IDI or TDI for a 72 Camper conversion?

[Matteo]

Volks,

I am about to start a 72 Camper project. I would like it to be Diesel and I already have a 1.6 IDI out of a 1986 Jetta with 170K on it. I would prefer to use this engine, but I suspect it does not make enough HP to push a 3500 lb vehicle. Not sure if a Giles pump upgrade would make a difference. Thoughts or comments are appreciated.

OR

Should I sell the 1.6 IDI and find a 1.9 TD and run a mechanical frankenpump on it. Does Giles to stuff like that? I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but I no nothing of these pumps, even though I own two. The other is in my 90 Diesel Jetta 233k, and looks different than the one on the 86.

Again, comments or thoughts are appreciated.

[Rabbit on Roids]

turbo the 1.6. they build power nicely. but you might want a 1.9 for torque in a bus.

[arb]

I added a turbo to my 1.6L NA and did not touch the IP - so no boost enrichment. I have no problems going 80 mph in my 3500 pound Caravan. As far as extra load, I was well over 6,000 pounds when 4 of us, 3 canoes/kayaks and a camper put the real test on the 1.6L Turbo. I got almost 24 mpg going 65 - 75 for hours. You will have more than enough power if your 1.6L is a turbo and your trans is geared for the turbo. What trans were you going to use? This is more important IMHO than 1.6L vs. 1.9.

[Rabbit on Roids]

omg... is that a sonoco station? can you get racing fuel there?

[arb]

omg... is that a sonoco station? can you get racing fuel there?

Many of the sunoco stores up north (UP) have racing fuel - 104 octane I think. This was was a little kick store so it didn't even have diesel as nearly all the sunoco's here carry.

[Matteo]

I was going to use the stock 1972 3 rib transmission, although I have a later model 77 I think, 7 rib trans. I know they can take the tourque as many racers use them in their bugs. Not sure about the gear ratio's. I will have to compare agains my AGS trans.

[arb]

I was going to use the stock 1972 3 rib transmission, although I have a later model 77 I think, 7 rib trans. I know they can take the tourque as many racers use them in their bugs. Not sure about the gear ratio's. I will have to compare agains my AGS trans.

No need to compare and guess, flip that tranny over and look at the trans code ( I have an FF in my caravan and have a spare 020 for when I wear that out..)  http://scirocco.org/gears/

[Matteo]

Looks like the 72 Camper has the following ratios:

1st 3.8, 2nd 2.06, 3rd 1.26, 4rth .89, Ring and Pinion 4.125, 4rth overall 3.67

The 77 trans has the following ratios:
1st 3.79, 2nd 2.06, 3rd 1.26, 4rth .093, Ring and Pinion 3.875, 4rth overall 3.6

Not sure which one makes more sense for the 1.6.

What turbo are you using with your unmodified IP?

[arb]

I have a tiny GT15 new from Prothe for $300. Not sure I'd buy from him again due to quality issues - it leaks oil into the compressor side.

[Heli-mech]

 From what I've read on other sites the most desirable tranny is the one from the early 80's vanagon diesel. Stilll mounts up and bolts into the "type 2" chassis, find out what those ratio's are and thats what you should be trying to match up against. After the tranny is solved the other big hurdle is the radiator/fan mounting location and plumbing.

[Rabbit on Roids]

anyone want a diesel van trans? i know where an 80 or 81 diesel trans is...

[Otis2]

You might find this thread useful Matteo. 

http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=1507.0

1.6 TD transplanted into a 1977 Bus by user "Dirtytom".  Not sure if he ever finished the project.  Might want to send him a PM.