TooSteep
Observer
No affiliation. Currently registered in Nova Scotia:
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/d/vanagon-syncro-tintop-with-25/6545854170.html
1990 VW Vanagon Syncro
VIN: WV2YB0250LG040047
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: 4wd
fuel: gas
odometer: 195000
paint color: white
size: full-size
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: van
1990 Tintop Syncro with low miles in very good condition. Currently registered in NS, but located in Santa Cruz, California. Price is in $CAD. Will deliver for return air fare, upon payment by bank transfer, wire, or cashier's check. After reading the info. below, please call to discuss.
Why a Tintop Vanagon?
Any Vanagon is much safer, larger and quieter than the pre 1984 VW bus.
Not as tall as a Poptop Vanagon, so fits in parking garages and is less affected by wind.
AC more reliable and colder with single large central duct, not two ducts.
Fold down bed in back is 30% wider than a Westy.
Many kit interiors available to install that are better than OEM Westy interiors.
Cheaper a Poptop (Westfalia, Weekender) or a Hightop (Adventurewagens, etc.)
Roof won't EVER leak, so few interior rust issues.
Cookstove is used under an awning on a table outside, so no food smell inside.
Why a Syncro Vanagon?
A Syncro will never lose its value, and can be considered an investment.
Syncros are rare, collectible and increasing in value.
Syncros have different transmissions, differentials,suspension and frame than normal Vanagons - by Steyr-Puch in Austria.
With a short wheelbase, excellent turning radius, 8.25 inches of clearance, and a 50/50 weight distribution, Syncros have excellent off-road capabilities.
This Syncro has a switch locker for 2WD-4WD and OEM for its rear differential.
The beefy 5 gear manual transmission will get you rock climbing with the Jeeps.
Why a Subaru Engine?
The OEM (WasserBoxer 2.1L) engine had only 90 Hp, slowed to 50MPH on 8% grades.
OEM engine has the failure-prone "rubber lip" head gaskets, and was known for its unreliability.
Subaru engines are more fuel efficient, more reliable, easier to maintain.
The Subaru has a counterbalancer, has less vibration than the OEM engine, not to mention any inline 4.
165 hp engine, will climb steep grades without slowing and cruise at 80 MPH all day.
This Subaru 2.5L engine has 27% more power than a Subaru 2.2L and 83% more power the OEM engine, with equal fuel economy.
With OBDII diagnostics, any mechanic can diagnose a Subaru, whereas the OEM engine requires obsolete VW expertise.
Unlike diesel engines, Subaru engines don't need changes to the transmission and fuel is more readily available.
Why This One?
Titled in both countries: California since 1990 and NS Canada since 2011.
Just drove back from Nova Scotia to California, after 6 yrs there, 2017.
Stored over winters in Canada. Never used on salted roads.
Only 122,000 mi. on van's working odometer, of which 38,000 mi. on Subaru.
3rd owner, have maint. records, incl. orig. bill of sale.
The 1990 model year got a new 3-4th synchro gear slider in the transmission, replacing the flawed prior design, which can get stuck in 3rd or 4th gear.
Original paint, so can see the minor surface rust spots, unlike repainted vans.
Transaxle shaft @ 100K by Rancho Performance Transaxles in L.A., 2015.
15" full size spare fits in OEM front carrier, less drag than on roof or rear hatch.
Front axles and shocks, springs replaced, 2015.
Cam belt and tensioner changed at 110K mi., 2016
Rear brake drums & shoes replaced, 2016.
Gear shifter linkage rebuilt, 2017.
Front rotors & pads replaced, 2017.
Manual windows and door locks always work.
Heater hot and AC cold. AC could be improved - see below.
Non-smoking vehicle.
Included Upgrades
Buslab in Berkeley, Ca., installed a EJ251 Subaru 2.5L engine 38K miles ago, w/ OEM short block + '02 Legacy rebuilt heads, new rubber, gaskets, 2011.
Mefro steel 15" rims, 2011.
All terrain Kumhos, 215/75/R15 tires, allow a top speed of 85MPH, 2017.
OEM AWD replaced with 4WD decoupler - saves fuel, better traction, 2015 .
Better rear bumper with HD custom steel bumper w/ trailer hitch.
LazyBoy awning from Van Cafe, -- adds shade and dry space, 2011.
Yakima roof gutter mounted rack, 2011.
Old Man Emu Rear shocks, new springs, 2011.
OEM mosquito net panel for rear hatch opening.
110VAC inverter installed under driver's seat, 2011.
Folding aluminum table for outside, 2011.
Auxiliary battery installed under passenger seat, 2011.
SS Coolant pipes, 2011.
Custom plywood storage shelves and tabletop. Incl. six removable boxes, 2011.
Coleman 2-burner propane (small bottle) stove, 2013
Front Sachs shocks and new springs, 2015.
OEM starter replaced with higher torque VW diesel starter, 2015.
OEM Clutch Kit installed at 114K, 2017.
High PSI tire pump with extended cable, 2017.
Pioneer Radio/CD player and speakers, 2017.
Custom curtains (blackout linings), 2017.
New front vinyl bra, uninstalled, 2017.
New AC drier from Van Cafe, 2018 (not installed).
What Could Be Improved
Install drier (see upgrades, included, not installed), recharge AC.
Replace front brake caliper dust seals.
Get 2.5L Subaru engine certified by B.A.R. for smog inspection in California, if desired.
Fix interior light at driver's seat - it's loose, but works.
Fix horn ring so it works when steering wheel centered.
Fix indicator light for differential lock switch. Lock switch works, just fix light switch.
Replace exhaust pipe w/ hairline crack, tho now sealed with epoxy.
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/d/vanagon-syncro-tintop-with-25/6545854170.html
1990 VW Vanagon Syncro
VIN: WV2YB0250LG040047
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: 4wd
fuel: gas
odometer: 195000
paint color: white
size: full-size
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: van
1990 Tintop Syncro with low miles in very good condition. Currently registered in NS, but located in Santa Cruz, California. Price is in $CAD. Will deliver for return air fare, upon payment by bank transfer, wire, or cashier's check. After reading the info. below, please call to discuss.
Why a Tintop Vanagon?
Any Vanagon is much safer, larger and quieter than the pre 1984 VW bus.
Not as tall as a Poptop Vanagon, so fits in parking garages and is less affected by wind.
AC more reliable and colder with single large central duct, not two ducts.
Fold down bed in back is 30% wider than a Westy.
Many kit interiors available to install that are better than OEM Westy interiors.
Cheaper a Poptop (Westfalia, Weekender) or a Hightop (Adventurewagens, etc.)
Roof won't EVER leak, so few interior rust issues.
Cookstove is used under an awning on a table outside, so no food smell inside.
Why a Syncro Vanagon?
A Syncro will never lose its value, and can be considered an investment.
Syncros are rare, collectible and increasing in value.
Syncros have different transmissions, differentials,suspension and frame than normal Vanagons - by Steyr-Puch in Austria.
With a short wheelbase, excellent turning radius, 8.25 inches of clearance, and a 50/50 weight distribution, Syncros have excellent off-road capabilities.
This Syncro has a switch locker for 2WD-4WD and OEM for its rear differential.
The beefy 5 gear manual transmission will get you rock climbing with the Jeeps.
Why a Subaru Engine?
The OEM (WasserBoxer 2.1L) engine had only 90 Hp, slowed to 50MPH on 8% grades.
OEM engine has the failure-prone "rubber lip" head gaskets, and was known for its unreliability.
Subaru engines are more fuel efficient, more reliable, easier to maintain.
The Subaru has a counterbalancer, has less vibration than the OEM engine, not to mention any inline 4.
165 hp engine, will climb steep grades without slowing and cruise at 80 MPH all day.
This Subaru 2.5L engine has 27% more power than a Subaru 2.2L and 83% more power the OEM engine, with equal fuel economy.
With OBDII diagnostics, any mechanic can diagnose a Subaru, whereas the OEM engine requires obsolete VW expertise.
Unlike diesel engines, Subaru engines don't need changes to the transmission and fuel is more readily available.
Why This One?
Titled in both countries: California since 1990 and NS Canada since 2011.
Just drove back from Nova Scotia to California, after 6 yrs there, 2017.
Stored over winters in Canada. Never used on salted roads.
Only 122,000 mi. on van's working odometer, of which 38,000 mi. on Subaru.
3rd owner, have maint. records, incl. orig. bill of sale.
The 1990 model year got a new 3-4th synchro gear slider in the transmission, replacing the flawed prior design, which can get stuck in 3rd or 4th gear.
Original paint, so can see the minor surface rust spots, unlike repainted vans.
Transaxle shaft @ 100K by Rancho Performance Transaxles in L.A., 2015.
15" full size spare fits in OEM front carrier, less drag than on roof or rear hatch.
Front axles and shocks, springs replaced, 2015.
Cam belt and tensioner changed at 110K mi., 2016
Rear brake drums & shoes replaced, 2016.
Gear shifter linkage rebuilt, 2017.
Front rotors & pads replaced, 2017.
Manual windows and door locks always work.
Heater hot and AC cold. AC could be improved - see below.
Non-smoking vehicle.
Included Upgrades
Buslab in Berkeley, Ca., installed a EJ251 Subaru 2.5L engine 38K miles ago, w/ OEM short block + '02 Legacy rebuilt heads, new rubber, gaskets, 2011.
Mefro steel 15" rims, 2011.
All terrain Kumhos, 215/75/R15 tires, allow a top speed of 85MPH, 2017.
OEM AWD replaced with 4WD decoupler - saves fuel, better traction, 2015 .
Better rear bumper with HD custom steel bumper w/ trailer hitch.
LazyBoy awning from Van Cafe, -- adds shade and dry space, 2011.
Yakima roof gutter mounted rack, 2011.
Old Man Emu Rear shocks, new springs, 2011.
OEM mosquito net panel for rear hatch opening.
110VAC inverter installed under driver's seat, 2011.
Folding aluminum table for outside, 2011.
Auxiliary battery installed under passenger seat, 2011.
SS Coolant pipes, 2011.
Custom plywood storage shelves and tabletop. Incl. six removable boxes, 2011.
Coleman 2-burner propane (small bottle) stove, 2013
Front Sachs shocks and new springs, 2015.
OEM starter replaced with higher torque VW diesel starter, 2015.
OEM Clutch Kit installed at 114K, 2017.
High PSI tire pump with extended cable, 2017.
Pioneer Radio/CD player and speakers, 2017.
Custom curtains (blackout linings), 2017.
New front vinyl bra, uninstalled, 2017.
New AC drier from Van Cafe, 2018 (not installed).
What Could Be Improved
Install drier (see upgrades, included, not installed), recharge AC.
Replace front brake caliper dust seals.
Get 2.5L Subaru engine certified by B.A.R. for smog inspection in California, if desired.
Fix interior light at driver's seat - it's loose, but works.
Fix horn ring so it works when steering wheel centered.
Fix indicator light for differential lock switch. Lock switch works, just fix light switch.
Replace exhaust pipe w/ hairline crack, tho now sealed with epoxy.