A subaru 2.2 works quite nicely with vanagon automatic.
go for it.

I have a nice 86 GL with auto trans , and most of the parts for a2.2
subaru conversion, like the engine and most of the donor car parts to go
with it.   I'd sell that whole package as a project too. Located
Southern Oregon.

On 5/10/2013 9:01 AM, Stuart MacMillan wrote:
> ANYTHING is much, much better than the WBX (except maybe the Tiico)!
>
>
>
> My '85 has low compression in two cylinders, and an oil squirt and leak down
> test showed rings and both valves leaking. I know I'd be into it at least
> $1000 just doing the valves since my exhaust is shot, and still have two bad
> cylinders.  More likely it would end up being a full rebuild with new heads,
> pistons and cylinders, etc. for over twice that, and it's just not worth it
> to end up with an unreliable 90 hp antique engine.
>
>
>
> I'm doing the Subaru 2.2 to keep the cost down and the reliability up, and
> frankly, I've had my fill of VW engines over the years.  Because I want
> documentation and support with the conversion, the only in-line four I
> considered is the Zetec, but the Bostig kit alone is about $7000.  Not in my
> network, and it's not recommended for the automatic anyway.  The Subaru
> 2.2's torque curve seems to make it the best and most cost effective engine
> option for an automatic.
>
>
>
> If my engine blows before I can do the conversion, I'll find a cheap used
> WBX and crawl along for a while longer.
>
>
>
> Stuart
>
>
>
> From: Don Hanson [mailto:dhanson928@gmail.com]
> Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 8:03 AM
> To: Stuart MacMillan
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: coolant overflow fears and thoughts
>
>
>
>
>
>    I see this 'inline 4=Vibrate' statement often.  This 'assumption' that
> inlne 4 vws are all vibrators....Even though 'everyone always says it'. That
> assumption is actually wrong.
>
>   I think this internet wisdom comes from those original Tiico motors that
> had internal changes done before they were sold to customers.  Audi/VW
> internal engine parts mixed and modified somehow?  Yeah, those things are
> said to be shakers and buzzers, according to the people who bought them....
>
>    Normal VW inlines aren't like that.
>
>    You can also find complete motors with all the stuff still attached,
> motors that are almost "plug and play" using all VW diesel parts and most of
> your original WBX harness, instruments, pumps, etc.....probably for the cost
> of a used WBX head or a Subie conversion muffler connection...I think the VW
> inline conversion route is (debatable, I know) the most cost-effective way
> to get a decent drivetrain into a Vanagon.....by a large sum of money...
>
>    Yah, the 2.5 Subie motor is probably a great "fit" for the Vanagon.
> People seem to really love em...and I guess you could buy that conversion
> and end up with a really smooth, silent, almost modern feeling and driving
> Vanagon..
> .
> But back to the point of my post...   only a few people complain about
> vibration in the inline VW motors in Vanagons, and these seem to mainly be
> the drivers of the oldest Tiico conversion packages..The rest of us...it's
> not an issue.
>