My Westfalia Syncro!

[bigreen505]

thanks guys for all the comments!


Check out his website:


This is a total restauration he's done for a customer in Colorado - they installed a Subaru SVX 3.3 engine in it.

http://www.benplace.com/87_syncro1.htm

That one lives across the street from me! Or at least the owners parents do. It comes to visit frequently, but I haven't quite been able to grab the owners to chat.

 

[Christian P.]

Christian well done!:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

I may have read over it but did you rebuild the engine or put the old one back in?

I have heard people saying westys can get 20mpg or more with the gas engine? Is this true or more urban legend? I'm also curious what kind of MPG you received on your trip out to the Overland Expo.


Thanks!

my engine had been rebuild about 5000 miles ago so I just cleaned it, changed some clamps, fix the exhaust, etc and put it back in. I am trying my best to kill it as I want to upgrade but no luck so far....i am almost always shifting at the redline...(which is only 5000 rpm)...



these engine have a bad reputation but they are actually much tougher than most people think. I got about 16/17mpg but i was going as fast as I could and I have oversized tires. I don't think you will get 20 mpg in a Syncro but you may be able to achieve that in a normal 2WD Westfalia well tuned.

 

[blupaddler]

I noticed in one of your pictures you have an engel/norcold fridge-freeze. Did you remove the original fridge? I have heard they don't cool very well.

Also do you know if the 2WD models can have the locker adapted to the rear axle?

 

[Christian P.]

I noticed in one of your pictures you have an engel/norcold fridge-freeze. Did you remove the original fridge? I have heard they don't cool very well.

Also do you know if the 2WD models can have the locker adapted to the rear axle?

yes I removed the original fridge and replaced it with a porta-potti (for emergency) and more storage. they don't cool nearly as well as an Engel and are pretty small. I also like to be able to carry the Engel around.

yes it can be done but you have to replace the entire transmission with a transmission from a Syncro. Also some Syncro did not come with a rear locker - it was an factory option. if you look on Ebay there is one for sale right now. it should bolt right there. my friend has done it.

 

[GaryMc]

I test drove an '86 Westy Syncro Weekender with a clean 4cyl Subaru conversion yesterday and will be buying it tomorrow. These things are a hoot!
Now I need to find a 'full camper' cabinet set....

I'll be reading and rereading this thread....

 

[pnwkayaker]

Check on the classifieds at The Samba (thesamba.com), I'm seeing several camper cabinets for sale right now (oct 20, 2009)

 

[vanderpooch]

Give the weekender layout some time! I have a weekender syncro and wouldn't give up the room for nothing! Engel behind passender seat, everyone cooks outside anyways all really giving up is running water small tradeoff for extra seat ,sweet functional table, and WAAAY more rooom! plus lots more storage under rear facing seat and rear bench seat, bigger back seat for 3 wide and bigger bed!! just my thoughts....:sombrero:

 

[T.Low]

Give the weekender layout some time! I have a weekender syncro and wouldn't give up the room for nothing! Engel behind passender seat, everyone cooks outside anyways all really giving up is running water small tradeoff for extra seat ,sweet functional table, and WAAAY more rooom! plus lots more storage under rear facing seat and rear bench seat, bigger back seat for 3 wide and bigger bed!! just my thoughts....:sombrero:

Same with the AstroLander. I have had a Westy cabinet and bench sytem, but ended up using a "weekender" type sytem as its more versatile. It really depends on your main uses of the van. Mine is being used more as a Sherpa than a Basecamp these days, so the open interior allows for easy gear storage (and gear storage needs change drastically on the activity of the moment) and a changing room etc.

 

[Christian P.]

Well it's time to revisit this thread!

I got my back windows tinted yesterday - what a difference!! The van looks amazing...picture soon...

 

[Funrover]

Man that would be the perfect rig for the wife and I!

 

[Christian P.]

My Syncro is heading back to Quebec on a transcontinental 3 days trip...!

I decided to share it with my sister (and her kids) for the summer. So my friend is coming next week to pick it up and drive it across the USA, entering Canada in Detroit. Stay tuned...

 

[Wandr]

Hey I am in the Detroit Area. If you come through around lunch/dinner time let's get together. I have been contemplating the subie swap and would love to see how it feels.

 

[Christian P.]

Hey I am in the Detroit Area. If you come through around lunch/dinner time let's get together. I have been contemplating the subie swap and would love to see how it feels.

Sorry 2 bad news...I won't be driving it (my friend and his gf are...) and I still have the original WBX. It runs too good to justify replacing it yet.
One day I will.

 

[Wandr]

ah yes same delima I have. My WBX is runs perfect! So for now it stays. I really can't decide which way to go anyways. The simplicity of the Bostig + being a modern motor is really appealing. Then of course the TDI. When $10,000.00 falls out of the sky that will be a good option.

 

[zuren]

I've been lurking for a few weeks now and this thread has really peaked my interest! I have looked at VW vans before and was just curious about the ease of finding parts for these, especially the Syncro vans? I'm also curious about the fuel mileage (assuming stock engine)?

My family always had vans growing up. We had a 1979 Dodge Conversion van with a couch that would fold down that we used to tow a boat and go camping. I look at camper style vans today with a bit of soft spot! Beautiful Syncro!