I've done a turbo diesel swap into my 82.  The best way is to get
ahold of a diesel vanagon to begin with.   Use the Quantum TD
manifolds for a 1.6TD or 1.9TD, and just about everything is straight
forward.   Can't tell you much about a TDI swap other than you might
have to fabricate a mount to clear the turbo.  You'll want to swap out
the ring and pinion in the tranny too.  4000+ RPM @ hwyway speed is
not fun in a turbo-diesel.

Jason Ewing

On 3/8/06, River Clan <ri@riverclan.org> wrote:
> Grease Works did a TDI install in a syncro.
>
> It cost 10k, and Justin put in a LOT of free hours getting the bugs out.
>
> 1.6 and 1.9td's don't have enough power for a westy. My friend has
> one and she can't get it over 45 up a small pass on the coast range.
> They overheat easily, and really need an intercooler which is
> difficult to install.
>
> While I am a biodiesel advocate/activist, and own a TDi Beetle and a
> 1.6TD powered suzuki samurai, I am ok with gas in my Westy, cuz the
> TDi's are still a very expensive option.
>
> Ri
>
>
> On Mar 8, 2006, at 7:19 AM, Michael S. Nichols wrote:
>
> > Hello from Atlanta GA 30306.  The time has come to cut loose my
> > 2-'81 air cooleds, having replaced one with a 2005 Honda Element
> > last Summer.  Before I bid  Vanagon ownership  goodbye, and enjoy
> > my maintenance and worry-free 4wd 5sp,  A/C that works and sunroof
> > that does not leak  (Imagine that!!), I wondered if anyone has
> > info  or experience on any dependable and reliable diesel
> > conversion packages for our wonderful Vanagons?  We are planning a
> > move to north of Seattle  this Summer, a land where there are
> > Vanagons on every block (not up on blocks).  Thanks list.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Mike Nichols
> > 2--'81 air cooled Vanagons
> >
>