Great, fact based evidence from out west ( we know dirt and dust ;-)? ) ! So now, with your SC filter setup,? do you have to clean out allot of dirt ?
?- Sean G
On Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11:05:05 AM MST, Ryan C via groups.io <candagrm@...> wrote:
I live in Colorado and generally hadn’t had too many problems with regular filter replacement/maintenance.?
?
I took one trip to Moab and the K&N-style cone setup I had was absolutely caked in fine red dust after a trip down the Schafer Trail.
?
I’ve since upgraded to the Small Car snorkel setup with the Subaru filter. ?
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I live in Colorado and generally hadn’t had too many problems with regular filter replacement/maintenance.?
?
I took one trip to Moab and the K&N-style cone setup I had was absolutely caked in fine red dust after a trip down the Schafer Trail.
?
I’ve since upgraded to the Small Car snorkel setup with the Subaru filter. ?
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I agree, this probably more true here.? However we are not running the DAKAR or BAJA. I believe we are all recreational folks here. Not professional driver running dirt race circuits... and my non-snorkel set up proves it (for at least myself). To each their own however.
Sean G
On Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10:30:35 AM MST, Ryan C via groups.io <candagrm@...> wrote:
I think when most people mention the snorkel it is not in the true sense of the word, for the purpose of fording a river.?
Personally, I just wanted something that would get the intake up and away from the dusting environment that can be the engine compartment.?
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In my 15 + yrs of driving dirt rds out in AZ, CA, CO... I have only changed my filter once. Never experienced a dust bowl in my filter and intake area. I should mention I have a RMW Airbox setup.
?- SeanG? ?- 87 Syncro , 2000 Subie 3.5
On Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10:51:16 AM MST, Dr Mark <mark@...> wrote:
Remember before the engine swaps ?? . the little clear plastic dust trap just before the VW air filter Box ?? ?after driving dirt roads & beaches, especially if behind another vehicle) ?it always felt good
to see what was caught in there (I would wipe it down with motor oil to make it trap even better). On California freeways I like the idea of getting air from 5 ft above traffic exhaust (not sure there is actually a difference but I like it) . on my syncro
I custom connected the “snorkel” but I never got around to setting up the trap . remember corrugated hose will trap dust which could shake loose off roading and airflow is better with smooth tubing .
?
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of SEAN GARRETT via groups.io
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2025 10:10 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Snorkel set up
?
IMHO you dont need a snorkel unless you’re going to be driving through creeks deeper the 18-24 inches. Even if its snowmelt then you could crack your heads.
87 Syncro , 2000 Subie 3.5
?
Hey Gang!
I actually have two vanagon conversions, one a 2.2 Subaru and one is a SVX Syncro.
I've never owned a stock vanagon, and only recently realized that the factory air box uses a snorkel.
Neither of mine have the snorkel attached to the airbox.
I take my vans off road, and realized I need to hook this up.
Anyone do this? Most of the conversions I've seen don't have it hooked up.
Send some pics of your solution!
|
Remember before the engine swaps ?? . the little clear plastic dust trap just before the VW air filter Box ?? ?after driving dirt roads & beaches, especially if behind another vehicle) ?it always felt good
to see what was caught in there (I would wipe it down with motor oil to make it trap even better). On California freeways I like the idea of getting air from 5 ft above traffic exhaust (not sure there is actually a difference but I like it) . on my syncro
I custom connected the “snorkel” but I never got around to setting up the trap . remember corrugated hose will trap dust which could shake loose off roading and airflow is better with smooth tubing .
?
?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of SEAN GARRETT via groups.io
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2025 10:10 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Snorkel set up
?
IMHO you dont need a snorkel unless you’re going to be driving through creeks deeper the 18-24 inches. Even if its snowmelt then you could crack your heads.
87 Syncro , 2000 Subie 3.5
?
Hey Gang!
I actually have two vanagon conversions, one a 2.2 Subaru and one is a SVX Syncro.
I've never owned a stock vanagon, and only recently realized that the factory air box uses a snorkel.
Neither of mine have the snorkel attached to the airbox.
I take my vans off road, and realized I need to hook this up.
Anyone do this? Most of the conversions I've seen don't have it hooked up.
Send some pics of your solution!
|
I think when most people mention the snorkel it is not in the true sense of the word, for the purpose of fording a river.?
Personally, I just wanted something that would get the intake up and away from the dusting environment that can be the engine compartment.?
|
IMHO you dont need a snorkel unless you’re going to be driving through creeks deeper the 18-24 inches. Even if its snowmelt then you could crack your heads.
SeanG? 87 Syncro , 2000 Subie 3.5
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On May 23, 2025, at 8:35?AM, swissarmychainsaw via groups.io <swissarmychainsaw@...> wrote:
? Hey Gang!
I actually have two vanagon conversions, one a 2.2 Subaru and one is a SVX Syncro.
I've never owned a stock vanagon, and only recently realized that the factory air box uses a snorkel.
Neither of mine have the snorkel attached to the airbox.
I take my vans off road, and realized I need to hook this up.
Anyone do this? Most of the conversions I've seen don't have it hooked up.
Send some pics of your solution!
Thanks!
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Re: I am looking for the best conversion kit
Ditto that for Jeff @ Autoventures, great product, service !!! SeanG? 87 Syncro , 2000 Subie 2.5
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On May 23, 2025, at 8:27?AM, swissarmychainsaw via groups.io <swissarmychainsaw@...> wrote:
? What are you converting?? I can think of three options off the top of my head.
Also: does it need to be legal in California?
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Re: I am looking for the best conversion kit
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.
?
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.
?
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.?
?
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.?
?
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!
--
Warren
89 Westy?
88 Tintop
70 Westy
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Hey Gang!
I actually have two vanagon conversions, one a 2.2 Subaru and one is a SVX Syncro.
I've never owned a stock vanagon, and only recently realized that the factory air box uses a snorkel.
Neither of mine have the snorkel attached to the airbox.
I take my vans off road, and realized I need to hook this up.
Anyone do this? Most of the conversions I've seen don't have it hooked up.
Send some pics of your solution!
Thanks!
|
Re: I am looking for the best conversion kit
What are you converting?? I can think of three options off the top of my head.
Also: does it need to be legal in California?
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Re: I am looking for the best conversion kit
They all have their pluses and minuses. If you have a 2.1 I’d consider looking into Marco Mansi upgrades, I have a 1.9 and went with RMW. Their support kind of sucks and their instructions also are not amazing, but you should be able to get help from the group. The items I have purchased from Smallcar in the past have not been of great quality and I don’t like their buried clutch slave cylinder idea, so that wasn’t for me. The bostig kit is honestly a kind of stupid. Makes no sense to use a hard to find motor that doesn’t really give much more HP and sits too low. Same with the diesel kit, now I’m trying to remember what that’s called, it’s very very expensive, very well put together and super high quality but you end up with an engine that sits VERY low and that is not for me, nor was I interested in a diesel. The think with all of them is that the “kit” isn’t complete. None of them really are. The diesel one seems to be the most complete. With RMW you’ll need someone to do your harness(I used Jeff at Autoventures as he is the best and has amazing support) also you’ll need an oil pan, a better intake, an engine to start with that isn’t tired and high miles, likely a transmission refresh on yours, new clutch, also get the tank reservoir as it’s great and bomb proof. Replace the sensors on the motor with new oem ones, likely you’ll also need a subie timing belt kit. I probably missed things but that should give you an idea of what you’re getting into. Also these are strictly my opinions and are meaningless to anyone but me, so there is that?
J
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On Thu, May 22, 2025 at 7:39?PM dhillmanskibum via groups.io <dhillmanskibum@...> wrote:
What's the best conversion kit
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Re: I am looking for the best conversion kit
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On May 22, 2025, at 10:39 PM, dhillmanskibum via groups.io <dhillmanskibum@...> wrote:
? What's the best conversion kit
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I am looking for the best conversion kit
What's the best conversion kit
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Re: Warren’s Conversion - Update #1
So I went to a parts yard this morning that had quite a few SOHC Subarus in various stages of disassembly. ?I noticed that some had one damper, some had two, and some had none. ?I found an 04 (mine’s an 03) and it had none. ?The others I did not know the year.
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I can purchase them for $5 each if I need them. ?
--
Warren
89 Westy?
88 Tintop
70 Westy
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Re: '91 Westie with '07 Forester 2.5
Hola Joel, We are usually parked near the back entrance. Brown guy in a brown Westy named Winston.? I actually have a couple of spare computers for my 2002 2.5 n/a Subie. Let me know if I should bring one. Hmmm, maybe I'll bring it anyway, I heard parts of the Labrador road are a wee bit rough. Terry
On Mon, 19 May 2025, 23:03 wallaces_21 via , <grandfatherjim= [email protected]> wrote: Terry, I'd like to connect with you at BusFusion to compare our conversions. I'm trying to figure out just which engine I have and it may be the same as yours, in our 85. We'll likely be parked near the ag hall end; ask around as lots of people know us, and I'll try to find you too. Cheers,? Jim Wallace? On Mon, May 19, 2025, 9:27 p.m. Noras dad via <norasonlydad= [email protected]> wrote: Yo Joel,? Glad to see you got this prob figured out. Let me know when you are headed up to Labrador/ Newfoundland please. We are heading on that journey directly after BUSfusion in Almonte Ontario. Would be great to sup on a pop somewhere along the route.? 85 Westy ( Winston)with 2002 N/A 2.5 Subie with Tod's reverse ring and pinion installed in his 5 speed tranny. Terry
Hello all, Hoping someone may have an idea, been working on this for a few days with little success, and of course we are supposed to be heading out for a 6 week trip across Labrador & Newfoundland.
Had the conversion done a year ago, everything was fantastic for last year's 12,000 km trip to the west coast of BC. (Should have done the conversion year's ago)
Couple days ago was heading to the garage for a minor upgrade, when things started to 'turn off', until the van was barely able to run, battery down to ~7V.? I have a battery switch to flip between vehicle and house battery, enabling me to go the additional distance.
We have tried 4 different alternators, with the engine running all of them max 12.4 V.? Have unplugged the alternator cables so no load, still only about 12.4V.? Take them out of my van, install in another, and they go up to around 14.4V.??
Belt seems ok, cam shaft pulley also ok.
Do one of the 3 connectors on the one plug of the alternator provide some kind of V sensing where if it isn't connected or loose/corroded, so max the alternator puts out is around 12.4V?? If yes, where is the other end of that going?
Any other ideas or thoughts are much appreciated.
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Re: Warren’s Conversion - Update #1
I’m not sure if they matter, there was only one on my car. I have a couple of spares if you want one. Not sure what it would cost to ship likely cheap at the dealer ??
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On Wed, May 21, 2025 at 6:43?AM SubieVanagon via groups.io <wklail@...> wrote:
All mine has now is the fuel pressure regulator.
?I may go to a local parts yard today to see if I can find one of those. ?Are they required? ?One or two? ?
--
Warren
89 Westy?
88 Tintop
70 Westy
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Re: Warren’s Conversion - Update #1
All mine has now is the fuel pressure regulator.
?I may go to a local parts yard today to see if I can find one of those. ?Are they required? ?One or two? ?
--
Warren
89 Westy?
88 Tintop
70 Westy
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Re: Warren’s Conversion - Update #1
My stock 2.5 2002 NA had one, I kept for re install. There is a fuel rail mounted thing that appears to be the same as the dampener but it is not the same. My understanding is that it’s a pressure regulator. At least in parts diagrams. I’ve also purchased an external adjustable regulator from small car although I’m not sure it’s needed?
John?
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On Tue, May 20, 2025 at 5:09?PM Wayne Sitarz via groups.io <wesitarz@...> wrote:
Do you have the fuel line dampers (black valve looking thingys)? I had one that I installed on the return line. On some pics I see there are two. I don't know how critical they are.
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Dr Mark