Subdriven: A/b - 1987 VW Vanagon With WRX Engine Swap
Feb 17, 2005
by: Subdriven Member EricDidier
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Welcome to the AUTObiography series on Subdriven.
A/bs are designed to highlight the relationship between an owner and his or her automobile. We're not just looking for the wildest, most highly modified cars out there - we're simply looking for people who love their Subarus and have a good story to tell. If you think this describes you, please send us your submission, along with some good quality photos of your Subie. Please note that the more interesting/detailed your answers are to our questions, and the better and more varied your photos, the greater your chances will be to see your story on Subdriven. The A/b form and submission info can be found here.
Until we get more submissions, A/bs will appear on Subdriven once a month, but if quality stories start rolling in, we promise to run them more often.
This month's Subdriven A/b feature is EricDidier
Q: How long have you owned this car?
A: I bought it in Oct 03
Q: Is there anything unique about the history of this car?
A: It was previously owned by 2 old lady kayakers, who kept it in a garage.
Q:What was your objective with this car?
A: I wanted to create a sleeper Vanagon that would be able to keep up with traffic.
Q: Who helped you build this car?
A: I pretty much did everything, except the wiring harness.
Q: What makes your car special?
A: It still has it's original paint!
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Q: What is your favorite part/feature/function?
A: I love the WRX engine, it has really given me respect for Subaru.
Q: Who or what inspired the direction of modifications on this car?
A: A friend of mine, Spencer, he works at EASY Porsche dismantlers in Emeryville Ca, he used to have a 911 powered VW van until it caught on fire.
Q: What don't you like about this car?
A: I really need to find a 5spd transaxle.
Q: What would you change if you could?
A: I'm planning on a brake upgrade, 944 turbo vented rotors and calipers coming soon.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the outcome of this project?
A: 11! This thing is incredible! I never imagined what a 250hp Vanagon would feel like. I can't keep from smiling everytime I get behind the wheel.
Q: What would you do to the car if money were no object?
A: Porsche 996 6spd transaxle, and big reds. I would also fab a roll cage.
Q: Who has been your biggest critic of this project?
A: The wife really doesn't understand where all the money goes...
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Q: What do your family and friends say about this car?
A: They love it! everybody wants to ride in it.
Q: What is your ideal day with this car?
A: Driving 9 hours to the Bay Area from Portland, and not having to move over for faster moving traffic.
Q: Who gets to drive this car?
A: It's all me baby!
Q: If you had to name your car, what would you name it?
A: It has a name... Vanagon-S "S" is for Subaru.
Q: What was your previous project?
A: I had an 85 double cab transporter, that I added some wheels to. Also added a 911 steering wheel and a tach from a later model.
Q: What is your next project?
A: I would like to do another one using a 91 Vanagon, but this time with an STI 2.5 turbo engine.
Q: What one word best describes your car?
A: Sleeper!
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Owner Information:
Name- Eric Didier
VWvortex Screen Name - EricDidier
E-mail- vwicon@comcast.net
Occupation- engineer
Vehicle Information:
Year- 1987
Make- Volkswagen
Model- Vanagon, wolfsburg edition weekender.
Mileage- 217k !
Original Color- LB7Y Vesuve grey metallic
Current Color- still has original paint!
Engine- 02 Subaru WRX
Engine Modifications- Flex up pipe, samco intercooler hoses, cold air intake, .
Exhaust Modifications- custom 2.5" down pipe, 911 muffler with dual exhaust
Transmission Modifications- Totally stock, except for synthetic oil.
Suspension Modifications- none
Brake Modifications- none yet
Wheels and Tires- Porsche 996 twists, 18 x 8's and 18x10's
Exterior/Body Modifications- rear spoiler, custom air scoop, euro tail light extensions.
Interior Modifications- Corbeau seats using 911 seat tracks, 911 3 spoke steering wheel, white face gauges, 7k rpm tach, vdo boost gauge.
Thanks/Props - Thanks to Brian at Smallcar.com in Tacoma Wa incredible wealth of info and inspiration. And E-bay! you can find it all on E-bay!
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|  For more discussion on this story, click on the link to our discussion forums to the left. |  For more photos of the car in this story, click on the link to our gallery at the right. |
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