Phil,

If your current vans have good running engines I'd pass on the Subaru conversion. Wait until the day when they need rebuilding and then think about the Subaru. I myself bought a Westy with a blown engine and plan to do the Subaru switch. The van was real cheap and I hope to pick up an engine soon.

Mike Barfield
'84 Westy
Tampa, FL

------Original Message------
From: Phil Walker <pwalker@NEXTDIMENGINEERING.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: May 31, 2000 4:13:22 AM GMT
Subject: 87 and 86 Westy Buying advice?

I'm new to the VW Vanagon experience, but completely hooked. Wife and I are ready to move up from tent camping and have no desire for full size (ford/chevy) conversions. My wife is German and I admire German engineering (being an engineer myself). I have looked at a couple of Westys and know that is what I am looking for. Currently I have an 86 and 87 Westy (2WD) that I am going to have to drive 300 miles to inspect. I am told everything works and the engines are in working order. They are both at about the 100K mark.

Any major items I should watch out for with these years? Should I find a local shop to give me a compression and leak down test (possibly a cooling system check also?) Is rust a major concern? Where should I look?Should I consider a blown engine van a do a rebuild or a different (Subaru?) engine? Is there a way to check clutch or tranny?

I realize this is a lot to ask, but I know this group consists of the experts, and I want to be as educated as possible before purchase. Thanks in advance for advice.

Also, any experience pulling a 1000 pound trailer with a Vanagon?

Phil Walker
Engineering Consultant
Next Dimension Engineering
pwalker@nextdimengineering.com
www.nextdimengineering.com
(801) 299-0130