Towing with a Vanagon?

[ckissick]

OK, I know I'm crazy and my Dodge Dakota with the 5.2L is just the ticket, but...

I'd rather sell the boring Dodge and get a Vanagon Westfalia (I'm also looking into a Vanagon based double cab) to tow my 2100 lb 911E to the race track. Anybody know of anyone doing this? What would be the engine requirement? Obviously, the stock engine won't do it, and I'd have to beef up the brakes. And what about the tranny?

I'm thinking Suburu or Tiico engine. What would be the minimum HP and torque requirements? This VW fan would like to dump the Dodge. I'd also like to camp at the track.

[d993]

Get a cheap, older Audi Turbo Quattro ('91 200 20V, '92-'95 S4, S6).
The make excellent towing vehicles.
And gas mileage is unbeatable; 25-27mpg empty, and 16-17mpg while towing a similar weight vehicle (3600-3800lbs) .
Mechanical reliability is excellent.
They're also in the same "family" as the Porsches.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by ckissick
OK, I know I'm crazy and my Dodge Dakota with the 5.2L is just the ticket, but...

I'd rather sell the boring Dodge and get a Vanagon Westfalia (I'm also looking into a Vanagon based double cab) to tow my 2100 lb 911E to the race track. Anybody know of anyone doing this? What would be the engine requirement? Obviously, the stock engine won't do it, and I'd have to beef up the brakes. And what about the tranny?

I'm thinking Suburu or Tiico engine. What would be the minimum HP and torque requirements? This VW fan would like to dump the Dodge. I'd also like to camp at the track.

I think one of those teardrop trailers would work behind a Vanagon, or some other minimalist, low profile, light trailer. A friend has a teardrop that she tows behind a Bimmer 2002.

[tc-sacto]

I think you'd be better off with something like this. Some models have extended sides, just like large motorhomes.

[ckissick]

Yeah, but that's not as cool as this:

[addictionMS]

A new one tows pretty well if you buy a really light trailer. An older one lilke our 1986 has enough trouble moving itself.

There is a guy, Thomas, who runs Toyo Cup and tows with a front engine Weekender.

lots of good info at www.thesamba.com

Jim

[ckissick]

I called Lucas at GoWesty and they re-build any waterboxer up to 2.5L, and it will get you 125 HP and 175 ft-lb torque. That's more torque than any Suburu engine. With an aluminum trailer and big brakes, it'll work. It will be slow, but it will do it. So now I have yet another thing to strive towards.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by ckissick
So now I have yet another thing to strive towards.

So many cars and trucks, so little time (and money).

[island911]

Originally posted by ckissick
Yeah, but that's not as cool as this:

Nice.

I have a (white) syncro too. It's compond low puts a hell of a lot of torque to th wheels. But, like you said, "slow" . . . it's a freak'n BARN.

So what do those guys charge for a 2.5L rebuild?

[Dantilla]

I think Randy Wells used to tow his 911 behind a Vanagon.

He may be able to offer some insight.

[island911]

He has a "EuroVan" . . front engine V6. . .front drive

[ckissick]

Island,

The 2.5L is still in development, but you can probabaly get one very soon. No price yet, but the 2.4L with the performance upgrade will cost about $5500, including a full rebuild.

[d993]

Originally posted by ckissick
Island,

The 2.5L is still in development, but you can probabaly get one very soon. No price yet, but the 2.4L with the performance upgrade will cost about $5500, including a full rebuild.

125hp and 175 lb-ft torque for $5500???
Let's see:
For $5500 you can get...............
1. A complete 3.2 Carrera engine. That's 214hp and 195 lb-ft torque.
And installation isn't very complicated either.
2. A Chevy LS1 engine with everything needed, plus $ left over. 350hp and 350lb-ft torque with excellent fuel economy and reliability.
3. A variety of Subaru Turbo engines (plenty of $ left over), but I would never recommend a Subaru engine in a Porsche; that's going WAY too far in the dorky and cheesy department.
4. A 1.9 TDI engine (been done several times already). Stock has 90 hp/149 tq, with a chip/exhaust you can have 130hp/240 tq, AND get at least 35mpg in the Vanagon. And have $ left over.

[notfarnow]

aghk... I can't take it. No more Westfalia stuff... must... resist

My neighbor offered me his '72 Westfalia yesterday. I have already convinced myself that I can't afford NOT to buy it. Now it's just a matter of convincing my wife....

Food for thought: How cool would it be to make a Baja bus?


As for the Vanagons, those Subie conversions are supposed to be fantastic. Not sure how much they could tow though.

[ckissick]

Originally posted by d993
125hp and 175 lb-ft torque for $5500???
Let's see:
For $5500 you can get...............
1. A complete 3.2 Carrera engine. That's 214hp and 195 lb-ft torque.
And installation isn't very complicated either.
2. A Chevy LS1 engine with everything needed, plus $ left over. 350hp and 350lb-ft torque with excellent fuel economy and reliability.
3. A variety of Subaru Turbo engines (plenty of $ left over), but I would never recommend a Subaru engine in a Porsche; that's going WAY too far in the dorky and cheesy department.
4. A 1.9 TDI engine (been done several times already). Stock has 90 hp/149 tq, with a chip/exhaust you can have 130hp/240 tq, AND get at least 35mpg in the Vanagon. And have $ left over.

Yes, but what you won't get in CA is a "pass" on your smog test.

[island911]

. . And, a Carrera 3.2 will not give enough heat. Remember, these are barns! . . . the OE set-up has dual heater cores - one front, one rear -- great for pre-toasting ski boots; btw.

[notfarnow]

I think a VW TDI conversion could be the ticket, folks are squeezing some pretty wild torque & HP numbers out of them. Plus, there are complete kits available.