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We pride ourselves in top quality engine conversions. Our specialty is the 06′ and newer Subaru VVL/VVT (Variable Valve Lift / Variable Valve Timing) 2.5 liter “drive by wire” engines. We also do Turbo Diesel (TDI) conversions.
The Subaru is a boxer style engine (with opposed cylinders, same as the Volkswagen Vanagon). This allows the engine to fit snugly in the existing engine bay with very little modification; once it’s installed, it really looks like it was meant to be there.
We feel they are what should have been in the Vanagon originally.
All our Subaru conversions include a rebuilt, zero-mile engine with race bearings, rebuilt heads, and high volume oil pump.
We do all of our wiring harnesses in house as well as programming the ECU to better fit the needs of being installed in a Vanagon.
We also produce many of our own conversion parts including stainless steel headers, engine mounts, stainless steel throttle pedal brackets and many more. Our goal is to source as many items locally and not outsource production of parts and supplies overseas.
There are several other quality shops who specialize in Subaru conversions, however, we take a different approach than most.
We never reverse the manifold, it seems that Subaru engineered the coolant system to flow across the engine from side to side, so we’ve kept it that way. We also keep the coolant bottle in the stock VW location, and last but not least we run the air intake on the factory VW side as to bring cold dense air into the engine. Other conversions are running the intake over the catalytic converter which is the hottest part of the exhaust due to all the unburned fuel being catalyzed and burnt off. Our conversions have been tested by us and many customers in all types of conditions without any over or under heating. With our air intake system we usually see an intake temperature of approximately 10 degrees over ambient, which is very good! Our goal is to take the design ideas of both Volkswagen & Subaru and combine them in a way that makes sense of both systems.
Please call or e-mail for a quote for pricing. We also HIGHLY recommend having your transaxle rebuilt.
A 30-year-old vehicle, driven in the soggy Northwest, and often thrashing down narrow dirt roads in search of the perfect campsite, is definitely going to take some scratches and grow some rust.
For many owners, the commitment to their Volkswagens extends past mechanical into quality body and paint.
After dozens of restoration projects, some of them on vans that seemed determined to end up in the junk yard, we know what it takes to produce a quality job that will turn heads and create smiles everywhere you go.
Unlike your standard paint shop, we know how to really give the love to your Vanagon. We take out all the glass, door handles, grilles, headlights/tail lights/side markers, mirrors, vents, and middle panel outlets for you Westy owners. This means no hideous paint lines near your windows. Also, those window seals hide a lot of rust from water getting trapped there, and if you’re going to spend the time and money for new paint, then it’s better to get that rust treated to help prolong the life of your van and prevent that new paint from any unnecessary damage.
Full paint jobs start at a base price of $10,000. Final costs may be higher depending on the amount of rust that needs to be treated, body work needing repair, choice of color & color scheme, and if we are also doing a color match top.
Having performed over 20 Syncro conversions you can trust us to do the job right! With the ever sought after Syncro Westfalia getting harder and harder to find, as well as increasing in value, it makes sense to look at the alternatives. It is still possible to find a very nice Westfalia and a donor Syncro to build one of these incredible vehicles for your own. There are many options available during the conversion process from limited slip/locking differentials, lift kits, big brake kits, engine conversions and off road bumpers/accessories.
With our full service shop including everything from paint/body, mechanical and interior let us build you a show stopping dream Vanagon!
Our Syncro conversions start at around $20k, which includes the cost of the Syncro donor parts, but due to availabilty prices are subject to change. Estimated price also reflects additional possible costs including refurbishing/replacing any worn parts including the transaxle or front differential and upgrades.
If you have a clean hardtop Vanagon you may want to add a factory Westfalia top as many of our customers have done. Doing so can add a lot of extra room as well as increase the value of your van. For safety and structural reasons we will only do a Pop Top Conversion on a VW Vanagon.
Our pop top conversions are approximately. $10,700.
Adding a gas/diesel fired furnace to your Van can make year-round camping a real pleasure, especially in the cool and damp Northwest.
We’ve installed lots of these in various locations in the van, and will be glad to do the same for you. These furnaces are made in Germany and consume an astonishing one gallon per 22 hours of run time.
Please contact us for a price quote.
An installation using a new 49 Liter electric Truckfridge with the furnace installed right underneath. The heat comes out nicely in the center of the van.
The Webasto furnace is a great model if you do not have propane, and want to run it directly off of your fuel tank. If left on overnight, the furnace will only use around 1 gallon, making it great for overnight camping or winter adventures.
While it may have been state-of-the-art when your Vanagon was new, the stock interior lighting has much room for improvement.
Modern LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights draw much less power than the stock lights, but offer pleasant “warm” ambient lighting, a focused spotlight for reading, or even multicolor party lights on a dimmer switch.
Give us a call to see what we can do for you.
We offer full Volkswagen mechanical service here at North Westy! Yes, that means we will even take in your MK2 Jetta or 04′ Beetle. Call to schedule your appointment! Local customers can even bring in their Subaru’s!
Is your vanagon NOT your daily driver? Does that other vehicle need parts? Email or give us a call and let us help you find what you’re looking for.
For your extended adventures, we offer custom fuel tanks that can be built and fitted underneath your Syncro and connected to your main tank.
Planning on taking your Van on an off-the-grid, out of the country expedition? Or just an extended road trip? We can help you plan, and outfit your van for everything you’ll need from spare parts, suggested stops along the way, reliable mechanical resources, over-the-phone roadside assistance, vehicle recovery lessons, troubleshooting tips, and all the advice to help make this your grand adventure.
With recent and numerous thefts in the Vanagon Community, we offer multiple theft protection services. Let us add a modern car alarm, or more advanced immobilizers that also offer GPS vehicle tracking and remote start/shut-off so we can help keep your Vanagon safe and secure.
We know that rust is a plaguing problem to Vanagons as it likes to get in the seams and underbody. The new and current “de-icer” (magnesium chloride) used on roads is more corrosive than salt and thus, expediting the ‘rusting away’ of your vehicle. We offer several rust protection undercoating and seam sealer options for your Vanagon to help meet all budget needs.
Looking to insure your newly purchased or newly modified Vanagon? We can help facilitate your appraisal needs. We can also perform comprehensive vehicle inspections for future buyers.
At North Westy, we typically have an assortment of modern 15 or 16 inch wheels on hand. These are often salvaged from Audi or Mercedes cars.
Adding a non-stock wheel onto any vehicle can be tricky. You need to often use spacers, the correct lug nuts, and perhaps new studs to get it right. You can be assured that after swapping wheels onto dozens of vehicles, we’re going to do the job right.
Choosing proper tires for Vanagons also requires some knowledge, Unfortunately, this expertise is often not found at your local tire store. No matter if you are driving 95% pavement, hard-core off-road, or somewhere in between, we have our opinions on the best tires for these vehicles, and we will be glad to let you know what we feel is best for your wheel size and driving style.
As of 2013 we are now a tire distributor and can help you purchase new tires at a competitive price.
All pop top canvases include the following upgrades:
Stock Colors $649.99 – We carry Gray and Tan canvas’ in stock, ready to ship when you’ve placed your order.
Customizable Colors $749.99 – We offer a wide array of colors to choose from and the option of having different colored windows. Custom color canvases have a production time of 4-6 weeks.
Marine Grade Sunbrella Fabric – which make them water & mold resistant.
Noseeum Netting Screens – which has a better stretch and keeps those pesky bugs out!
Wire Feed Flap – in the front left side corner, we’ve incorporated a wire feed flap for those of you running lights at the top of your pop top.
Window Tie Downs – each window has a set of tie towns with buckles so when you want a fresh air breeze, you can roll up the window and keep it out of the way.
Screens also have the functionality of unzipping around the top and sides, in case you need to reach into your luggage rack, or if you just feel like sticking your head completely out the window.
Stock Colors – We carry gray and tan canvases in stock for $649.99, ready to ship when you’ve placed your order.
Customizable Colors – We offer a wide array of colors to choose from and the option of having different colored windows. Custom color canvases have a production time of 4-6 weeks and cost $749.99.
