Oh great TLB advise me/pick my reasoning.

Bit like using a bus for anything but as a micro bus or panel van then!

And as Vw never made a campervan it's a bit out of comparison. Theres a big difference between changing to a Subaru engine and putting a new interior in.

And it's not modern as newly converted in some of our cases.

 

We are in the process of putting a mk2 golf gti into our doka using the T25 diesel bell housing, We went down this route so we could go back if we wanted to. But in the longer term we have the option of all the VAG 4 cylinder engines from a 1 litre polo to a 1.8 20v turbo and also all the 4 pot diesels

Rick If i was you i would look at what options you will have if the conversion you go for goes pop, thats why we stayed VAG as we know what will fit

 

They're was watercooled engines out then just volkswagen didn't make them so by saying technology has moved on is right in a way but like I first said if you want a camper with a modern engine buy a modern van. It's not like vw's have the best safety features or anything.
Why change one of the key features that make this classic car iconic. You can always hear one coming a mile away. One of the reasons most people love these vehicles.
It'd be like taking the engine out of a Ferrari and sticking a mini clubman in there!

 

How is it a massive improvement?

I build interiors for a living because I love these busses, the sound the look the way they drive. As I said earlier VW didn't factory fit an interior till 2005 so the way you say modernise how can it when there was nothing in there in the first place, yes original interiors and where needed we'll repair or replace an original to near as damn it original the same way as someone would replace Engine. But if there's nothing there to start with what choice have they got. Original interiors are hard to get, usually chipped. All I'm doing is offering the service like most engine builders giving them up grades if they wish.

So why do I need to take a long hard look in the mirror,.

 

Well no it's not, as interiors were never fitted in to the vans by VW but aircooled engines were.
Your argument comparing me to modernising something that wasn't there in the first place to something that was, although in your eyes not as modern. Are completely different. I could understand if;
1) you could no longer get parts that would then make your engine have a short shelf life
2) exact reproductions were being made of what was originally fitted.

And until your last post I was unaware of your engine choice.

 

Still running Drums
Reproducing the original interior
Not looked at stereo yet!!

But there's upgrades and upgrades I think a stereo upgrade is on the same par as say putting twin carbs on.

The Engine is like hacking the front of and sticking a split front on, Yes I know people do it but its not my cup of tea.

The aircooled engine is and was very reliable, Several people I know have ran them for years with no problems that you wouldn't get from any other car. The key point is maintaining them correctly. Most trauma comes when people start going bigger and bigger.

I suppose it comes to how you look at your bus whether it be as a classic car or a campervan. Everyone mods them but its where the line is to how far to go. I suppose with everything you do there will be criticism.

 

Ultimately - who gives a Marmite?

If you want original , stay stock.

If you don't, don't.

Do what you like.

VWs have been modded and customised for decades.

 

They are your buses, do what you want with them, whatever you do, there will always be someone that doesn't agree, thats a fact of live in many things!

Just enjoy them how you feel and works best for you!

 

Ask @poptop2 how much notice he gets of the arrival of my scooby-powered bus at his house. A flat 4 always sounds like a flat 4, whatever cools it.

 

I think @Mattlad has it right - do what you think is right and dont worry about what other think. Its not like these things are super-rare, plus it could always be returned to stock at some point in the future if required.

Just out of interest.. would a scooby or diesel lump add extra weight in the rear?

I've modded a lot of cars in the past and if i've learned anything you have to consider the vehicle as a whole - ie don't give it more power unless you make it handle/corner/stop better too other wise your investment is wasted. If you go for something more powerful you might also end up spending on other areas too? Just a thought..

If i was in your position i'd start buying up "spares", say a manual box first.. get it rebuilt at some point and have it ready. If you have a part ready to swap in it pretty much guarantees the original will never fail*.

* not scientifically proven btw!

 

wouldnt mind having a look at that

 

Subaru engine is definitely heavier than a Type 1.

 

Fixed that for you.