The first subie I put in was a 2.2 into an 87 Wolfsburg. I had a hole in
the VW engine case.
I did it myself, the whole project cost less than the cost of buying a
rebuilt.
It fit well, looked "right", cost less & with 130hp the vanagon merges like
a real car...even on hills! Plus it got better gas mileage! !
My next one was into an 84 westy & I'll admit I had to downshift going over
tall passes like on 94 going east.

I guess these days you'd have to get the subie 2.2 rebuilt ....

There is nothing like 130hp in a vanagon, it is an unbelievable fit with
the van.

Good luck!

Rob
vwrobb@gmail.com
ps/ don't ever sell your vw!

On Nov 18, 2016 7:43 AM, "Ryan Perry" <rjdperry@gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks everybody for the info and suggestions. As always this list
> delivers!
>
> So, my wife and I have decided to go with a new engine. We love our van,
> Artie, he's part of the family and we camp so much we know we will get
> anything we put into it tenfold. The old engine was worn out and I just
> don't see the justifying a rebuild.
>
> With that, I am a fan of the WBX. I know the engine, I can do most of my
> own work and we have a few good mechanics here for heavy lifting should
> stuff happen.
>
> As much as I would love the power of a subaru; the cost, lack of mechanics
> and the thought of learning a new engine just doesn't make it appealing to
> me. If we lived somewhere that had huge passes, yeah I could see that, but
> we live in the Appalachians and our passes are over in minutes and a couple
> miles. No big deal.
>
> For an engine we are going with the GoWesty 2.2. Its a good price, amazing
> warranty and perhaps not a huge upgrade in power but the torque it gives
> makes enough difference around here (my engine was pretty bad on even the
> smallest grades). I also spoke with Rocky Jennings and his engine is
> roughly $1k more with only a 12mos/12k warranty for a stock 2.1. Vanistan
> isn't even considering orders until late 2017, though I don't know if I
> could handle his cost either way.
>
> Now just to cough up some loot and anxiously wait. :)
>
> While I do that anybody on here have any experience with the engine?
> Suggestions on this process? Tips on what to do now? I have heard do the
> radiator and coolant hoses. I've also read the bad reviews, myah, I take it
> with a grain of salt this is the internet.
>
> Either way, thanks again for the info, support and help.
>
> Ryan in Asheville, NC
>