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Fitting T4 motor and gear bocx to late model Caravelle

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Avignon Casual Dubber

28 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#932157
Hi Guys,

Not sure if this subject has been covered by previous thread.

1. I've got a late model T3 Caravelle (1990)-water cooled and would like to swap its running gear- gearbox and motor - with the T4 running gear (air cooled) from a 1978 Kombi. Can this be done ?

2. If yes, what issues should I anticipate with the mounting position(s) of the g/box & motor ? Clutch cable etc ?

I want to do this as my Caravelle's running gear are due to be reconditioned and/or in need of repair and happen to have Type 4 gearbox & motor built sometime ago.

Cheers,

Tom

grumble Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,672 posts · joined Jun 2008 ·

#932168
you should check with the RAT,Roads and Marine or whatever they call themselves currently as the engine will have to meet the emission standards for 1990 and the 78 bay will not. Basically when I was doing blueslips a later motor to an early vehicle was possible within limits but an early motor into a late model car wouldn't meet the emission standards. Why not just do the caravelle motor as it will probably turn into a sh..t fight with Govt departments.

Uber Kafer Wolfsburg Wizard

414 posts · joined Nov 2009 ·

#932553
Well that was productive.

Otherwise, have a look on the samba.com and shoptalkforums websites in the U.S. Use the search function.

Gear shift selector location may stop the gearbox swap but if you leave the transaxle in place I suspect the engine will bolt straight in, but might be a difference in starter motor/flywheel combo.

ragged Just ask if you need HELP!

478 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#932557
I can tell you that the gearbox front mount and selector mechanism is different between the two. The 1978 has a cable operated clutch and the 1990 will have hydraulic.

MickH Hairy Gutted Sloth

3,389 posts · joined Sep 2003 ·

#932577
The clutch will not be an issue as you can "make" the old aircooled hydraulic as well. The problem will be that you cannot legally reverse engineer....the motor will not be "legal" to use in that vehicle.
tssnq.com.au

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#932611
waveman1500 wrote:Why on earth would you want to? You are basically making your car slower and less fuel efficient. Just leave the watercooled engine in there and chuck four bags of concrete in the back, the results will be similar.
You've obviously never seen a bill for working on a Wasserboxer 😉
and thats if you can find a mechanic who will actually touch one.


Tom, your big problem is going to be the T25 body is not setup for an aircooled engine, they have the cooling vents on the back pillars but there is not provisons there to seal an air cooled motor into the engine bay like it needs.
You would cook it real quick.

ragged Just ask if you need HELP!

478 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#932665
Good point Joel. I think thats the answer we were looking for.

MickH Hairy Gutted Sloth

3,389 posts · joined Sep 2003 ·

#932676
Joel wrote:
waveman1500 wrote:Tom, your big problem is going to be the T25 body is not setup for an aircooled engine, they have the cooling vents on the back pillars but there is not provisons there to seal an air cooled motor into the engine bay like it needs.
You would cook it real quick.



Ah rubbbish.....they came with air cooled engines !!!!!😂 Nice try though.....🤓
tssnq.com.au

modulus Veteran Volks Folk

2,009 posts · joined Jul 2003 ·

#932677
Should be a good candidate for a Subaru engine and gearbox with reversed pinion. Cheaper to acquire/rebuild than a Wasserboxer and Caravelle gearbox and a step forward in terms of efficiency and power from the current drivetrain, in addition to which you already have the essence of a water cooling system.

hth
Peter Hill
1975 Type 2 Double Cab
modulus.com.au

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#932704
MickH wrote:ah rubbbish.....they came with air cooled engines !!!!!😂 Nice try though.....🤓

You totally missed the point Mick....

Ofcourse some came with aircooled motors but they have the different engine bay for sealing the engine in.
Wassers don't need that.
You could do some dodgy patching to seal one in but why bother if its temporary

I also say subi conversion, they are made for it and cheaper than a wasser rebuild.

Avignon Casual Dubber

28 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#932745
Hi Guys,

Thanks for the response. I guess the T4 motor & g/box route is not an option.

Still keen in retaining the VW motor option........but if this means I have to rebuild the wasserboxer and cost me $$$$$ I'll seriously consider the Subi path.

Thanks again guys.

Cheers

Tom