HI David,

Still more great info.

I’m waiting for a estimate to see what upgrades will happen but your description is very helpful with regard to choices.

I am leaning strongly toward the 2.3 engine with updated 2.1 cooling system. Overhauled transmission.

But my desire to upgrade other systems is dependent on the over all costs. 

Down the road I need to look at the safety aspect of the roll bar improvement and the wheels and tires. 

I have the updated shocks and they helped.

That will most likely come after the other work is done.

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto 

> On Aug 5, 2019, at 2:02 PM, David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM> wrote:
> 
> Hi Eric
> 
> About the upgrade, the only thing I did at the time of the engine swap was to completely upgrade the cooling system, including a new radiator and a stainless steel pipe set.  Everything else was, according to the mechanic, in good shape and reused.  I did a few of what I call reliability and safety upgrades: I added the T3 rollbar and endlinks, the vanistan oil cooler, relays on the headlights, and before the engine swap I upgraded to 16" wheels, slotted discs, and Bilstein shocks.  High crosswinds will always be a challenge, but the collective improvement in handling from the roll bar, wheels and shocks was dramatic, especially coming down windy mountain roads.  In retrospect, since I have been dealing with overloaded electrical circuits, I would do more extensive re-wiring when I put in the second battery to move as much load as possible off of the old fuse bus, and probably would have used an ACR rather than a solenoid to manage the battery.  The accessory wiring is not about engine performance, but definitely a safety issue for me.  I become very concerned about fire when fuses started melting.  One other item, I (think) the melting fuse issue was solved by moving accessories to a Bkur Seaqw fuse bus under the driver seat, but when the radiator fan is running then fuse (I think #7?) still gets hot.  I am going to wire that directly to the battery with an inline fuse.   Those are some things that help protect your investment in a new engine and trans.
> 
> Hope that helps.
> 
> Dave B
> Boise
> 
> ________________________________
> From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
> Sent: Sunday, August 4, 2019 9:33 PM
> To: David Boan <dboan@outlook.com>
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject: Re: What water boxer to replace my 1.9?
> 
> Hi David,
> 
> This is great info.  I am especially pleased to hear you have put on some trouble free miles and only a mild repair.
> 
> Can you share any specifics about any other related engine upgrades?  Are you using parts from your 1.9 or did you update the cooling system, ECU, fuel injection.
> 
> I take it your van is a Standard.  Mine is Auto so I’d love to hear what the Turbo option really impacts in driving.
> 
> I’m looking at options for a 2.3 transplant.
> 
> However, at the moment, the 1.9 is alive and sounding happy.
> 
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto