Here's my two cents on high torque Vanagons.

After replacing
the rear CVs (Porsche 924) on my camper after 80h of use (~200hp /
~325ft.lb R-TDI engine), I am really starting to think that >300ft.lbs
of torque will require one heck of a money cannon to have everything hold
together for a long period of time (say greater than 2 years /
50.000km).   Even with a KEP Stage 2 clutch I can make it slip
hauling a 1000kg trailer up a 8% grade if I try - with general unloaded
road use I have no issues.  The first gearbox (rebuilt) lasted 75km
with the stock 3rd gear.  I have replaced the gear oil this weekend
and there is no metal shaving or severe discoloring so I think the gearbox
with the after-market 3rd and 4th gears will hold for the long term - it
will be interesting to look at the bearings where the CV flanges are in a
year or so.

My debate is to see if it is worth it to upgrade to
Porsche 930 (108mm) CVs and a yet even more agressive clutch or detune the
engine to circa 160hp/275ft.lbs.  Even though I hate to, I think the
engine will lose some power so I can concentrate on driving rather than
repairing.  275 to 300ft.lbs of torque is more than adequate for a
Vanagon.

David Marshall

http://www.hasenwerk.ca
http://www.fastforward.ca

Box 4153, Quesnel BC, Canada V2J
3J2

On Tue, May 22, 2007 11:39, Sudhir Desai wrote:
>
Not to resurrect this topic, but I found a link of value.
>
> http://www.ecutune.com/svx-stage3.htm
>  for all of you who
like the idea of more power :D
>
> Sudhir
>
> On 5/18/07, John Reddick <SVYOLO@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> I have nothing against supercharging anthing, turbo or
mechanically.
>> There is a large aftermarket to get any amount
of power you want out of
>> a
>> lot of engines,
including Subaru's.  The cost of putting a turbo Subie
>> in
>> is an extra 1000-1500 in engine cost, plus a bunch more labor.
We would
>> love to do them, but we when quote a price nobody
buys one.  Same with a
>> TDI, although a WRX motor install is
still a couple grand cheaper than a
>> TDI.
>>
Most of the Subaru turbos available are WRX's.  2 liters and not
>> much
>> low end torque.  The newer 2.5 turbos are
extremely rare and expensive
>> on
>> the used
market.
>>      Most of the van owners that want big power and
are willing to pay
>> the
>> money for it are Syncro
Westy/Sycnro owners.  The turbo Subaru motors
>> don't fit real
well with the Syncro gas tank.
>>      That brings up the 6
cylinders.  The SVX's are plentiful and not
>> that
>> expensive on the used market.  They are more labor intensive to
install,
>> but the end result is awesome.
>>
The newer H6 3.0's are just now getting plentiful and cheap enough
>> to
>> be affordable for Vanagons.  212 hp and good
low end torque also.  They
>> are only slightly larger than the
4 cylinder Subaru's, and the fit
>> should
>> be a
bit easier in the Vanagon.
>>
>>      John
>>
>