Autobahn Society has been repairing and restoring VWs in Atlanta since 1990. Vanagon restorations are the fastest growing part of our shop, we drive and camp westy vans and know that vacations plagued with mechanical failure are not an option. Vanagons are not weak, just not well understood by American mechanics. The dealerships can handle many problems however breakdowns are not always convenient to one. The next issue is head gaskets, THEY LEAK! and repair costs are high, many mechanics try to replace them without removing the engine, neglecting the gaskets at the cylinder base which causes more problems down the road. Now the love must strong and pockets must be deep or the van goes up for sale. The new owner falls in love, the antifreeze hits the ground and the cycle starts over... but it doesn't have to be like that. There is a better way... in fact VW had the right idea and was quoted in Popular Mechanics (1980) introducing the Vanagon, they actually said that the Vanagon was designed to use the inline 4, however brisk sales of the VW Rabbit left them too few engines to go around, with factories producing as many as possible the boxer was brought back.

We are trying to right that wrong. With our first conversion completed in 1989 using a diesel donor and then for friends and family over the next 10 years limited only by donor availability. Then on the scene came a kit from a far off place not known for well, making anything. We happily bought and installed many of these kits some were OK however; there were many problems. So, we began to assemble our own engine version using parts and pieces produced on our own. Problems and weaknesses went away. Since then, there have been engines used from almost anything (even Asian). But, we are true German patriots, and that is not an option! Don't get me wrong, I love flat 6's but they should only come from Stuttgart. With that said, the inline 4 we think is the best alternative for the recreational vehicle that is rarely drag raced and most commonly loaded with children and camping gear. To provide parts for our engine conversions, we dismantle late model salvaged VWs from insurance company auctions. Recycling only the best parts to be used in our conversions we offer two versions: the 1.8L at 100hp and the ABA at 130hp using a 1995-1999 Jetta short block. New parts are used whenever possible, however engine management systems are based on the Digifant II using knock sensor ignition and pumps and accessories (alternators, A/C compressor) are used from the Jetta. I have read many times about the vibration problems with the inline engine, we are currently using Mercedes engine mounts which makes this a non-issue. We continually drive and improve our conversions on a daily basis and we have what we believe is the best option without having an unlimited budget.

Click links below to view details about
our conversion options for your Vanagon.