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Subject:Re: Upgrading an '85 Westy to '86 Spec?
From:mark drillock
Date:Wed, 26 Jan 2005 14:25:49 -0800

The 86+ front suspension and brake parts as a unit will bolt right on to
an 85. The late 85 cooling system is the same as 86 from the firewall
forward. A clean late 85 is a great model so don't hesitate if in good
shape. Look for the 2 main pipes running to the front to be made of
light colored plastic pipe.

Mark

Robbie Cotner wrote:

>I've been looking for an '86+ Vanagon for quite awhile now, but an '85 has come up nearby that's proving hard to pass up.  Now I understand the '86 got bigger brakes, a better suspension, and ofcourse the 2.1L, digifant, and improved cooling system.  Since I plan on doing a VW I4 conversion in the future anyway, the 2.1, digifant, and the cooling system don't matter as much to me.  But can the improved suspension components be swapped with relative ease?  Also, can a 1.9 be converted to use the 2.1 style cooling system(fewer parts, correct?)  Thanks for any help,
>-Rob
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