New Member 92 SVX, 3.3L Vanagons

#1 10-30-2001, 01:09 PM

Howdy everyone,
I just took possession of a 92 Silver SVX and I'm looking forward to the pleasure of owning it for a while. I have already replaced a wheel bearing, front seals and timing belt and now need to deal with the transmission. It seems to have no third gear, at least will not engage until the RPM's get real high. Fourth tries to work but unsuccessfully. I suspect the high clutches and or the pump, filter or clogged passages. If there turns out to be no simple cheap fix, I will do the five speed conversion.
I came into the Subaru fold from a perhaps unusual path. I first discovered the SVX engine and was impressed beyond words. I had been on a quest for power for my Vanagon and I knew I had found the end of the rainbow. The engine has surpassed all my expectations, and we now have two more Vanagon VX's on the road. After three of these conversions I am pretty much familiar with all the engine electrical (It takes 10-15 hours to convert the wiring harness) so I may be able to answer questions about the ECU and it's responses to having the transmission absent, since we retain the Vanagon transmission.
If I end up doing a five speed, I should be able to offer the service in the Northwest. I have already lined up a 2000 RS trans and limited slip differential along with the other goodies.
Check out my business web site http://www.smallcar.com/vx.htm
or stop by for a ride in a very fast Vanagon. It's geared very low so probably would beat my SVX until about 90 MPH or so.

Brian Steel
http://www.smallcar.com

Aredubjay · #2 10-30-2001, 01:28 PM

Brian,
It's fantastic to have you as a part of our "little family." I noticed, by your location, that you're right up their with our good friends at "subaruparts.com" (Titus Tacoma Subaru). They have been great friends to us here. I take it you've probably had to get a part or two from them.

We are an eclectic group from all socio-economic segments of society and a bunch of fun-lovin' folks. Hope you can join in and offer some wit as well as your wisdom based upon your experience.

Yep, sounds like your high clutches are gone (from experience

). Make sure you put an aftermarket cooler on that sucker when you get it fixed. The problem with the 92's is clogging of the stock "cooler" (in quotes, cuz it's a rather sorry example of cooling). People would replace the tranny and the filters (internal and program external), but, their cooler would be clogged. Toasted and re-toasted trannies. A later model radiator would likely do the trick, but, plan on an A/M cooler just the same.

Again, glad to have you here. Make yourself at home and have fun.

1994SubaruSVX · #3 10-30-2001, 01:33 PM

What made you put a SVX motor in one of those? just curious. welcome to the site, your motor expertise will be much appreciated.

cocacola08 · #4 10-30-2001, 01:46 PM

Please keep us posted on the RS tranny, and how well it works.

I'd like to convert to a manual tranny, if (more like when) mine goes out.

rufus · #5 10-30-2001, 02:05 PM

Hey Brian. Welcome. I really enjoyed your site; someone here actually pointed it out a few months ago.

Now, if we can just get the guy with the SVX powered dragster to join up...

Mr. Pockets · #6 10-30-2001, 02:44 PM

Brain, welcome to the club. I've seen your site and your EG33-powered Vanagon. I love it. I'm glad to see a new member join with first-hand engine electrical experience. Fantastic.

Again, welcome, and I hope you enjoy your SVX for many years to come.

Seraph · #7 10-30-2001, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian Steel
Check out my business web site http://www.smallcar.com/vx.htm
or stop by for a ride in a very fast Vanagon. It's geared very low so probably would beat my SVX until about 90 MPH or so.

Brian Steel
http://www.smallcar.com

Funny enough Brian, someone posted this site before on this network. I am glad you are now a new proud owner of a SVX. Hope things goes well.

Lwin

WestCoastSVX · #8 10-31-2001, 09:23 AM

Good to see another Puget Sound SVX owner here! The Seattle area seems to have one of the biggest SVX populations from what I've seen, but also unfortunately a very poor showing on this site. A couple of us are still working on getting a decent meet together at some point and you'd be a welcome edition - either in a H-6 powered Vanagon, 5 speed SVX, or even a stock SVX!!

jscorse · #9 10-31-2001, 10:52 AM

Man! You're and animal. That Vanagon looks increadable. Thank's for the confirmation that our engine is one of the best!

I could just see those poor #$#@ in the Camaro wondering.....

Ron Mummert · #10 10-31-2001, 05:24 PM

Brian, welcome. I gandered at your site a few months back & was impressed. Now, perhaps you can show us how to drop a VW Vanagon engine into an SVX, for those members who whine about their gas mileage. Best wishes, Ron

svx_commuter · #11 10-31-2001, 06:31 PM

Hey! I am up forrthe VW engine in the SVX, slow and cool and great MPG. It would never over heat the tranny. A very reliable slow car.

I checked out your web site awhile ago. Nice to see you solved the slow "Vanagon" problem. Maybe VW will catch on. Are you selling these?