VW Subaru Conversion - Knowledge Base

The most enjoyable van is still the same. Just reinvented. Families still camp. Travelers still hit the open road. College kids still pile in. But we’ve heard there is an uptick in speeding tickets. And efficiency. You know, while we’re at it, we might as well mention the increase in reliability. With over 2,500 Vanagon Subaru conversions on the road, Van Cafe has rewritten the rules while sticking to the basics. We were one of the first to create the DIY Vanagon Subaru conversion kits and still have one the most innovative & complete kits on the market, from custom intake to a full stainless steel exhaust, and everything in between.

We have compiled a list of FAQs and answers below. If you don't see a subject you'd like to read about, please let us know and we'd be happy to add it here!

  • The Rocky Mountain Westy Subaru conversion kit sets itself apart from other conversion kits as we manufacture 95% of our parts. We currently make the most complete kit available. With the tools, knowledge, and technical capabilities...continue reading
  • You can benefit from an in-house conversion for many reasons. If you do not have the time and space, mechanical ability, or simply want it done by professionals to ensure your conversion is done correctly and professionally, then we encourage you to speak with a Van Cafe representative to discuss your van...continue reading
  • Are you trying to decide which engine to get for your Vanagon Subaru Conversion? Here we break down the differences of a 2.5L vs. 2.2L engine and sourced parts. continue reading
  • Rocky Mountain Westy (that's the manufacturing part of Van Cafe!) does RMW does 2.2, 2.5, (4 cylinder) and 3.0 liter (6 cylinder) conversions in house as well as providing complete D.I.Y. kits for the two 4 cylinder engines. We make parts to do the 6 cylinder install, however, it is suggested ...continue reading
  • Please reference the chart below to see if your Subaru donor has an immobilizer equipped ECU. If your donor falls into one of these categories, we are unable...read more
  • Original Vanagon cooling components were nominal from the factory. Largely made of plastic, they often cracked within a few years of service--constant heat cycling took its toll. As the years went by and VW corporate support of the Vanagon waned, it became harder to find original factory parts and we Vanagon drivers were forced...continue reading
  • The stock Subaru oil pan is of a design that extends beneath the engine by several inches. When installed in the original car configuration it's protected by frame components however when the motor is installed in the Vanagon the pan hangs far below the body. The problem has been attacked in several...continue reading
  • Cruise control - we all love it until it doesn't work and then it's one of the more complicated automotive systems to diagnose and repair. When planning your Subaru motor conversion you have a few options when it come to having a working cruise control system on your Vanagon. If your van has factory cruise control it's easy to integrate it into your conversion with a simple part from an early model Subaru 2.2 Legacy from 90-94. The vacuum actuator from this era was all mechanical...continue reading
  • We at Rocky Mountain Westy go to great lengths to provide you with a reliable engine for your Vanagon which will provide you with years of reliability, ease of maintenance and increased power and efficiency. Rocky Mountain Westy conversions are done with 2.5 liter SOHC engines that come from any model Subaru sold in the U.S. between the years of 2000 and 2004. There was one model in 1999 that was a SOHC 2.5 liter...continue reading
  • There are several styles of Subaru coolant manifold, only one of which is suitable to be used by RMW as a core. The two manifolds below are the most common variants. Note the bottom manifold (usually found on later models) has a...read more

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