2.3 L into 1971 VW single cab

[itlives]

Thanks kunar!
It seems my camera went ka-pooie like an old VW!
I had some pics from today. I got the engine/trans mocked up inside the bay.

Oh well, I'll probably get another camera tomorrow.

 

[chilsam]

Sweet!

Luv the camper how many people does it sleep?

 

[itlives]

Hey chilsam, originally, it would sleep four. The front bench back would fold up and make two single bunk beds. However, now it only sleeps two (wifey and me). I converted the front bench to hold my solar powered fridge and will (haven't done it yet) make a partial cushion for a single seat next to the fridge.
Here's a pic of the back side. It's a table and two benches that make into a bed. We always use it as a bed.

Here's a link to my build up-
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f56/updating-my-77-13-trillium-w-pics-49850.html

 

[marauderx]

Is it a turbo motor?

Are you turbo charging it? I see you had the turbo manifold and valve cover, are your internals Turbo (forged dish pistons, etc)? I am running a NA turbo internals motor in the widebody ranger, and it has less power due to lower compression. Now if you were to do a low boost turbo on a blow through, or a small Eaton type supercharger you could have an RV load of torque to climb those hills- Shamelessly. Easy 150hp...

 

[itlives]

Hey Marauder, I took the turbo off -actually, the guy I bought it from kept the turbo.
I bought new .030 pistons and had all the machine work done at a local speed shop. (I hope this engine gives me LOTS of good miles!
I have headers and a Holley 350. That's it for power.
It will give almost twice the HP I had with the VW engine. I think I'll be happy!

I'll keep the turbo stuff and look into turboing it later. Right now, I just need to get back on the road. My spare car is 1977 Alpha Romeo Spider that needs as few miles on it as possible.

 

[chilsam]

Very nice!

Hey chilsam, originally, it would sleep four. The front bench back would fold up and make two single bunk beds. However, now it only sleeps two (wifey and me). I converted the front bench to hold my solar powered fridge and will (haven't done it yet) make a partial cushion for a single seat next to the fridge.
Here's a pic of the back side. It's a table and two benches that make into a bed. We always use it as a bed.

Here's a link to my build up-
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f56/updating-my-77-13-trillium-w-pics-49850.html

 

[marauderx]

I lost the e-clip on my wastegate actuator on my SVO Mustang one day, and you would have thought I had replaced the engine with a 5 horse Briggs. And looking at that, the widebody ranger is going to hop out in traffic well. Did you get forged turbo pistons? I am not saying drag race the VW, but some horsies help for sure... there are a lot of t3 turbos floating around for cheap, and they are not hard to rebuild.

 

[itlives]

I do have the original forged pistons but I would have to get another 2.3 block since I bored this one out. So, putting a turbo'd engine is not on my priority list (because of funds).
I'm thinking this engine will work fine. My truck only weighs 2,680 lb.s .

 

[marauderx]

Gotcha, I understand the funds! I just about junk every thing together, so I know what you are doing! Have fun with one of the most robust engine platforms on the road!

 

[itlives]

I got another camera! Yay!
We've been working hard. We fabbed up the main motor mount. I think it was an motor mount from a 1971 914 Porsche. Whatever it was off of, it IS thick metal.
My friend has a vision for these things. He marked, I cut, he welded, I grind ed.
We are able to use the factory mounts on the frame.
We also made the "hood". I'll be able to open it up and do anything that needs doing. That's a big improvement over the original set-up!
Here's a couple of pics of the progress

Here you can see the whole bar-

Pic of the whole area-

The "hood"-

 

[Captain Ledd]

This is immensely cool. I'm going to be following this!

I do have to ask one question though, just for curiosity if anything, Why not a Subaru engine if you needed a bit more power? I have to imagine it would have fit a little better (being another boxer). Though I can see cost/availability being a factor.

Looking forward to more pics!

 

[itlives]

I do have to ask one question though, just for curiosity if anything, Why not a Subaru engine if you needed a bit more power? I have to imagine it would have fit a little better (being another boxer). Though I can see cost/availability being a factor.

Looking forward to more pics!

Besides the cost factor, I got the Esslinger adapter + a bunch of other stuff in a package deal from a guy that couldn't finish his project. And, any small town in Arkansas (where I like to go) would be more likely to have a Ford part over a Subie part.

The fit is valid consideration. The water pump pulley on the 2.3 is "almost" going to be a problem

Thanks for dropping in, Captain!

 

[chilsam]

Hood is a good idea!

and thick enuff to support weight!

 

[marauderx]

I think that might be a bus mount, as my 914 mounts(1973 and 1973) are both forged, but I could be wrong.

 

[itlives]

You may be right on being a bus mount. I found the 914 mount outside (I'm a "collector" of parts -LOL!)
Well, whatever it was, it's a 2.3 mount now.
We got done!