There's no treason why doing what I said won't last a long time, relatively inexpensive and you can do it in your shed, can be back in and running in a week or so
I am sure there is a ford conversion, sierra ? I did have an adapter plate once ... Have a word with him ,he might enjoy helping you... is'nt that against the law?
Not 100% true, close though, I really want something to fit and forget and that is serviceable by mainstream garages rather than the vw wannabes that are rife in my area.
I think it would suit your lifestyle, you need time for an air-cooled, it's best to take responsibility even for a new one as so many threads on here over the years have shown. I didn't build mine, but I bet I spent much more time round there talking and planning than it eventually took to build and was clear I wouldn't hold Rob responsible if it blew up.
From what you are saying, I am thinking another option may be selling your van with its broken engine and going for a modern van like a T5 could be better for you. Its the camping lifestyle you want, get in it, start it up and off you go. No messing about constantly to keep it running. Modern means any decent garage could maintain it for you. Some folks on here have gone down the T5 road and they seem happy with them. Ask around. T5's are becoming very popular. A friend has a Mazda Bongo, a modern style camper van which may suit you if you don't mind it not being a vw. Bongos are relatively cheap and reliable, although not classic of course. Plenty for sale on ebay and the like. VW vans in comparison are much more expensive.
I did toy with the idea of a t5. But my bus cost me about 4 grand. A t5 is gonna cost me at least 13k for what I want. I just need reliability, and to remember to be grateful for the bargain I was handed when I found the bus in the first place.
And bongos aren't particularly cheap, a friend of a friend paid £15k for an old one in good condition.
I've had about 8k miles without any bother since Christmas but I spent an awful lot of time first. Probably 3 solid months after painting and I didn't even build the engine, as you know. There is only one way, take as long as it takes without deadlines. Deadlines can cause you to cut corners.
Tbh, any deadline I have had has gone out the window. If I am spending the dough out for a subaru build, I'm not rushing it. I am excited obviously, but I am going to try and enjoy the process and learn the right way to do things. I can redo all the make-do wiring, I can clean up the engine bay, I can service the engine while it is out, I can install the rads etc ready for the engine install.
You bought a very cheap T2 at only 4k so should expect it to have a lot of issues. The engine has given out on you but you don't have the time, money or mechanical ability to rebuild it. Your are thinking of a subaru replacement engine, but that would cost a fair bit plus fitting costs and who would find a good engine for you and do the work. Clearly you only have a small budget in mind so my thoughts of a T5 or Bongo were unrealistic. Sounds to me your van is becoming a money pit as they all do sooner or later as the faults come along. Quite rightly you mentioned the lack of vw air cooled garages around who know these vans and that is why so many owners have to get stuck in and do it themselves. Me included.
Lastly from me, I am curious as to why you say you can't rebuild your broken engine, but now say you can build a subaru engine. How come?
