1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro W/ Porsche V8
Transmission: Manual
Body Type: Standard Passenger Van
Engine: 2.1L 2109CC H4 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated Vehicle
Title: Clear
Fuel Type: GAS
For Sale By: Private Seller
VIN: WV2YB0252GG0xxxxx
Year: 1986
Number of Cylinders: 4
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Vanagon
Trim: Syncro Standard Passenger Van 3-Door
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Drive Type: 4WD
Options: 4-Wheel Drive, Leather Seats, CD Player
Mileage: 102
Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes
Sub Model: Syncro
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Exterior Color: Blue
Interior Color: Black
Condition: Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one
previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's
listing for full details and description of any imperfections.
Everybody loves the roomy VW Vanagon except for the anemic 2.1 flat four that can barely muster enough power to get out of its
own way. Much less when you add passengers, and a roof rack full of bicycles, and turn on the AC. You'd be lucky to hit 45 mph
with a tailwind.
So what would dad do? (Dad is an all time Porsche guru) Dad would shoehorn in a 1987 Porsche 928S V8 into the back. Best of both
worlds! Room, and absurd amounts of power!
The van still retains the 4wd syncro benefit, the transmission has been built using the tallest gear ratio possible and hardened
gears and upgraded differential by AA Transaxle so the engine is turning smoothly at 70 mph and not spinning its guts out.
The motor does protrude slightly from the rear of the sheetmetal but as you can see, not by much. We installed a trailer hitch to
protect the motor from shopping carts and parking bumps, things of that nature.
The rear decklid has been modified to allow for the taller motor so you can still motor comfortably throughout the countryside
without intoxicating yourself on fumes.
Of course the interior has been fitted with Porsche seats (out of a 968), steering wheel (from a 944S2) and wheels from a 928.
(the rears are the phone dial style, unfortunately in storage the matching flat disc style were lost.)
The van also comes with the Euro sport front bumper, OEM VW fender flares, extra misc parts like electric window regulator/motor
and a few bins of extra Vanagon odds and ends. Brake pads, CV joints... things of that nature. Dad also printed out large
electrical schematics of his modifications to the wiring system so you will get the schematics of all electrical so there is no
'home brew' guessing if you have an electrical issue in the future. The VW chassis wiring is stock, the Porsche motor wiring is
stock, Dad documented the joining of these two systems with great detail so it would be easy for me to run, and own.
Now for the bad part.
I live in California. Normally that is a good thing but in the instance of vehicle engine swaps California leaves a lot to be
desired. I have tried and tried to get the DMV to register the van but they are stuck in the dark ages and will not allow me
to register it because VW never offered this motor in their van. Even though it passes smog for a 1987 928, (it even passes
emissions for a 1986 Vanagon syncro!) they don't care. I gave up 6 years ago, the van went into storage and now its time to
move on. The batteries are ruined, they will need to be replaced. The motor turns over just fine but you'll want to empty
the 1/4 tank of old gas before you fire her up. The motor is block #M28/42.
Comes with a clean title, no surprises. Located in Hollister if you want to come see it. The van will need to be towed as it
does not run. I put the batteries on a charger overnight but they hold zero charge. I will offer to deliver the van within
1000 miles from 95037 for $.60 per mile. Google maps your zip to my zip, multiply that mileage by $.60 and there is your
delivery fee. Delivery will only be after payment and delivery fee has been paid.