I agree with John A. To my knowledge no kit is fully complete. I¡¯m in the final stages of installing an RMW kit and, although I think the components are well made, the instructions are incomplete and somewhat confusing, especially in terms of sequencing and photos. I¡¯m thinking their products have been updated but the instructions are lagging a bit behind. ?RMW¡¯s expansion tank is great but I¡¯m not sure for a Subie conversion why the overflow barb faces the front of the bus when the overflow tank is at the rear just behind the license plate. RMW¡¯s exhaust system was so easy to install I couldn¡¯t believe it. And it looks great as well.
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I removed my plastic coolant pipes and replaced them with stainless steel. I will not do that again. Those old VW pipes are very thick and durable except for the ferrules that slip out of the ends. Just get GoWesty¡¯s repair kit, install it, and forget about it for another 20 years.?
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?Go with Jeff at AutoVentures for your harness because as far as I know it¡¯s the most sophisticated available. And if you call for help installing his harness, he will likely be the person who answers the phone and he will answer your questions right then and there.
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Yes, install a quality timing kit (I went with Aisin). If you have your heads machined, replace the head bolts with OEM bolts from Subaru. And be sure to use multi layer steel head gaskets.?
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I¡¯m going with Smallcar¡¯s intake because it looks cleaner to me and more straightforward to install (and easier to change filters). ?I have also ordered Smallcar¡¯s power steering hoses. ?If I had it to do over again I would probably use Smallcar¡¯s shortened oil pan as well.?
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You will want to know your oil pressure so I recommend one of the Glow Shift sandwich adapters with gauge. ?I installed one in my forever buzzing 2.1 only to find that my oil pressure was fine all along (better a gauge than an idiot light). I also plan to install an oil temp gauge in one of the extra ports in the sandwich adapter.?
Once my conversion is complete (and if I can find the time) I plan to post a fairly comprehensive guide to installing the RMW kit with decent photos and proper sequencing based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.?
When I get my 89 Westy conversion done and running well I plan to start a Subie conversion on my 88 tintop while this experience is fresh in my mind. The fun never ends!
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Warren
89 Westy?
88 Tintop
70 Westy
