Jeff,

I've been studying the engine conversion ting a while now, and though I
haven't gone the route - it seems to me the EJ2.5 (or even perhaps the
EJ 2.2) would be the better engine. It is a modernized version of what
the WBX should have been. The  EJ2.5 has plenty of power, good fuel
economy, and will last twice the life of a WBX, and IT FITS!

Good luck in your search for an ideal engine.

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

Jeff Michal wrote:
> Hi everyone.  I'm rolling around the idea of switching my engine out.  I
> have a 90 GL that I am extremely attached to.  Its got about 135k on it, and
> I'm starting to see various end of life type problems with it.  I'm
> wondering if anyone has any recommendations about changing engines.  I know
> some of you have done this several times over, probably with more than one
> type of engine and more than one van.
>
> I've looked at the diesels, the ej25, the tiico, and the 3.2 porsche
> engine.
>
> The subaru EJ25 engine seems to be the best. I am saying that because it
> makes plenty of power and isnt going to be more than the gearbox can
> handle.
>
> The diesels are not practical in my region because a relatively low
> percentage of the gas stations have it.
>
> The porsche engine is rediculously expensive.
>
> And that leaves the Tiico.  I dont know that this is such a bad idea and it
> appears to be the easiest of the conversions, plus the engine will be brand
> new.
>
> I recognize that by the time I am done with any conversion, I could easily
> buy a new vehicle.  I just don't want to give up the cab forward narrow
> gauge vehicle that I love.
>
> I know that things like brakes, suspension & steering components, drive line
> components, and paint/bodywork should be addressed during the process to
> ensure long term safety and reliability.
>
> I'm interested in making the van drive a bit better.  I'm considering
> cutting the ride height by as much as 2 or 3 inches, and I'm after 4 wheel
> disk brakes and 15 inch wheels.
>
> All that leaves me with is questions.
>
> What opinions do you have about the various options for engine replacement?
> Are any of these choices better than buying an ecu and a rebuilt engine?
>
> What sort of upgrades are available for the suspension?
>
> Are there any other hard to get to things I should sort out while I have the
> engine out?
>   I'm considering having all the piping replaced with stainless steel, I
> know some good steamfitters that will sort it it out for me all perfect
> like.  Is this a dumb idea? Should I just get new plastic stuff?
>   I'm going to work over the fuel delivery system and get rid of that aweful
> plastic firewall penetration.
>   I'm going to have the body straightened, seam rust sorted out, and new
> paint laid down.
>   I'm going to put all new rubber around for all the windows and whatnot.
>
> I appreciate any opinions that you can offer.
>
> Jeff
> 90GL
>
>
>