31

Westfalia / Re: Under-seat storage early/late

« on: May 12, 2016, 09:31:23 am »

Google Translate didn't help much:

"The flap creates the order. The storage space under the seat is comfortable for zugänlich By loading." 

Looks interesting though. It seems like it's just bolted on though, not hinged for access.

   - I thought that was pretty fun too.

Would make an awesome DIY.

32

General Discussion / Re: T6 in USA?

« on: May 04, 2016, 10:07:00 am »

Prior to diesel-gate, I would bet it had no chance. That being said, in the post diesel-gate era -- we can't underestimate the desperate need that VW must have for positive publicity -- even if it amounts to selling just a 1000 units a year At least it will be a positive story that the van is back and bring people into the showroom.

Interesting interview discussing the T6 (pre-diesel gate).
http://michiganradio.org/post/why-vw-will-not-bring-back-van-us-least-right-now#stream/0

33

VR6 Engine tech / Re: What else should I do at the same time?

« on: May 02, 2016, 09:56:58 am »

Seemingly, because there is no defined service interval in the Bentley (or any documentation that I've seen) for the 24v timing chain -- the consensus from Mk4 owners seems to be that you run until such time as it either throws a related-code or rattling chain noise develops.

At 150k miles, you are at start of that window. A VW mechanic that I trust whole heartedly said the chain system on the 24v VR6 should be good for at least 300k km if proper oil is maintained.

From what I saw of my engine's chains at 250k miles, the guides showed deep grooving -- but grooves themselves are normal - but the oil passages were starting to gum up with residue/sludge. So i think this is evidence that maintaining clean engine oil is super critical to the chains being properly lubricated and the chain tensioner working properly.

34

Westfalia / Re: Under-seat storage early/late

« on: April 26, 2016, 12:00:41 pm »

Interesting -- Reimo products for Multivan/Weekender?

Anybody familiar with this? - the description is lacking.



https://www.reimo.com/en/M10946-vw_t4_mult_frontverkl_sb_orig_fertigteil/

35

VR6 Engine tech / Re: Porsche engine swap? Would it fit?

« on: April 24, 2016, 10:32:54 am »

I understand the reason for telling them I have an '03 GTI with a VR6 - its just I'm not sure how to negotiate a lower price for the van after finding out how much cheaper it is for the GTI.

The onus is on them to justify this cost. You're doing them a favour by bringing your business to them, not the other way around.

36

VR6 Engine tech / Re: Porsche engine swap? Would it fit?

« on: April 23, 2016, 07:49:32 pm »

Sorry Phae - I didn't mean that as a dig on you, although I now see it can be read that way. Please accept my apologies.

What I should have related to you is that I have had that experience of talking to independent VW tuner/shops whose eyes light up with dollar signs just because I was in a Eurovan -- even though its not that different from other VWs. Either they don't want the work, or they don't know the job well enough.   

Now the reason why I suggested you get quotes on a 2003 GTI  -- its something else with the same 24v VR6. The parts for the timing chain/tensioners are the same, the valve cover gaskets are the same. Getting to the engine might be an hour more work (tops) than in a Golf/Jetta - but after that the job is the same. When they quote that job at $1500-2000 and the Eurovan at $7k - that is not fair at all.

37

Want to buy something? / Re: Eurovan Louvered Window Vents

« on: April 23, 2016, 03:33:07 pm »

Check these out: http://www.brandrup.de/en/brandrup-products/volkswagen-accessories/vw-vehicle-exterior/vw-airscreen/

38

VR6 Engine tech / Re: Porsche engine swap? Would it fit?

« on: April 23, 2016, 10:02:05 am »

I wish.

That would be the valve cover gasket, timing chain service (guides, tensioner, etc). I called two other shops and the pricing was similar. Looking around the web it doesn't seem like my experience is anything extraordinary.

I know if you tally up the individual prices to do a full rebuild, you are not far off from a new engine - but there is no way that should cost that much. I suggest that you call around and get timing chain quotes by telling them you have a 2003 GTI instead. Sounds like another case of somebody wanting to rip off a naive eurovan owner.

I'm just wondering if doing a swap is a bad idea.

EDIT: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7844593-2001-Eurovan-engine-swap
This is my thread - and based on the reply it makes me think this is impossible.

If EricD says it can't be done - you'd best believe it. I don't really understand your rational behind this swap anyhow. Do you think that paying a bit more for an off the board swap is going to save you from paying for major engine service or is this meant as performance enhancement? Either way, I'm pretty sure whatever engine you put in there will need service as well -- and so you're just digging a bigger hole.

The VR6 is a great engine -- other than going to a tdi, or to a 1.8t with a manual transmission -- I really don't see much reason to change it out.

39

Want to buy something? / Re: Eurovan Louvered Window Vents

« on: April 23, 2016, 08:03:29 am »

Something like these?
http://www.eurocampers.com/EuroVan-Window-Security-Screens_c_134.html

40

VR6 Engine tech / Re: Porsche engine swap? Would it fit?

« on: April 22, 2016, 12:12:32 pm »

So I've a contacted a local shop dealing with VW swaps.

Given that a major engine service is due (cost of more than $7k), and the transmission is expensive (at least $5k) - I'm looking towards putting in a 2.0T EA888 from a 2009+ VW MKV/MKVI and replacing the VR6 - opening up many tuning options. Ideally, this would also allow me to transplant a built DSG gearbox - giving me 2 extra gears. However, the DSG isn't trouble free either with stories of mechatronics failures in earlier units. The article puts me at slight ease though: http://shopdap.com/the-vw-and-audi-dsg-transmission-reliability-longevity-and-more/

The potential cost scares me - because of all the potential things that could go wrong, but it can't possibly be much worse than dealing with Eurovan parts. Downside: the VW dealer can't help me with my problems any longer.

A $7k engine service better include a brand new crate engine.

41

Westfalia / Re: Under-seat storage early/late

« on: April 18, 2016, 05:00:53 pm »

Good to know. I just thought it'd be a good place to store clothes and such that you could get to without getting out and tracking mud in, etc.

I'm kinda wishing for a closet of some kind.

This is a great idea -- I totally wish there were drawers there that slid along with the bed when you pulled it out. Even if warranted building a new front fascia -- this would be a fantastic improvement to storage. 

42

VR6 Engine tech / Re: Chip tuning EV VR6

« on: April 16, 2016, 10:08:17 am »

How many vans do you have right now? Is it just the blue one right now? Are you still doing a transmission swap?

3. The blue GLS is a temporary replacement for my weekender. And I also have an 03 with a blown transmission -- that is either going to be parted or become a test bed for an engine/trans swap.

43

VR6 Engine tech / Re: Chip tuning EV VR6

« on: April 16, 2016, 09:40:46 am »

Did you do this tune in the Eurovan?

Not yet - but I probably will once I get the van back together.

44

VR6 Engine tech / Re: Porsche engine swap? Would it fit?

« on: April 15, 2016, 11:25:40 pm »

The 3.2 engine will fit, but the transmission won't.

The 3.2 has been fitted to a Eurovan -- and last I checked the van is still for sale in the Seattle area. The 3.6 - I don't know about.

45

VR6 Engine tech / Re: Porsche engine swap? Would it fit?

« on: April 15, 2016, 10:52:37 am »

Would swapping for the Cayenne engine then allow using the Cayenne 6 speed automatic?

No, its thats an inline application -- the Eurovan is transverse.