Club 80-90 Forums

I have a 1989 synchro panel van (1.9 l petrol) ( 4 speed plus G gear) that I have owned for the last 17 years. The time has now arrived where I need to think about replacing the engine, I'm thinking Subaru but I'm unsure whether this is indeed the best option, will I need to upgrade the 4 speed gearbox currently fitted? Are there any companies that specialise in these types of conversions. The body work / underneath of my van is solid simply because I have fastidiously kept on top of any rust that formed, and after 17 years I'm pretty attached to what is essentially my second home and as such I have no desire to let a tired engine get in the way of another 17 years.

Syncronutz in Shotts Scotland would do it for you.

stubbie wrote:I have a 1989 synchro panel van (1.9 l petrol) ( 4 speed plus G gear) that I have owned for the last 17 years. The time has now arrived where I need to think about replacing the engine, I'm thinking Subaru but I'm unsure whether this is indeed the best option, will I need to upgrade the 4 speed gearbox currently fitted? Are there any companies that specialise in these types of conversions. The body work / underneath of my van is solid simply because I have fastidiously kept on top of any rust that formed, and after 17 years I'm pretty attached to what is essentially my second home and as such I have no desire to let a tired engine get in the way of another 17 years.

if your happy with the 1.9 then stick with it and get a recon and save a shed load of cash. If not then spend away and be 3k+ lighter.

jed

17 years with the same Syncro! Wow that must be a record........ Post a pic or two for us!

syncropaddy wrote:17 years with the same Syncro! Wow that must be a record........ Post a pic or two for us!

OK picture to follow.

3K doesn't seem such a bad price, it's had a lot more than that spent on it over the 17 years!

I use the van to commute from home (suffolk-norfolk) border to devon / cornwall at least three times a year, the van will sit ok at 70 but ideally I would like it to go a tad quicker and if possible improve the fuel economy in the process. As I have said i'm attached to the van and at the end of the day I have a feeling prices will only go up. Anyway so subaru is possible ? but what is the most suitable subaru engine to get ? and more importantly will my gearbox require replacing? is there anyone out there running a subaru syncro with a four speed box?

Hi,
I fitted a subaru EJ20 2lt to our 1985 camper last year using a RJES kit. The result is truely amazing, both in terms of performance and economy. I fitted nylon bushes, quickshift kit and new wheels bearings at the same time and the camper feels like a modern car.
The RJES kit is more expensive, but it does let you use a Subaru clutch and everything fits very cleverly. I got my engine from Grade A Subaru, who were also very good.
Jon

Thanks Jon, just looked at your van and engine, looks really good... great stuff (email to follow)

Stubbie, I put 2.5 subaru into my Kombi in January. It's great, I should have done it years ago. There's some pics here:
http://www.vwkd.co.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?t=2341.
Andy

The job is done, well not quite... Rjes kit purchased, engine purchased, and pete@sycnroengineering will be installing. Just hope it's going to be worth it... Pictures and review to follow.