Tyler wrote: Yea, even the rabbit diesel which is tiny is mounted almost sideways in a diesel vanagon. I wonder how that affects engine longevity? I have seen VW buses with upright overhead cam inline engines, but they usually build a nasty looking box where the valve cover sticks out. That wouldn't be a problem if that area were only used for storage and not for a westfalia bed... I suppose a 4cyl VW diesel is best, as it will fit easily and bellhousings are available.
Diesel engine longevity in a vanagon is not great--about 100k miles seems to be normal, though the one in mine went 165k before it bit the dust. But that's not because of the 50-degree mounting angle, it's because they're tiny engines run more or less wide open constantly and they just wear out.
Best, cheapest, most rugged solution is to use a diesel vanagon's engine mounts, oil pan, oil pump pickup, oil filler and dipstick, exhaust system, and bell housing and drop in a 8-valve 1.8 liter CIS-injected Jetta gas engine. Same basic block as the diesel, so it bolts right in. 85 hp, 24 mpg in a vanagon, and cruises happily at 70--probably a lot faster. That's what I'm swapping in when my already tired (at 88k miles) 1.6TD finally finishes wearing out. I'm with you on not wanting to take a fragile engine into the back country, but in Mexico and other countries, I-4 VW powered type 2s are so common that repairs shouldn't be a problem. You could always just go with the flat-4 aircooled, too, but those have their own problems. Make yourself a skid plate or bring a spare oil pan, as the Diesel VG oil pans are cast aluminum and CAN break.
Dan -- Dan Weeks Freelance Writing and Photography 515/279-4825 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
