[Vwdiesel] Jetta Engine in "The Thing" ?

[Shawn Wright]

I think it depends more on your intended use and driving style. Even before we got
our '88 Westy 6 years ago, I longed for a diesel Westy, but knew the chances of
finding one in decent shape were slim. I've driven two of them since, the first a stock
'82 diesel Westy, which although slow to accelerate to 90km/h (and noisy at that
speed), was very comfortable cruising country roads at 60-80km/h. None of the
roads around here have a speed limit above 90km/h anyway.
The 2nd I drove was an '82 Westy "Getaway Van" conversion, with Westy interior,
but a solid hightop instead of poptup. I suspect it was even slower, but did not give a
long enough drive to find out. I still plan on either converting our '88 to a 1.6TD or
1.9TD, or finding a diesel Westy to do the conversion on. I agree that a 1.6TD is a
better engine choice, especially due to the noise produced by the 1.6NA at
4000rpm+ (the TD seems to be much smoother and quieter at these speeds). I
suspect the TD engines would also allow use of a taller gearbox, further reducing
noise, such as the aircooled, or even the watercooled model that I have in my '88. (I
get ~3450 rpm at 100km/h).
I know there are plenty of people who love their diesel Westies - because they won't
give them up! :-)

On 23 Apr 2003 at 6:13, Doyt W. Echelberger wrote:

> 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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Shawn Wright
http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
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