The old 1,6 CS diesel was a bit to slow in hills/highways (to the point it get dangerous in traffic). So it needed to go. I don’t going to race Lemans with the bus, I just want a more modern, stronger, cheap to drive (diesel) and most important RELIABLE engine that always work. First I was looking at a AAZ 1,6/9 Turbo engine but with a turbo it’s just another thing that can brake and these engines always runs much hotter. So I decided to go with a VAG 1,9 AEF engine, found in VW Polo, Golf, Audi and Skoda Felicia.
THE NEW ENGINE
I managed to find a really lowmilage 1,9 AEF diesel engine from a Skoda Felicia, year 2000. But it is not just to bolt this engine in the bus and drive, a lot of stuff need to be changed and parts from the 1,6 CS need to be re-used and modified. But its probably the easiest conversion you can choose, if your thinking of using a non standard engine in your VW T3 diesel bus.
TRANSMISSION
While the engine is out I will also take out the transmission. And make a check up, change shifter couplings, linkage bushings and gaskets. Upgrade driveshafts to stronger, Porsche. Upgrade the differential with a difflock from Weddle Ind. In a standard “open” differential, torque is divided equally between the wheels. If one wheel slips and spins, only a fraction of the torque is utilized. The difflock eliminates this problem. Power will always be delivered to the wheel with the most traction to keep you moving instead of getting stuck, up to 100%. Then it we can do some serious off-roading 🙂
More to come soon! #vwt3overland
The front beam/axel have been sandblasted and painted in Deepblack paint. Also modified the servo/brakebooster bracket so a new modern Brazil Bay booster will fit on the old Bay beam. The bracket was made 30mm extra wide, because the bolt pattern is little diffrent on the new servo. Doing this you just have to pay 140euros for a new servo instead for the original 400euros(!).
Stainless lines and filter hooked up to the new EMPI oilcooler on the VW bus. And oil temp and pressure unit installed also. Test drive this week I hope.
Tonight the airride system (Easystreet Autopilot) was tested in action. Works great, lots of lift and lay frame. Hit tha play button…
Airbags in place and relocated upper shockmounts with new shocks. Will make a air ride install guide when finished for Chevrolet Impala 1961-64 and put it up here on the website.
Finally the brakes are all done on all 4 corners. New masterbrakecylinder, lines & fittings, rubberhoses, wheelcylinders, breakshoes and new brakefluid to top it off. Now just some electrical and engine tune up is left to do before safetyinspection and lowering job.
