1986 Vanagon Subaru conversion

1986 Volkswagen Type III Additional Info:

1986 Vanagon Type 3, 2WD—specs when bought two years ago:

• 2.5l Subaru, high torque motor conversion by SmallCar in Tacoma in 2017. Engine from 2012 Outback with 36k miles (with its fresh alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor), new engine mounts, fuel tank, clutch master cylinder, coolant pipes, radiator, exhaust manifold, stainless muffler (and mounts), tailpipe, dash mounted ScanGauge, new clutch, custom bell housing, new custom alloy oil pan, ECU harness, and air intake and filter system (conversion—$19,117.38).
• 16” wheels, Bilstein shocks, HD springs, 1” lift.
• 347k total miles.
• All receipts going back through 5+ owners. I, personally, have never seen records like this.

Improvements since purchase:

• Oversized front disk brake conversion, new wheel bearings, new power steering rack, upper and lower ball joints and bushings, new tie rod ends.
• Five new tires (Nokian WR G4 all weather).
• Oversized spare tire carrier.
• Windshield (these first 4 at SmallCar Tacoma in 2022—$12,976.06).
• Passenger seat swivel base ($321).
• Center console.
• German rubber front floor mats.
• Removed (and have) middle bench seat.
• Sound dampening floor insulation.
• Foam interlocking tile over main interior floor.
• Rear hitch assembly (Burley Motorsports, 350lb capacity—$726.67; powder coating—$150) and wiring kit.
• Side awning (Smittybilt, 8’ x 6’—$245).
• Instrument cluster wiring replacement kit ($150.00)
• Numerous smaller improvements—side mirrors (LandRover, aftermarket), window cranks, door boxes, dash ashtray steel cover, front seat covers (saddle blanket), armrest hardware, battery disconnect switch, fire extinguisher and mount, rear hatch storage bag insert, LED bulbs for all lighting (except halogen headlights), front door rain deflectors, shift column extension, additional accessory outlets, and more.

My expenses:

Purchase (with Subaru conversion)—$12,000

Front end, brake, windshield work at Small Car—$13,000

Parts, accessories, upgrades—$2,500

My labor—not accounted

Total—$27,500

This is a gem that drives perfectly—smooth, stable, and quiet on the highway; 20+mpg; engine, steering, front brakes, and tires are nearly brand new. Middle seats are included. Radio is missing, rear wiper disconnected. Otherwise, everything works great. Subaru conversions are super when done right. This van will pull any mountain pass interstate at the speed limit or more. You'll be spoiled. BTW, I am a mechanic (not VW) with a small machine shop and like things tidy and solid.