[Eric Didier]

Last night the weather was so nice, I decided to see how the engine would fit in the bay. Before I knew it, it was midnight and it was in!

Out with the old....

and in with the new!

Had a small problem to overcome... the down pipe was hitting the crossbar, but I think it came out well, look.

7.5 inches of ground clearance, I wish it was more, but looks like plenty to me http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

It really fits in there super nice, next comes the muffler...

Modified by Eric Didier at 12:58 PM 2-21-2004

 

[MartijnGizmo]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (Eric Didier)

Looks good!!!!! Seems like you had to do quite some cutting to the "firewall".....

 

[Eric Didier]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (MartijnGizmo)

More pics...

but wait there's more...

and more...

 

[vwtoys]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (Eric Didier)

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[CdnVWJunk-e]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (vwtoys)

Eric, are you going to fab up a skid plate of sorts for protection of the engine? Its seven point five now but laden down with people and gear that'll get chewed pretty quick!
Lookin' good! Keep us posted.
Rob

 

[Eric Didier]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (CdnVWJunk-e)

I thought about it, I'm going to drive it first. The lowest points are the heat sheilds for the stock WRX headers.
Latest update:
Harness is complete!

I should have it in AND running tomorrow night! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[room 13]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (Eric Didier)

I'm almost thinking about coming out to see the thing go! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif I could pick up that 2.1 engine you have laying around as well.

Too bad I don't have the time for that trip!

 

[Eric Didier]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (room 13)

Finished it up this afternoon. Installed the last of the accessories, the power steering hose, burp tank, then came the wiring harness.
A big http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif to Brian at Smallcar.com for an excellent job on the harness. went right in.
Started first crank!

however I do have a few small problems to fix before it's roadworthy.
I had to take it out around the block just once

All I can say is WOW! gets right up to the rev limiter instantly. The turbo is a bit on the loud side. I might be having a boost problem, as it seemed to cut out too soon, but it could've been hitting the rev limiter.
The reason I don't know is the tach isn't quite working correctly... I'll have to check my connections tomorrow.

 

[TravisJTIVR6]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (Eric Didier)

i grew up in this a vanagon and my dad owns his 5th one now. i NEVER EVER thought i would see something as crazy as this. F-in awsome! mad props for the install hope it rips.
just one question: Why wouldnt you use a VW motor like the R32 block or even a tuned 2.8 or a 1.8t?
i mean i have no objections to your decision just wondering.
very nice though Are you going to bring it to waterfest this year?
http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[Eric Didier]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (TravisJTIVR6)

Only problem with engines like you mention is cost. You really need to balance cost for power. The WRX engine is the most bang for the buck. I picked up the engine with a 5 spd trans for $1600, I doubt you could get 250 HP anywhere else for that sum.
WRX UPDATE:
I encountered a few minor problems this morning, apparently Subaru needs a speed sensor to let the ECU know the car is moving, otherwise it goes into "limp" mode. Limp mode basically brings the rev limiter down to about 5000 rpm. This mornings fun runs were in limp mode... and WOW it was impressive!
I made a speed sensor with a hall effect switch and magnet mounted to the CV joint, and now it hits the rev limiter at about 8000 rpm's!
0-60 is incredible.. and I had to back off after I hit 95 mph too much traffic...
The most amazing thing is that after really getting on it hard, I pulled into the driveway, opened the deck lid, you would expect a a big woosh of hot air and hot smelling stuff... This engine was cool to the touch, and no funny smells!
More pics coming soon, I gotta clean it, if it doesn't rain... http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[gti_matt]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (Eric Didier)

Quote, originally posted by Eric Didier »

The most amazing thing is that after really getting on it hard, I pulled into the driveway, opened the deck lid, you would expect a a big woosh of hot air and hot smelling stuff... This engine was cool to the touch, and no funny smells!

That's great. If the thing ran too hot, cooling it can be a beyotch. But if it's too cool, it's easy to make it hotter (warmer thermostat, etc.). Easier to make a too-cool engine run hotter than to make a too-hot engine run cooler.

 

[ckqwarp]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (Eric Didier)

looks good eric ,
will it have a.c...?

 

[Eric Didier]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (ckqwarp)

This van didn't come with a/c... bummer

 

[MagicBus]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (Eric Didier)

Quote, originally posted by Eric Didier »

This van didn't come with a/c... bummer

Hey, neither does my '91. Like the previous owner told me, just open all the windows and you'll be fine! (I'm sure you already figured that one out).

In the long run, I'm actually happier not having the A/C. One less thing to have to repair. Plus, no compressor to work around when I had to replace my water pump. Of course, my heater valve was stuck open all summer after I bought my van, which made July driving REAL fun... Got it fixed in September.

 

[jav]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (Eric Didier)

NICE.
So, Eric... Does that camera of yours shoot movies???

 

[eve_ill]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (TravisJTIVR6)

I WANT TO SEE SOME BURNOUTS!

j/k... sort of......

Quote, originally posted by TravisJTIVR6 »

just one question: Why wouldnt you use a VW motor like the R32 block or even a tuned 2.8 or a 1.8t?

Why would you stick a jetta front end on your GTi and call it a JTI?

ah, but seriously, aside from cost, which is a major concern, there are fitment issues as well... the subaru motor is a boxer motor like the stock Vanagon motor, so it fits in there pretty nicely, whereasmany other motors that you can put in there don't fit right and you have to raise the rear deck to make it fit. Some inline-4 conversions don't need a raised rear deck, but it seems that many others do. Another not uncommon engine that people use is that GM 3.8 V6. Myself, I would love to get my hands on a nice turbine motor, you know, from a huey or something.. then I will race any of you with your puny WRX motors

but until then

 

[Eric Didier]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (eve_ill)

We're planning on the "burnout" clip!
I have to get up the courage to drop the clutch hard...

I did get it completely sideways in a turn, I thought I was going to see the tail lights come around... It felt so natural, and kinda slow motion.
Coming soon to a post near you! WRX BURNOUTS!

 

[MartijnGizmo]

Wow, I'd love to see a Vanagon that fast in real live!!!!!
The last T3 I was in, was a dirty slow transporter some 5 years ago.

 

[FreeStage3]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (Eric Didier)

WhaHoo!!! Congrats!

 

[Eric Didier]

Re: Vanagon WRX part 2 (FreeStage3)

Latest update:
I now have a working tachometer!

I got these guage faces from http://www.smallcar.com
I used the guts from a 85 jetta 7k rpm tach, it bolts right in!
Next comes VW temp sender, and check engine light.
Almost there!, it is soooo fast!