This is not a proper comparison but I do notice a significant difference in
overall power between the stock ABA used engine with unknown miles in my
1981 westy and the more powerful ABA I rebuilt that's in my 1988 westy.
Both are OBD1 so are basically identical except for the air filter box
type. Each uses a 4-1 exhaust manifold and single downpipe. I have not done
a compression test on either though. With just me and my gear I have to
downshift to 3rd to hold ~ 50+ mph on long steepish grades.

Back in 2008 when I started doing my first swap I had wanted to do either a
Suby 2.2 or TD but local donor engines were usually high mile beat up
units. From what I've read and heard, modifying turbos etc can introduce
potential variables but then I guess any swap platform can potentially have
those challenges. On my first swap, in terms of the engine itself, I've had
no real issues and most if not all bugs were introduced by me (steep
learning curves, custom DIY type parts). I like that the engine is simple
and reliable.

FWIW I'm seeing about 21 MPG (US gallons) on the highways on both ABA
swaps. Both have the same WBX style tranny and ~ tire OD.

Neil.

On Monday, September 9, 2019, Chris S <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:

> Wiadomość napisana przez Stacy Schneider <vwcrewman@gmail.com> w dniu
> 08.09.2019, o godz. 12:00:
> >
> > What is the attraction to a Diesel conversion? The long and short term
> costs do not offset the fuel savings.
>
> 1. VW familiarity
> 2.  Torque
> 3.  More torque
> 4. Maintain speed uphill with torque.
>
> I stated In my original post I have an ABA conversion in a Westy Syncro.
> I have lots of power on top, especially with Techtonics cam, chip, AEG
> exhaust manifold. I can cruise at 80, a speed I actually can hit in third
> gear.   But, loaded with family and weekend camping stuff, 3 bikes, the low
> torque just isn’t there to manage hills easily and I end up using that 3-6K
> rpm powerband. I figure I can drop an AHU MTDU in there for about 3 grand
> doing the installation myself.  First world problems, I know.

-- 
Neil n

VE7TBN

1988 Westy 50º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/yap5hpwt

1981 Westy 15º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/y9n4xob8

VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>