Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: VW gas I4 Engine Conversion input needed. (I think I've made my choice)
From:*****************
Date:Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:53:02 -0500

Neil,
    I've got an inline 4 cly.  If your looking to save money
this is the way to go, but it take making things yourself.
   First the KEP adapter comes with the correct flywheel.
It is special to the VW transaxle.  You must cut 1/4" off the  input
shaft.
   Next,  mounts at 15 deg are not factory.  You must make these.
prepare to cut and weld.   Same with the exhaust.
    Can you do wiring?  This is another issue for most.
The rest is making things fit.
    I did mine for under $1000, but I've done a ton of this
stuff over the years, and had a ton of parts to pick from.
      If your not handy, and have soldering and welding skills
forget it....
                                              Eric

neil N wrote:

>Hi all.
>
>I'm pretty sure I'm going with a 15 degree 2.0 (poss. w/1.8 head) VW
>inline 4 gas conversion on my 81'Westy. I'd appreciate confirmation on
>my "game plan".
>
>Engine/tranny:
>
>Get a 2.0 gas Jetta/Golf donor, and KEP, or other, adaptor plate, and
>keep the stock Vanagon starter. I hope to swap the geared ring from
>air cooled flywheel to the I4 flywheel thus keeping the I4
>clutch/flywheel. Is this possible?
>
>Will the extra length on air cooled tranny input shaft be "taken up"
>by the adaptor plate? i.e. no need to shorten input shaft?
>
>I can rig up a cooling system (already have heater core intsalled)
>
>I assume the aluminum I4 engine mounts can be used with the
>appropriate carriers. (engine supports)
>
>True?
>
>FWIW,  reasons for going 15 deg. gas I4 are to save money. Diesel and
>Suby look attractive, but from what I can tell, cost more. I'll save
>that for a cherry rust free Westy/Vanagon!
>
>Thanks for any answers or other info.
>
>Neil.
>
>
>--
>Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia -
>"Jaco"  (Bustorius)
>
>http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
>
>Please send fav Vanagon/Westfalia links to me at:
>musomuso1963@hotmail.com
>
>
>