Volkswagen bus owners have been living the van life for generations. Whether taking a weekend trip into the mountains or following the Grateful Dead for a few years, a vintage pop-top VW camper turns the open road into a home away from home.
The 1982 Westfalia conversion for sale on eBay provides even more living space to modern nomads. But an engine upgrade from Subaru makes this classic machine a capable performer on today’s roadways.
Why Subaru?
Subaru Boxer engine swaps are popular with vintage VW Van enthusiasts.
Volkswagen built flat-four cylinder engines for their cars for decades. They were initially air-cooled, although some 1980s models turned to water cooling to help increase power while meeting increasingly strict emissions standards. The water cooling helped maintain consistent engine temperatures as power levels increased But in stock form, no VW Vanagon engine was ever particularly powerful.
Subaru also used a flat engine for many years as well—and it still does. The 2.5-liter EJ25 engine is more powerful and fit nicely into the engine room at the rear of the classic Vanagon. Conversion kits help make the swap a snap.
These conversions double the available horsepower, making highway driving much safer. Converted VW vans aren’t speed demons, but bringing the total power to about 170 horsepower gives tall, boxy vans a fighting chance on the road.
Pop-Top VW Camper = Time To Get Away
With solar on this sweet VW camper’s pop-top, you’ll have power everywhere.
The builder of this Subaru-powered Westy did a great job of making the van a comfortable place for long stretches. The traditional Westfalia pop-top remains, but a solar panel was added to keep batteries charged. That makes it possible to have a day or two of off-grid power. You can also plug in for power at an RV park.
VW camper interiors are endlessly customizable. The builder added wood flooring and a throw rug to give the van a homey feel. An upgraded refrigerator, camp stove, and sink make meal prep a snap. And a Bluetooth audio system brings modern music conveniences to this 1980s classic.
Pop the top and pack your duffel bags, it’s time for a road trip!
Upgraded Fox shocks keep the van stable and comfortable whether on the highway or on a trail. The suspension bushings were replaced, minimizing the squeaking and rattling over washboard surfaces.
Read this: New Suspension Bushings Can Improve Handling.
The seller throws in two sets of tires—including a set of studded winter tires for cold-weather mountain adventures.
A camper van that fits in the garage? Oh yeah!
Your favorite 1980s rock band might not be touring these days. But it’s not hard to find an excuse to hit the highway when you have a Westy like this one in your driveway. And now that many of us are working remotely, the map has endless possibilities for where you can set up shop, take a week’s worth of Zoom calls, and never leave the magic of the open road.
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