Andrew, you might want to do a Search for Rob Becida's Subaru Conversion
posts.  You too Ken.

He installed a 2.2 for less than $2500, including the sheet of plywood he
did the wiring harness on!

On Mon, Mar 10, 2008 at 2:55 PM, Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@comcast.net>
wrote:

> Andrew,
> I have never heard of anyone doing a conversion for less than just
> replacing the waterboxer with a rebuilt one.  I know there have been
> many people who thought they were going to get by cheaper but after all
> was said and done it is always more expensive.  And it only makes sense
> that it is.  If you replace the waterboxer with a rebuilt one there may
> be many parts (exhaust, coolant system, etc.) that you may be able to
> reuse.  If you are putting a subaru in you are looking at a new exhaust
> system, new coolant system, new clutch, etc.  It is just the name of the
> game.  A nice, low mileage subaru engine is not something that you can
> find under any rock.  If you do find one, usually people will want some
> money for it.
>
> My point is if you want to go the cheapest route go with stock.  If you
> want to do a Subaru conversion then do that but don't expect it to be
> cheaper.
>
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
>
> Richards, Andrew wrote:
> > My vanagon is nearing a crossroads in its life.  With 160K on the
> > original engine and transmission, I'm starting to think hard about its
> > future.  Its body is pretty darn straight, but seam rust is creeping
> > along and a body shop just quoted me $1500 to fix all the rust
> > (windshield too) and parking lot dents.
> >
> >
> >
> > What should come first?  Body or mechanical issues?  I've always
> > understood it's best to attack rust ASAP because it'll only get more
> > expensive to fix.  On the other hand, dropping a large chunk of $$$ into
> > body work on a van who's guts are getting on in years may be futile for
> > a guy who's pockets aren't that deep.  What would you do?  I'm also
> > considering a do-it-yourself Subaru conversion, which could save me 1-2K
> > compared to a pro WBX rebuild.
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> >
> >
> > Andrew
> >
> > '87 GL
> >
> > Portland, OR
> >
> >
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
Crescent Beach, BC
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27