[Vwdiesel] Jetta Engine in "The Thing" ?

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

Hello Jim.......The parts counter employee at our local VW dealer owned a
1983 diesel Westy for several years. He let me test drive it once, when he
decided to sell it. I was impressed/alarmed with the amount of time it took
to run up through the gears and attain any reasonable speed on a
straightaway. It bogged down on moderate hills, and traffic was a
nightmare. I just kept it in the curb lane and stayed in a low gear, and
was happy to return it to it's owner.

The vehicle was too risky to own, so I let it go. After the test drive, I
no longer harbored any desire to own one.

I do have two diesel VW's: 1985 Jetta TD and 1984 Rabbit 4 speed. I wore
out a 1982 Jetta 5 speed.  In my opinion, the VW bus needs at least a turbo
diesel, to be a vehicle that will safely move around in real-world traffic.
My 1976 VW Westy has a rebuilt gasoline type 4 engine, and it is reasonably
able to get around in modern traffic, but only marginally. Another 40
horses would be helpful. They are heavy vehicles, and over 40 mph they push
a lot of air.

Drive any diesel Westy a few hours before you decide to buy it.

A turbo model would be interesting, but I never heard of one stock. And I'm
guessing that a Westy with a TDI transplant would be VERY interesting.

Doyt Echelberger
Ohio   USA

 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
At 10:56 PM 4/22/2003 -0600, you wrote:
>Mark sez:
> > 76-78, 85-87, and BEST of all the rare 1983 5 speed DIESEL Westfalia.
>
>I have seen exactly ONE of these.  It was passing through town (Yorkton,
>Sask) on journey from Whitehorse to Toronto. I actually followed it aroud
>until he stopped for snacks and allowed me to rubberneck at it.  It was well
>used, but had a lot of miles to go yet. I've been looking for one ever
>since.  The 73 westy is getting cramped with two kids now. Good excuse to
>carry the factory tent around and set it up every now and again however...
>-James
>
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