Dennis,

Well, twice the life may be an overstatement, but they do seem to last
substantially longer than the WBX. if from new, and would problably do
the same between overhauls - if done proper. It is, I think, mostly a
function of new design technology and materials vs the old.

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

Dennis Haynes wrote:
> I think twice the life may be a bit of an overstatement. I do not know of
> any 1/2 million Subies out there.
> Will still melt if operated without coolant or oil.
>
> Happy New Year,
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> John Rodgers
> Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 1:24 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Conversion?
>
> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>