the right design decisions. I want to make this as simple as is possible.
My bus currently has a 2.0l and a 6 rib trans. It has the small engine access hatch typical for Type 4 buses. I plan on a 1Z/AHU (the only TDIs sold in the USA prior to 1998), a re-geared Transaxle and cooling underneath. I want to be able to go up a hill at 75 mph and get close to 30 MPG if I drive nicely. Let's see how close I can get!
GETTING STARTED:
I have a lot more ideas and questions, but to start with:
1. Angle. I know 50* is possible through Kennedy or the Vanagon diesel bellhousing. I read somewhere (but am not sure) that 15* will also work and if I did that I would not need to switch out oilpan and oilpump. Will I be OK on fitment issues at 15*? Any reasons not to do 15*?
2. Fitment of engine against fuel tank. Paulie used an ALH engine and had the the vacuum pump and coolant flange hit the tank. His solution is here http://viewfromabus.blogspot.com/2009/09/fuel-tank-solved.html and I'd like to avoid it. On 13 Window Deluxe's bus http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g5/angryvanagon/Baytdienginecomplete.jpg, I don't seem to see those protuberances. If I stick with 1Z/AHU are these a non-issue?
3. The hole. My bus already has an access hatch for the Type4 engine. I want to be able to do the install and engine maintenance going forward without removing the engine. Can I do that with the Type4 hatch or do I really need to cut a bigger hole back there.
Thanks in advance!
Mark