15k: Zetec Power: 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon Bostig Conversion
The Volkswagen Vanagon Type 2 (T3) was launched in 1980 as a replacement to the aging VW Transporter (aka Hippie Bus, Kombi, MicroBus) Type 2 (T2). The Vanagon (as it was called in North America) continued the VW tradition of air cooled flat-4 in the back, but was styled in a more angular fashion and added all sorts of amenities like power steering, air conditioning and power door locks. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a thoroughly horrible driving experience akin to riding on the back of a three-legged camel, but it is much more modern and less tippy or terrifying than driving a T2 Bus. However, you can fix the power deficiency with a kit from a company called Bostig who supplies everything you need to convert to Ford Zetec power. Find this 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon Bostig Conversion
currently bidding for $5,100 and $17,800 BIN with 6 days to go in Jean, NV via ebay.
This Vanagon has been given the full zombie apocalyse ready makeover and it actually looks pretty cool equipped with brush guards, shovel, roof rack and BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires. A stock Vanagon looks like the skinny kid from high school and while this doesn’t look like a varsity football player, it doesn’t look like someone who gets too many swirlies, wedgies, wet willies, noogies or purple nurples.
The heart of the beast is a 2.0 liter Ford Zetec engine good for something between 130 and 170 horsepower depending on specification (the basic 2.0 liter Zetec Zeta engine from the Escort ZX2 had 130 hp while the SVT Focus had 170 from its version). The seller states that this is a new engine from Ford with only 600 miles on it but doesn’t specify power/torque, but it should be considerably more than the stock 95 horsepower 2.1 liter wasserboxer VW engine.
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I need this.
Wow, I never realized how much height was under that engine lid. I wonder if you could put a flat engine from a Previa in that spot and give your van a nice tool storage drawer…
I have to object about the comment about the Vanagon's handling. I owned/drove an '82 GL (which denotes it had the 2.0 lt from the Porsche 914) and it handled beautifully. Considering it was a van that weighed nearly 2 tons, they actually hug curves in stock riding-height form with little lean…oh yeah, and they ride very nice over uneven surfaces like dirt roads.
I can't help but feel that the dream of owning this particular example would be much better than the reality. Sure, it looks cooler than Evel Knievel jumping over the General Lee and KITT while riding Street Hawk with Airwolf shooting at him, but what do we really have here—-a non-syncro, non-Westfalia Vanagon with a vanilla engine swap, a half-complete A/C install, and 1970's fake wood paneling from your grandparents den covering 50% of the inside surfaces…….
My, but that oil pan looks vulnerable.
Engine was built in Chihuahua, Mexico – so you have no excuse not to take this to Baja and bash into rocks on your next camping trip. Just Bring an Oil Pan.
(sticker on valve cover…CHEP = Chihuahua Engine Plant)
I think they are in for a pound on this one. Might as well go whole hog and make it dry sump.
Hmmm. Why would you go to the expense and hassle of creating this bespoke behemoth only to dump it well before the first oil change? Okay, you "love building cars", but apparently not enough to finish the A/C and the paintwork….
I'm with Adam Fay on the handling and ride. The cab forward layout lets you set up for corners easily. Sure, it can be a handful at higher speeds, but you can't understand the quality of the off-road ride and handling until you actually try it. You can really cover a lot of rough road mileage in comfort in one of these.