TDi Diesel 1987 Volkswagen VW Vanagon 5 Speed Dutch Military Conversion Camper

Up for auction is my U.K. built diesel 1.9 TDi conversion of a Netherlands military 1987 Type 3 Caravelle (Vanagon). I am selling the van because I intend to move back to Asia. I regret I cannot take it with me.

Key Features:

Modern 1.9 TDi 1Z Diesel @35mpg / 280ft/lbs torque

.230 Fuel Injectors

Upgraded Bosch VE injection Pump with DSSR Cams

Stage III Malone ECU Tuning

5 Speed Manual European Transmission with Custom Ratios

Syncro Difflock (2wd, ocks rear wheels)

Upgraded Sachs/Polyflex Suspension

Mercedes 16" Wheels

Cruise Control

Westfalia Bed

Registered Title in Colorado, SA, IN# WVZZZ25ZJH032688

(VIN is European and thus would not register in eBay system)

The van gets an average of 35mpg combined, nywhere, ills, ighway, r city! 40mpg @ 60mph and 32mpg @70mph on the highway, s aerodynamics are not super on a Vanagon. Power is amazing and smooth at @280 ft/lbs of torque; MUCH more than any stock Vanagon or Subaru swap motor. And, t's all kept VW. The updated Sachs shocks, ercedes 16" wheels, nd Polyflex steering make the van handle much better than stock as well.

I bought this van in the Netherlands for a European rock climbing tour in May, 014, ith 86,000 kilometers on it; currently there are 19,600 kilometers, eaning 33,600 kilometers / 20878 miles, nd less than 2 years since the rebuild. All of the miles/use has been highway rambling and touring.

After purchasing the van, drove it to the U.K. for a complete TDi conversion and refurbishment, one properly. I toured Europe with the bus until it was shipped from Amsterdam to the USA in December, 014. I continued my tour in the USA until this November, 015. The bus is legally registered as a USA vehicle now in the state of Colorado, ith a proper state title.

The bus was originally purchased and used by the Dutch military, nd as such was undercoated for rust prevention when new, nd serviced thoroughly. I bought it from a Dutch gentleman who collected VW. The bus has its original bodywork and paint, nd a solid body with minimal cosmetic rust in the usual places. With so many rust buckets around, his one is really solid and unmolested, hich is why I bought it. There has been a small amount of color-matched spray paint to protect some rusted areas, ut no filler or bodywork has been done. As I said, he van has very low typical rust.

Being military it is appropriately Spartan; manual everything, ess to break or wear out, nd really represents the spirit of a tough, lder VW. It also has a steel bulkhead behind the front seats, hich include a bench seat. Some other military touches that seem to be quite rare are the double consoles on the dash (one was for a radio), nd a Spartan steel dash without plastic padding.

The conversion and refurbishment work was done by MVE Services in Shropshire, .K., ho are specialists in VW TDi swaps. A modern 1.9 1Z TDi computer controlled diesel engine from a VW Golf (akin to the AFN or AHU) was completely rebuilt with new rings and bottom end bearings, he head was fully reconditioned, nd a Garrett VNT15 turbo was installed. All new pumps and associated wear parts were installed. The suspension, rive train, rakes, nd steering also received numerous new parts and upgrades. Cylinder leakdown tests after break-in show a solid motor at 95% on all four cylinders. Cruise control was added to the system as well. No A/C however, orry.

The transmission is a Euro-spec 5 speed manual built by Aidan Talbot in Wales, ith gearing to better suit the new motor and modern speeds. Final drive is 4:14 and a .73 5thgear is installed. Further, Syncro differential lock is installed (but the vacuum linkage to engage still need to be fit). USA didn't get the 5 speed, nd to find one domestically WITHOUT any of the gearing upgrades would cost well over $5000 alone. I can tell you the ratios make a difference. Along with the upgraded transmission, ew axle CV joints were installed as well.

The diesel VE injection pump was fully rebuilt and upgraded and .230 matched fuel injectors were added for better flow and power delivery by United Diesel, n Shropshire, sing French DSSR high lift cams and other upgraded parts, or a pump that is much smoother and delivers better power and economy than a stock unit. This pump alone is worth over $1000.

The ECU has had a Malone stage III tuning here in the USA, or optimum power and economy.

The van is essentially a nearly new vehicle engine/brake/driveline speaking. The interior is still quite Spartan, nd can be built according to your own tastes quite easily, nstead of buying someone else's idea of style. The van does have a Westfalia rear bench seat which converts into a full bed. I also built a drawer and counter top set up with IKEA items, nd have rudimentary water and cooler as well. These items may all be removed with a few easy bolts.

Excel Spreadsheet is included with full listing of part sources of the build for maintenance purposes.

My opening bid is far below the cost of conversion and parts, ot counting the actual vehicle cost.

Happy Bidding!More Pictures Here

Some of the build parts used are listed below: