I always like reading about these and appreciate the details in order to keep a similar swap in consideration when the time comes.� The ol' WBX is ticking along still, but more information is always better in case something untoward happens.� If I had the extra cash I might go so far as to begin collecting the pieces for such a swap.� Of course, if I had the cash and the space I might also collect the Subaru pieces and flip a coin when it came time to decide which brand to go with.

Fortunately, I'm broke, have no space and the '87 is running fine.

Stephen

--- On Sun, 1/20/13, george jannini <georgejoann@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: george jannini <georgejoann@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Jetta Conversion Observations
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Sunday, January 20, 2013, 12:34 PM

>> let's hear about your jetta conversion.. <<

� There is not much, really, to brag about, just minor things.� Like I
don't worry about� cylinder heads exploding, or doing frequent water pump
changes miles from home (twice!) or NLA boxer bits.� The engine can pull a
hill at 5,000 rpm if it has to, and driven conservatively, one should
expect to get 20 mpg overall.� My best mileage figger was 24 something on
rural 2 lane at 55 mph.

� The engine is a nearly stock ABA 2 liter block and 1.8 liter head, with
Digifant brain.� Advertised numbers are 115 hp @ 5400 rpm and 122 lb/ft
maximum torque @ 3200 rpm.� The peak figures aren't all that different than
for a 2.1 liter boxer - 90hp and 117lb/ft tops� � Gearing is stock, tires
slightly oversize 195/14, plain ol' steel wheels.

� ���Engine mounting angle is stock VW and it's "floating" on Mercedes 190
motor mounts, an extra expense which didn't really change vibration much,
if I remember correctly.� He'll buzz and thrash pretty good pulling high
RPMs, (a fair amount of intake noise also) but from idle to way past 4,000
rpm, noise and vibration aren't a bother, although after 12 years I can
still recall WBX smoooth.

Geo/ATL