Hi guys, sorry for similar post as kombiclub, but some may recall I'm in the market for a T3 camper.

I'm interested in one in Geraldton, a 1985 trakka conversion, and am planning on heading up there this weekend. The guy is not sure of the engine size, he got out the manual and told me it is a 2.5? WHich is not an option as far as I know:) Apparently the saffies used a 2.5 post say 1992 when they kept making T3s after the rest of the world moved to T4.

I've also been told that since the van is a 1985 it is almost certainly a 1.9L. It is an auto so I'm not really keen on less than the 2.1 as I believe the 1.9L auto is sluggish indeed.

Any advice?

Cheers

Matt

mmm.....close to change over

Simple rule (ish) round headlights 1.9L
Square headlights 2.1L

Yes the later South African T3s used a 2.5-litre engine, but it was an in-line 5-cylinder Audi engine tipped over at an angle. Not a flat four! They also changed the body and their rear engine cover is around 50mm higher up so the Audi 5 would fit in.

Yes the '85 is almost certainly a 1.9. The Australian importers then (LNC Industries) gave up the VW business in 1987 and did not import any new vehicles into Australia after 1986. The 50 or so sold in 1987 were old stock. The updated range imported by Ateco from 1988-on were the square-headlight 2.1.

These are the two 'wasserboxer' engines sold on Australian vehicles:

1913cc - 57 kW at 4400 rpm, 150 Nm at 2600 rpm.
2109cc - 70 kW at 4800 rpm, 160 Nm at 2800 rpm.

In Europe you could also get a low-spec carb 1.9, with just 44 kW at 3700 rpm and 140 Nm at 2200, and a Golf-based 1500cc diesel that made 37 kW at 4200 rpm and 103 Nm at 2000 rpm.

The top motor - which was sadly not sold here - was a high-compression version of the 2.1, which made 82 kW at 4800 rpm and 174 Nm at 2800 rpm.

If the Trakka T3 is straight and clean and in good nick, I'd grab it and worry about updating the motor later.

Thanks guys. I think we've established it is a 1.9, not convinced it is a genuine Trakka (the complience plate is vague and jsut does not look trakka quality... although it seems to be trakka parts so maybe a wreck/salvage re-use of internals?).

I've also been sent photos from a VW fan (he visited the van) that show up a few issues - not quite as pristine as the seller makes out.

Anyway it is on Ebay now so will see how she goes.

Thanks again

Matt

Can i ask what they were after

A contact of mine is selling a 1.9L Trakker - manual
It is in excellent-ish condition but a bit pricey in my mind

Trying to guide him more realistically

It was in our local Quokka classifieds paper (very popular in Perth) for 12.5k. But I KNOW it was for sale through his mates caravan dealer for $6,500 ono pre Christmas. it is now on Ebay with a $6k start (no bids and reserve not met).

Where is his van? Might be interested I'm definately in the market for one.

it is in Sydney

He says he wants $10k - it is in good nick. No rust, and had a blow over on the long sides to freshen it up
I just struggle that for that money you can buy a REAL good 2.1L bus with auto, electric everything and air cond, a damn good tent and a gouple of grand left over for the trip.
They have had it for about 8 years and only really used it for holidays.
Reckon it would have done 40,000kms in that time
If you like i will take some pics
It has seats in at the moment that have seat belts etc etc - all the camping gear has been stored

I an sure it is a propper Trakka

I found the one on ebay... similar i guess

Anyway..........