1.6 Diesel Conversion

[Andyvandy]

Hi

I have a LHD 1982 Westfalia camper with a 1570 diesel engine.

I find it slow on the flat and painfully slow on the hills here in Scotland.

I would like to use it for exploring the Western Highlands but have real doubts as to whether it would even make it up some of the hills!

It seems I have a choice, either sell it and get a 1.9TD van or swap the engine.

As I don't have a workshop of my own (although I have access to one) is it feasable proposition to swap the engine and gearbox/transmission.

Any feedback would be welcome

Andy

[Russel]

We do these conversions on a monthly basis almost.
1.6D to 1.9D or 1.9TD or the 1.6TD to 1.9TD.
For cost effectiveness to u i would recomend the 1.9D.A much better engine than the 1.6.In bothe cases u will need to change the gearbox
though.We are based in Scotland so feel free to give us a call.(I wont be in the work shop tomorow though)thats Tuesday.

[roadmark69]

I did coversion from 1.6 to 1.9 both n/a used same gearbox didnt think I had to change it

[Russel]

U dont have to but to improve(prolong) engine life and economey u are advised to.
U can use any engine with any geardox BUT that dosnt mean its the right combo.

[roadmark69]

Which gear box should I use,would I gain using td box

[Diamond Hell]

You could even think further afield, depending upon the engine you could go all of the way to a DK (2.0 Aircooled) gearbox, which will lift the gearing substantially. With the torque of an AAZ that would make for a much more relaxed cruise.

[Andyvandy]

So what is the difference in performance between a 1.6 and a 1.9 (non turbo)
Does the extra 300cc really make a difference?

I used to have a 1.9 Peugeot 405 straight diesel and it's performance was hardly startling!

Would it get me up the mountains to Applecross in anything other than 1st gear and a few prayers thrown in for good measure?

Whats the performance of the 1.9 TD?

Andy

[roadmark69]

It made a big difference on hill on the way to Scarborough I used to being doing 25mph by the time I reached the top.It is now at 40mph and I now have high top fitted + this engine I put in has only covered 20k where as my other had been to moon and back more than once. It's stays at 60mph and will do a little more if i put my foot to the floor on motorways
and about 55mph on long motorway hills bearing in mind this is a fully ladden camper.I had considered putting 1.9 td in but decided as this engine had only covered 16k from new and it had proof I choose to leave it.

["WEAZLECHIN"]

it does make a difference, plus the 1.9 you put in will probably be newer if you get a good buy somewhere. 300cc equates to a fair few bhp

[roadmark69]

I think 1.6 is 50 bhp and the 1.9 is 64 bhp it does not sound alot but is nearly 30% more power.

[monkeynut]

I have a 1.9TDI mated to a standerd box out of 1.7D makes for a slow crusing speed but it will climb a wall !
Wouldent it be a more easy swap to put a 1.6td in, It being a 1.6 na in the first place ?

["WEAZLECHIN"]

no, the 1.9 is identical to the 1.6. get some new tyres on 80s rather than 70s, or 205 rather than 185 etc etc, you get extra speed too. less revs per mile,

[Andyvandy]

Hi,

Decided to buy a new van! Will be selling my 1.6 Westy soon.

Bought McWilliams 1.9TD Westy. As it still has the original gearbox it is probably over reving on straight runs. It is good for the Scottish Highlands though!

May at some point change the gearbox if I need to.

Andy

[ally]

hey

i converted my 1.6d to a 2.0 ltr subaru - i already had a fuel tank and gearbox tho.

["WEAZLECHIN"]

change gearbox or get bigger rear tyres , which is easier ???