I need some help from folks who've done the 1.8 I4
switch. Even better, I could use a mechanic who's done
conversions in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area...

OK, so I've got a lovely rust-free '82 Westy with a
blown 1.6TD, and I'm about to buy a 1.8 engine from a
GTI for $300. (I know, why gas? A used 1.6TD will cost
me $2000 shipped and still be 68HP vs 107... If anyone
can sway me to a 1.9TD switch, please let me know.)

Thing is I'm a potter not a mechanic, but a buddy can
drop the bad engine and mount the new one. Then 'Bill
Muncy's' in Ann Arbor says he'll do the rest (charging
me $74/hr 'including head scratching').  So I'd like a
general idea of how big a job it is, how long it
takes.

'Tom's VW pages' online, gives great info on diesel to
gas swap, but if anyone can point out the best
'step-by-step' resource - that would be great! I just
want to reduce our 'head scratching' here (and would
love to find a local shop who's done this kind of
switch).

...and (just so you know how the VW gods are having
fun here) I've got two months off starting in Sept and
had planned to tour the southwest in the bus!!! I
guess better the engine blew here than there, but I'd
still love to have it on the trip...

So if you 1.8 Vanagon drivers could help me through
this process, that would be terrific!

Thanks,
Byron

'82 Westy 1.6TD (rod through head...)
'93 Volvo 940T (old reliable)

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