[Vwdiesel] [TDI-conversion] What engine would you want?

[Cristian Torlasco]

Hi Dave:

It is a wonderful trip, good choice. I did USA-Argentina in 92 and again in 02. Getting ready to do it in 2010. First time in a Dodge Van (ex-school van, those were my hippie days). Second time in a 1.9NA diesel Westy ("Guapo"), and this coming time in a Syncro 16 Westfalia w/a 1.9 mechanical TDi. I still want to do this in my split window bus, and that one might be the trip after the next one, I hope. The biggest challenge in the whole adventure, in my opinion, is shipping the car between Central and South America, you'll have fun with that process!

In any case, my recommendations as far as engine choice would be either an upright aircooled engine (1.5/1.6), or a rustic diesel engine (by rustic I mean w/out the electronics). These choices are a good balance between reliability, ease of repair, and availability of parts in SA. If you take your panckacke engine, or a wasserboxer, you will be out of luck...Something like a Tiico might work, since that engine is commonly available in SA. 

You can see reports from our 2002 trip here: http://torlasco.tripod.com

As far as fuel availability, regular gas or diesel are plenty. In some remote areas (eg: the Bolivian Andes), diesel is actually more common because that is what most vehicles use (most of them being either trucks or buses, few private cars). 

Sponsorhip: Don't count on it. You might be able to get someone interested, but too many people have done it and are constantly doing it, not such an exotic trip any longer. I've seen people doing it in bicycles, walking, and even a Japanese solo guy pushing a wheel barrow in Tierra del Fuego, almost at the end...(seriously!). 

Keep us updated, I am always interested in other people's experience with the Panam Hwy. Regards,

Cris
Upstate NY






________________________________
From: Dave Cook <davevw at yahoo.com>
To: vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines at googlegroups.com; TDI-Conversion Group <TDI-conversion at yahoogroups.com>; VW Diesel Group <vwdiesel at vwfans.com>; Audi-VW-Diesels Group <Audi-VW-Diesels at yahoogroups.com>; Buskatiers Group <buskatiers at buskatiers.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 12:41:15 AM
Subject: [TDI-conversion] What engine would you want?



First, sorry for those of you who get this in more than one group, but I figured the varied groups would yield varied results and thoughts.

Anyway...

A few years ago, buddy and I attempted to drive my '78 bus to Alaska after graduating from college.  After a couple breakdowns, we ended up turning around and coming home, vowing to do it again sometime.

Well, we both are currently looking for work, and the conversation has gone back to the idea of another trip, and to do it right this time.  For the past couple years or so, we've talked about the Pan-American Highway, going deep into South America.

The bus does still have the stock, 2-liter, fuel injected engine.  That runs pretty well (assuming I figure out why it currently won't start...) though I'm sure it is probably pretty worn.

So, an engine conversion isn't out of the question.  The question would be, what engine?  I would prefer it to be something out of a VW, mostly because I'm pretty familiar with many different VW engines, and have all sorts of manuals.

Things to consider (that I've thought of so far) would be:
*Reliability!
*Ease of repair, and finding parts in South America if necessary
*Ability to limp along for awhile if necessary
*Fuel availability
*Power and Economy
*Other considerations I haven't considered?

Also, we were talking about selling sponsorships/ ad space on the side of the bus.  Of course, there will be a blog with lots of pics, including pics of the bus.  If anyone has any leads here, that would be much appreciated!

Thoughts?

If nothing else, hopefully this will spur on some conversations in some otherwise quiet groups.

Dave Cook


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