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Author Topic: Question from a complete newbie  (Read 4470 times)

August 30, 2004, 06:02:56 pm

chrislaroche

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Question from a complete newbie
« on: August 30, 2004, 06:02:56 pm »
Hey folks,

First, I gotta admit that I'm completely new to VW and diesels, and have gotten myself in over my head.  That in mind, all advice is greatly appreciated:

I recently bought a 1982 diesel VW vanagon that I wanted to use with biodiesel.  Less than 2 months into owning it, I threw a rod!  Now I'm looking at my options, and I've from several people about replacing it with a TDI.

Technical aspects aside (I really don't need more power, etc) what do you think about this? What's an estimated cost, and/or hours for a mechanic to work on it (I have a good VW mechanic).  Any info appreciated!!!  Thanks!!!



Reply #1August 31, 2004, 08:52:31 am

RAMMSTEIN

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Question from a complete newbie
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2004, 08:52:31 am »
You don't need more power???

What about torque?

You certainly need more torque.

FYI, the diesel Vanagon is the slowest VW ever built!!!

It's not able to do a 0-60, because it doesn't go all the way to 60 mph!!! :shock:

Maybe a mechanical TDI would be best, you wouldn't wanna mess with the wiring, ECU and all that fun. :wink:
Rammstein

In abscence of light, darkness prevails.

Reply #2August 31, 2004, 09:28:22 am

Centurion

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Question from a complete newbie
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2004, 09:28:22 am »
Mechanical TDI - I saw one from a 95 Golf - that was a one wire wonder!

everthing else was just a bolt into the car!

C
90 Jetta TD - 589,000km, 90 Jetta TD 448, FrankenJetta ...looking for a Can

Reply #3September 23, 2004, 08:55:37 am

racer_x

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Question from a complete newbie
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2004, 08:55:37 am »
A 1.6TD or 1.9TD would be a much easier swap. But a TDI is a possibility. Or use the 1.9TD mechanical pump on the TDI block/head. I've heard that is possible as well. Getting the electronics for the full TDI swap is difficult for the older cars.

Reply #4November 06, 2004, 04:53:20 pm

renny10n

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Van TDI conversion
« Reply #4 on: November 06, 2004, 04:53:20 pm »
Howzit Chris,

 You might want to contact David Marshall of "Fast Forward Automotive.  He would be able to give you the straight scoops, they specialize & have kits for the early A3 & late A4 TDI conversions in vans.

  Here is their web site: www.fastforward.ca (Canada)
aloha!   ....renny

1987 Suzuki Samurai(soon to be repowered with A4/ALH 2001 TDI mated to Toyota truck xmsn/t-case.

Reply #5December 21, 2004, 08:41:52 pm

janb

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Question from a complete newbie
« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2004, 08:41:52 pm »
TDI would be really nice, but is a major task, but possible

EZ is brand new 1.9 IDI NA ($2000) or TD($3600), can be a 'drop in'
your 1.6 components will bolt right on, need to teak exhaust (16mm taller block)  the torque is very nice, and a good match for the van
find a dealer near you
http://www.overlandparts.com/dealerlist.htm

I have a friend in Seattle who did the 1.9 swap into westy,  look for Mad and Ed posting over here
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Audi-VW-Diesels/messages
The Stealth Rabbit
VW-d's are forever