1982 Volkswagen Vanagon L Westfaila Camper 1.9L Turbo-Diesel Conversion Project

We searched for a vehicle in which to build this VW Turbo-Diesel Vanagon project and found the proper platform in a Tennessee owned 1982 Volkswagen Vanagon L Westfaila Camper Diesel with a factory 4-speed manual transmission. This 1982 Westy was finished in Guinea Blue exterior paint with Gray Cloth interior. This VW was virtually rust free and was obviously was well cared for by a Westy fanatic.

This Vanagon L was well equipped with features that included; front bucket seats that swiveled 180 degrees, a two-passenger rear bench seat that folds into a bed, 110V AC electrical outlet, Circuit breaker, Electrical cable, LPG stove, LPG tank, Sink & water storage tank, fire extinguisher, 3-door clothes locker, overhead storage cabinet, privacy curtains, removable rear- hatch bug-screen, skylight, LPG/110VAC/12VDC refrigerator, two stowaway tables, Padded instrument panel, Speedometer with trip odometer, Fuel level gauge, Mechanical clock, and Cloth inlays in the door panels.

The factory 46-bhp 1.6-liter normally aspirated Diesel engine could not keep this Vanagon moving at modern motoring speeds, sluggish to say the least. Therefore, we located a brand new Volkswagen 85-bhp AAZ 1.9L Turbo-Diesel engine to properly power this Vanagon.

The factory 4-speed manual transmission was replaced with a lower ratio 5-speed manual transmission which allowed this Vanagon to easily reach cruising speeds of more than 75 mph on the highway and a top speed of over 90 mph. This Vanagon Turbo-Diesel with 5-speed manual transmission was capable of achieving over 29 mpg.

To take advantage of its increased performance, we upgraded this Vanagon with 15-inch Alloy wheels and 205/65 R15 tires.

As part of this project, we installed a new clutch, new pop-top Canvas Camper Tent with new seal gaskets, new front & rear chrome bumpers with new end caps, and new front & rear windshields with new seal gaskets. The exterior was professionally re-painted and we finished the exterior with new reproduction trim and VW Westy decals.

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