Hi Marshall,
My son Tom and I just completed a transplant into his 86 westy. First
impression is the 2.2L has good power, drivability, torque at all rpm. We
have all systems working. We did all the work using about $1k worth of kit
parts from Kennedy. $900 for 2 complete 2.2L engines. He sold the wasser
boxer engine for $1.2K. He has about $300 in miscellaneous parts, tune up
items, ac hose adapters, freon etc. After much study and working with Chuck
Hill on his subaru conversion I feel this is maybe best all around way to go
if one wants / needs more power.
The only down side I see so far is the subaru ac compressor seems to be
smaller than the vw. The subaru high side pressures run from 125 to 150 psi
the vw pressures run 175 to 280 psi. The evaporator has about a 30 degree
temperature drop from input to output with the subaru compressor and had
over 40 degree drop with the vw compressor. I need to study this more and
check with others. This was just what I see with no tuning or heavy
analysis. It cools but I am not sure how well.
The ecu is getting 33 errors. I am study various fixes. His van has
cruise control which uses magnets on the cv joint for a vss. I will try
using this signal to calm the ecu vss (vehicle speed sensor) errors. Tom
and his westy left yesterday on a 3 week western vacation, mostly Colorado.
We had no time for a long shake down cruise, several short trips of about 10
miles as we tested each system was it.
The subaru hangs lower about 6 inches clearance normal and 5 with a
heavy load. Tom does very little off roading so this is not a problem for
him. He runs 225 by 70 14 on his westy.
I have read some people have done this swap in 6 days. Some have done 2
vans in 12 days. It took us more like 15 days, with the average day being
maybe 6 hours. I could do the second one in 6 days with good planning and
preparation and maybe cheat a little by making the cable ahead of time.
The electrical stuff was no problem for us as we both are very
comfortable around wiring and electronics. We put the ecu under the rear
seat. No one thing seemed to be a major problem, every system took some
thought before a proper solution was put into action. One item we found that
I have not seen mentioned is a 74-78 460 cid right rear lincoln muffler fits
perfectly and breathes good with 2 inch bore. It is a few inches shorter
than standard and about the same diameter. It requires one to make up or
weld a 3 point cat flange adapter to mate it to the cat. Would I like to
have a 2.2L in my double cab? YES.
I will let you know how things work out in a few weeks when Tom
returns.
Darrell Boehler
