Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Restored Subaru Engine
1986 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Description
Syncro Westfalia Full Restoration Subaru Motor
For sale, one of the cleanest, most sanitary examples of a Syncro Westy you will find. Call it a "restomod" or a total rebuild, this Vanagon Syncro has been thoughtfully refreshed both mechanically and cosmetically with some of the finest components available. Almost every system on this syncro has been addressed and improved, as referenced by the upgrades below. All body seams are rust free as well as the entire under carriage of the vehicle.
Mechanical: (All work performed in the last two years)
Subaru engine conversion featuring a 170 hp 2.5 liter motor from a 2011 Impreza with only 48,000 miles on factory motor, not a rebuild. Clean install using Smallcar performance components. Adapter Plate Flywheel (not problematic Smallcar bell housing) with new Sachs Clutch. TDI Starter upgrade with new high torque starter.
Full cooling system rebuild, stainless steel cooling pipes, all new rubber cooling hoses, new radiator, new radiator fan and fan switch. Everything cooling related is new.
Front locker, decoupler with solid shaft for true 4wd, rear locker, a true "three knob" Syncro. This option was never offered on Syncros sold in the USA, so beyond being rare the lockers and decoupler make this Syncro almost unstoppable in offroading situations. The slip-joint driveshaft was just rebuilt and drive line is butter smooth, no vibrations.
Suspension was totally rebuilt using a Maas Trailmaster Spring and Shock lift kit, and at same time front ball joints (upper and lower), front control arm bushings (upper and lower), radius rod bushings and rear trailing arm bushings were replaced using T3 Technique Powerflex products. Also, Burley extended rear trailing arms (aka Syncro 16" replica arms) and the Porsche 930 rear axle and CV upgrade from Burley were installed for extra travel and improved handling. New complete front axles and CV’s from Lobro. New (remanufactured) power steering rack, tie rods and ends, as well as new heavy 25mm sway bar upgrade from T3 Technique. New front and rear wheel bearings. Basically every moving part on suspension is new. GoWesty front suspension skid plate.
Braking performance was increased with a Smallcar G60 front Disc Big Brake kit and the rear Disc brake kit from Burley Motorsports. Also, a larger BMW brake booster was adapted and installed to provide better pedal feel and performance. New brake master cylinder, and all new stainless steel flex lines were installed to replace old rubber ones. This Syncro has plenty of stopping power, and that's essential when you increase the wheel size and engine performance beyond the original design parameters.
16" Steel MEFRO German wheels are wrapped in new (>2000 miles) BFG All Terrain K02 tires with matching spare, black wheel hub center caps included. Tires 235/70/16.
Transmission features re-geared 3rd and 4th gear that reduces rpms for a quiet smooth highway cruising with MPG's in the mid 20's.
Interior/Exterior:
Comprehensive "windows out" professional paint job in 2016. The stunning Wolfram Gray Metallic paint is set off by the black accessories and accents. The body is de-badged of all emblems and decals for a clean look. New window seals and tinted windows. New door seals. TerraWagon wheel arches protect the fender lips and balance the look.
Lithium Ion auxiliary battery system that powers a TruckFridge refrigerator/freezer, with digital monitors and several USB and cigarette lighter outlets strategically located in cabin. The Lithium Ion battery was an investment, ($1000 plus) but the performance is amazing. So much so that a planned solar power system was deemed unncecessary for our style of camping.
South African round headlight upgrade with updated headlight relay for safe reliable bright lights. South African “wrap around” lower grill. LED light upgrade for balance of exterior marker, brake and turn signal bulbs.
Gowesty Bumpers with dual swing-aways in back for spare tire and gerry cans, Hi Lift Jack mount in front (jack included), Gowesty front skid plate.
Fiamma F45S 8’ Awning, easy to use crank deployment, the finest you can buy. Black case and Deluxe gray fabric.
Road shower mounted on custom brackets
New 3-window Poptop Canvas tent
New camper exterior utility hook up boxes
New propane tank assembly
Kenwood Exelon KDC X598 Stereo with Bluetooth hands free, (4) speakers
New Recaro front seats from GoWesty, $3000 value
New Sewfine interior carpet
Interior accents and door cards from Sewfine
Interior and doors sound proofed with FatMat material for quiet traveling and camping. Doorsclose with a satisfying “thunk.”
Front heater airbox rebuilt with new fan motor and resistor and heater core, so that pesky PITA job is done!
No air conditioning at this time, though a front in-dash unit could be added in the future.
We have a Drop Box link with over 100 more photos available to serious buyers.
We have local ads already running so we reserve the right to end this auction at any time if our reserve price has not yet been met.
PAYMENT: $1000 deposit due within 24 hours of accepted offer via Paypal or overnight cashier's check. Full payment via wire transfer or cashier's check within two weeks of accepted offer. Cashiers check must be from Chase bank USA, or other bank with branch in Colorodo Springs, Colorado.
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