So it looks like, according to Frank's own numbers, that Subie 2.2
engines are good picks for Vanagon conversions.  They both deliver their
peak torque at reasonably high RPMs, which is where it's needed to
overcome drag at speed on a flat, and to overcome weight when down
shifting to climb a hill.  The TIICO looks like a good bet too, if you
can drive it legally.

Just a note on Subie turbo's, they've got a reputation for unreliability
even when pushing Legacy size cars.

Ed

Frank Grunthaner wrote:

>[snip, chop, slash]
>

>Engine  Displacement    Torque      BMEP
>               (liters)       (ft.lb.)        (psi)
>
>  Vanagon 2.0L A/C          101@3000      126.9
>  VW GX       1.8L I4        96@3000      132.8
>  VW MZ       1.8L I4        98@3250      135.6
>  Vanagon 1.9L WB           106@2600      136.6
>  Subie 2.5   2.5L WB (<96) 144@2800      136.6
>  Vanagon     2.1L WB       117@3200      136.7
>  VW 9A       1.8L I4       113@4400      140.8
>  VW HT       1.8L I4       105@3000      145.3
>  AUDI 2.3    2.3L I5       140@4500      149.7
>  VW RV       1.8L I4       109@3800      150.8
>  Audi 3A     2.0L I4       121@3200      150.8
>  VW ACC      1.8L I4       107@3500      150.8
>  VW AAZ      1.9L I4 TD    107@2500      150.8
>  Subie 2.5   2.5L WB (>97) 162@2800      150.8
>  Subie SVX   3.3L WB       228@4400      150.8
>  VW ABA      2.0L I4       122@3200      152.0
>  VW RD       1.8L I4       110@3200      152.2
>  VW AAA      2.8L I4       173@4200      152.6
>  Subie 2.2   2.2L WB       137@4400      153.0 <---
>  Subie 2.5   2.5L WB P II  166@2800      157.4
>  VW PF       1.8L I4       114@3800      157.7
>  SAAB 2.0    2.0L I4       128@3000      159.5
>  TIICO (SA)2.0L I4         132@3500      164.5
>  Subie 2.2   2.2L WB P II  149@3600      166.4 <---
>  VW AHY      1.9L I4 TD  i 149@1900      193.7
>  VW 1.9 TDi1.9L I4 TDi     155@1900      201.5
>  Subie 2.2T2.2L WB T       181@2800      202.2
>  VW 1.8T 1.8L I4 T         162@2200      224.1
>  SAAB 2.0T   2.0L I4       188@3000      234.3
>
>  Some comments:
>
>  1. The table is in 12 point Monaco Font.
>  2. The engine longest in the tooth is the old Type 4, followed closely by
> the old low compression I4 CIS engines, and Vanagon WB engines.
>  3. Note that the pre 96 Subie 2.5L engine is just as inefficient as the
>  Vanagon WB's.
>  4. The 1.8L Digifant engines (RV, RD and PF) are much stronger than the VW
>waterboxers as well as the 1.8L CIS and CIS-E engines.
>  5. The Subie SVX and the late 2.5 engines are no more efficient than the
>post 1988 VW engines.
>  6. The ABA cross-flow head (2.0L) and the VR6 are at the same generation
>and are very good.
>  7. The SAAB 2.0L (very similar to the chipped Digifant or Bosch
> LH-Jetronic driven Audi 3A or RV/PF engines) is a very efficient design.
>  8. If the TIICo numbers are to be believed, this 8 Valve head with
> Motronic management outperforms the ABA crossflow head with Motronic.
>  9. The latest phase II engine design of the Subie 2.2 is a competitive WB,
>as is the phase II 2.5L Subie.
>  10. The 1.9L and TDi engines are very efficient in this comparison.
>  11. The turbocharged gas engines lead the pack, with the highest
> efficiency. The volumetric efficiency achieved by the pressurized inlet far
>exceeds pumping losses due to inserting the turbo in the exhaust stream.
>  12. So, the VW WB's and the old A/C engine are really from an elder time as
>are the same vintage Subies. The I4 engines are right there with the
>strongest. Only the turbos do better. Go to the turbo if you can.
>
>  Frank Grunthaner
>
>[shred]
>