Hi guys and gals,
I just purchased a 76 panelvan from Buggy Brad (from his kombi kleanout thread) and have a couple of questions about running gear.

THe van has no motor or transmission and I was wondering

1 - would it be better to buy second hand trans and motor (2Ltr) or a reco? or brand new. My budget isnt great as I am a uni student and I want to keep it original as I have looked at WRX engines and kits and $8800 is far too much.

2- Also could anyone recommend people to see in Melbourne, has anyone had experience with some companies ie BME, AVWPC, Tucker Road Motors etc

3- and what sort of rough price would I be looking at for all options. I want to use the Kombi as a daily driver, weekend cruiser and am not too fussed on top speed and hauling power. I travel interstate (600km's) about 4 or 5 times a year so I would like something reliable.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

-Maurice

cheapest wud b to get 2nd hand running gear... probably the quickest also. Seen a few kombi motors for sale lately on here and ebay. If you know what your doing you could do a subaru conversion for alot less than $8800 (less than half depending on motor etc).

If you just want to get on the road, a good 2L box will cost you around $500 or if you can get lucky and find some1 parting out a bus get it for cheaper.... should be able to get a running kombi motor for around $500 depending on condition. Rebuild jobs can be from $1500 to $3000 and new i guess would b something like $5000 but i have never looked into this and some1 else might have a better idea.

But certainly if you look around you should be able to get ur bus on the road for under $1000. If your willing to just chuck in a 1600 gear box they go for around $2-300... just keep an eye out and something will pop up. gl

I didn't know that a 1600 gearbox could go straight in. Thanks for the info. I will keep an eye open.

yep, you just need the 1800/2l flywheel and it should bolt together. i have a 1600 g/b with 2L bell housing but am keeping as spare... plenty around tho

Thanks again 76camper.

Just wondering, if this is a cheaper option and doesn't involve a lot of work, how come more people arent doing it?

Because It can be quite exhilirating driving a bus with a 2.2 Suby motor.

1600 gearbox the motor will rev higher. Best to stick to no more than 100kph even if on the freeway.

Tucker Rd motors is good, and i have had a couple of things done there in the past. You are paying for quality and I think it is around $60 per hour labour rate.

You could go Suby, but you would need quite a number of tools to do it yourself. You would still need a gearbox, preferably a 2L unit. Yeah Expect $7000 even if you did it yourself, including buying the 2L gearbox, and a few other things you will have missing.

For now I will hunt down a 1600 box. I never drive past 100km/h anyway. Next year when the missus starts working full time and when I am hopefully doing my Masters I will buy a 2ltr box and a suby engine. Thanks for the info hellbus