Where are all the syncro people??

[SC-Surfer]

This forum seems a little dead. What's up? Any other syncro folks out there?

[joetool]

One more here. I just posted about the Syncro get together. I have an '89 westy that I just put a Zetec in. I think I'm going to let the Syncro group know about this web site; as there are a lot of great resources here!

Joe

[jfarsang]

I sinned and sold our syncro for a Delica. :o Got chastised for it on samba :violent-smiley-031: but thumbs up here :smiley_drive:

[Navman]

I don't have a syncro, but I do have a blue '80 Westy. It can be seen at 4-mile, Hook parking lot, and other SC surf spots. At least until I sell it. After 12 years of ownership, I think I'm about to put it up for sale. Of course I've been saying that for years now, so who knows.

[Christian P.]

I am here -->>

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17010&highlight=syncro

[T.Low]

I sinned and sold our syncro for a Delica. :o Got chastised for it on samba :violent-smiley-031: but thumbs up here :smiley_drive:


Now there's a "Comparison/contrast" article I'm eager to read:lurk: .

[Harald Hansen]

Now there's a "Comparison/contrast" article I'm eager to read:lurk: .

Me too!

[dipple]

I have two syncros a 1991 hightop Getaway camper and a Canadian market panel van.

[jfarsang]

Now there's a "Comparison/contrast" article I'm eager to read:lurk: .

Here's my 2 cents.

When comparing each other :

Syncro : Larger interior cargo space because the motor is in the rear compared to the front in the Delica.

Syncro : Ability to turn front seats around and walk from front to rear.

Syncro : Independent suspension

Syncro : Viscous coupler AWD system is great when paired with front/rear lockers. The Delica's mostly come with open front/rear diffs and p/t 4x4 (transfer case 4L/4H).

Delica : Durable 2.5L Turbo diesel engine with a stout drivetrain and bombproof auto transmission.

Delica : A/C front and rear separate controls. Great layout for air flow.

Delica : Hot/Cold box (fridge/freezer) holds two six packs in between driver/passenger's feet.

Delica : Cheap replacement drivetrain parts (all Mitsubishi Montero)

Delica : Short wheelbase great for offroading (pro's/con's)



All in all, I love both. If I could have only one and needed it for an expedition and dependability, I would pick the Delica based on the engine and drivetrain.

The Delica interior is a bit smaller but not by much. The syncro/vw has a boxy interior while the Delica is wider at the bottom and curves up a 'little' near the top. I'm only talking a few inches so not that much, but there is a difference when you hop into both. I have both stripped out completely and they are very close to top to bottom front to rear side to side measurements.

I like the fact that the Delica's that are 15 years old coming over from Japan look and drive like new vehicles. It's the law/the way they take care and drive the vehicles there. That's the reason why my last two 15 year old Delica's look brand new and have very little mileage on them.

This one's over 100,000 miles and it's just getting broken in.

Comparing the two is difficult. I love certain things about the syncro that the Delica's don't have and vice versa.

But we only have one to choose and I was leaning towards the syncro and converting it to a syncro westy when I saw this one (pop top Delica).

That sealed the deal. Now I can strip it out, camperize the interior the way I would like and have a 'modern' type of 4x4 diesel mini van. Looks ugly but definitely unique.

Alternately, I can have a Syncro Westy with a 1.9 TD in it. That would be epic. But to get that, I'm looking at over 20-30k which is nuts.

This Delica cost me 9,200 all taxes/import fees/landed. I put in 2,000 (tires/locker/lift/inspection/lights) and that's it so far.



:bigbossHL:

[SC-Surfer]

One more here. I just posted about the Syncro get together. I have an '89 westy that I just put a Zetec in. I think I'm going to let the Syncro group know about this web site; as there are a lot of great resources here!

Joe

How do yo like the zetec so far? That's where I think I'm going. Love to hear your thoughts!!

[SC-Surfer]

I don't have a syncro, but I do have a blue '80 Westy. It can be seen at 4-mile, Hook parking lot, and other SC surf spots. At least until I sell it. After 12 years of ownership, I think I'm about to put it up for sale. Of course I've been saying that for years now, so who knows.

I'll keep an eye out for you. I have one of the (twins, but no relation) white syncros with a toybox on top. I generally make a trip through the point at least once a day.

[T.Low]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, its tough to find that ultimate 4x4 van, you want bits and peices of a few different schools of thought that don't necessarily fit together. The pop top find was awesome, way to go.

Looking forward to checking it out.

TL

[JED THE SPREAD]

http://newforum.80-90.co.uk/images/smilies/whistle.gif

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/jedthespread/101_0573.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/jedthespread/101_0575.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/jedthespread/101_0577.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/jedthespread/Photo0139.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/jedthespread/Photo0140.jpg

jed

[slosurfer]

Unfortunately, you probably will never be able to get a Delica registered in California, so I guess there is no comparison in this state.

Ahemm... Toyota 4wd Van :sombrero:


I really like Synchros. I live right down the street from Go Westy, so I always drive by and :drool:

[jfarsang]

Unfortunately, you probably will never be able to get a Delica registered in California, so I guess there is no comparison in this state.

You can import older Delica's. Still very capable diesel 4x4's. :

Or there's another way.

Pickup a 2WD Mitsubishi vanwagon (86-89) that are available in NA for 1-2k.

Pickup a parts/rolled 91-93 Delica in Canada and truck it down.

Transplant the drivetrain from the Delica into the vanwagon.



It's work but possible. :chef:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1002046349.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/994749748.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/971255091.html

:ylsmoke:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r2/GuyPinestra/offtopicexit.jpg

[jfarsang]

I think someone earlier said that the delica had the same drive train as the montero, so that would be far easier and cheaper to score than a delica way up in Canada.

It is similar. Things that you would need to convert a 2WD Mitsu Van in the US to a 4x4 Delica (currently being imported in Canada)

Full frontal subframe
Steering box
2.5 TD engine/trans/tcase/driveshafts
probably some more


How close is the delica to the usa mitsu vans?

2WD Mitsubishi Delica L300 (JDM) = 2WD Mitubishi VanWagon L300 (USA)


I would be curious to verify the reality of registering an import diesel delica in california. It seems like I would have seen or heard about some, if that were a real possibility.

Canada - 15 year import rule
USA - 25 year import rule

You can bring in the older L300 models though right now. Not as 'refined' as the Delica's I see around Canada now though.



We plan on taking our time and cruising down the westcoast on our way down to S America. Depending on time/place, we'd be happy to stop by here and there.

Since we're running on WVO, I'm going to try and source as much filtered WVO as I can on our way down to ease the fuel costs.

[alaric.hernandez@gmail.com]

]Front and rear diff locks+LSDs full camper ,,110 solar,9500 power plant winch
diesel fired heater 4wdisks ,24mpg 260fp toque at the wheels, duel fuel tanks
cruse at 75 all day long25223

[Tree]

Wow you got quite the set up! :smiley_drive:

[brianjwilson]

I miss my syncro :(
I had a 86 syncro, dark grey, with 15" wheels. No lockers, but it was still a great rig. The rear seat folded into a bed, and I removed the center seat and made a cabinet with a 12v fridge and propane stove. Nice dark curtains, battery isolator and aux battery.
I sold it a few years ago with 219k miles for $5k....
I would love to be able to pick up a clean syncro westy and drop in a VR6 or subie 6cyl, but they are just so damn spendy.

[alaric.hernandez@gmail.com]

Thank you for the commits vanagons are hard to set up
This cost about 45k with most of the work being done at a home and not a shop I tried a shop they were crazy. So I took it to Tom at Mink Creek Syncros did agreat job now he is doing Sportsmobiles and Camper Vans


http://64.33.52.158/

[Christian P.]

Alaric,

Awesome Syncro. Welcome here.

[JED THE SPREAD]

This is the Syncro club i belong to in the UK if you fancy dropping in.

http://www.club80-90syncro.co.uk/

jed

[alaric.hernandez@gmail.com]

Thanks Jeb I will be getting over at some point. I married a nice Essex girl
so we visit family in Suffolk If you ever want to come to DC the spare room is just collecting dust anyway. I love English cars any car that looks like a box in general. Here is the mini I put together to bad I haven't driven it since I got the syncro together.

[JED THE SPREAD]

. I married a nice Essex girl
.

Blimey your brave hehehehe........ next time your over you should see if there is anything syncro going on and come along.

jed

[jammyauto]

I've been reworking the front suspension on Syncrozilla. Here are the new King resivior shocks and springs. Upper control arms and upper shock mounts are custom made. I'll have about 11 inches of travel on my front wheels. Should handle the washboard really nice.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-12/907358/DSCN2171(Medium).JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-12/907358/DSCN2174(Medium).JPG
Now I need to build covers that will seal off the holes I cut under the front seat. Hope to have it ready in 3 weeks for a death valley trip.

[JED THE SPREAD]

Could you pop some more pictures of the van up please. Looks interesting

jed

[alaric.hernandez@gmail.com]

25537


I have been using A coil over setup that I had to wind up a bit because of the weight in the front. No ideal what the travel is. Any syncros with quick release sway bars?

[DoKarider16]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25437&d=1233550646


This is a link to a shot of my Syncro. It is a 16" Syncro DoKa with John Wessels coil over lift kit, the rack that I designed and helped build and our Overland tent. It is running a 2.6 liter South African inline six motor that is sold by Overland (not the tent guys) out of CA. It is 140 hp and 140 ft./lbs of torque. It is not huge but makes it like a regular vehicle to drive.

the other Craig

(at some point I will try and get the pics to just pop up - sorry)

[hinoranger]

[url]

It is running a 2.6 liter South African inline six motor that is sold by Overland (not the tent guys) out of CA. It is 140 hp and 140 ft./lbs of torque. It is not huge but makes it like a regular vehicle to drive.



Inline 6? SA factory motor was I5 and seems unlikely anyone could fit a the VW/Audi I6 in that space.

just wondering.

[DoKarider16]

Sorry inline 5 is correct. Just repeating the 6 from 2.6, I think. I have had several of the inline 5's in VW Quantum Syncros and love the 5 cylinders.

the other Craig

[alaric.hernandez@gmail.com]

That is a nice rig I'm using the fly wheel wheel from that kit.
The pressure plate is from kennedy engineering the audi just kept slipping.

To get the pic to get on the post has some thing to do with the little paper clip thingy by the smiley face.

[JED THE SPREAD]

We had some snow here on monday (its very rare to get any snow here) so my mate Jake and his wife Mel, my mate Neil and I jacked work in for the day and went out for a burn round.

http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/jedthespread/?action=view&current=c66fa445.pbr

jed

[alaric.hernandez@gmail.com]

I used to have days like that they were great but I would either break something or end up arrested or both. I really liked the shots going thru the tree tunnel surreal
If you have a chance set up camp in a river water going by is great to sleep by.

[wely]

Is it possible to convert a vanagon to syncros? I have access to a three row vanagon but would love to convert it to a syncros.

[alaric.hernandez@gmail.com]

It is easier to make a westy a syncro than the other way around worth more to

[wely]

Where would i need to look for the parts for the conversion? Is there a website somewhere?

[jammyauto]

You basically need a complete parts syncro to get all the parts from. There are a couple weld on bits but it's mostly just bolt on stuff. Still a big job.

[jfarsang]

It is easier to make a westy a syncro than the other way around worth more to

Opposite of my experience.

For me, a syncro -> westy is harder and more time consuming than a westy -> syncro by a long shot.

To do a westy interior/pop top and transplant it onto a syncro vanagon, you'll need welding and cutting skills.

But if you have both, it's a heck of a lot easier to do.

[SC-Surfer]

Is it possible to convert a vanagon to syncros? I have access to a three row vanagon but would love to convert it to a syncros.
Yes, you can. It's not easy, but certainly not impossible. Check out The Samba. Plenty of threads about it!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewforum.php?f=20


Edit....opps, missed the other replies above....

[SC-Surfer]

Anyone heading to Syncro De Mayo??? Hope to see y'all there!

[StumpXJ]

Wait a minute... I have a Syncro too! Ok, so its the Golf version of the syncro, but its still pretty cool. I picked it up as a beater car so I wouldnt have to daily drive my Jeep. I got it at the local junk yard for $400 dollars. Put a new muffler on it, passed inspection, and have been driving the crap out of it for 10 months. Its got a whopping 340,000 kilometers on it, and runs like a champ. 35 miles per gallon, over 750 km on one tank.

I thought I was buy a regular VW Golf, I had no idea what the 'syncro' designation meant until I put it on the lift to install the muffler.

"hey... I thought this thing was front wheel drive, whats it doing with a drive shaft and rear axles?" After a brief internet search, I realized I had a pretty special golf. :)

It has been a life saver in the snow over here, I have motored through 8 inches of the white stuff with no problems, other than it coming over the hood!

I am giving it to the brother of a friend here when we go back to the US in a month. He lives in the US and is a VW technician who has already imported the 'rally' version into the US. He is excited to get it to say the least. He is gladly paying the 1500 bucks to ship it over. Apparently they are pretty rare here in Europe, and basically non existent in the US.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/random%20and%20funny%20pics/DSCN0883.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/random%20and%20funny%20pics/DSCN0882.jpg

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http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/random%20and%20funny%20pics/DSCN0880.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/random%20and%20funny%20pics/DSCN0879.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/random%20and%20funny%20pics/DSCN0878.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/random%20and%20funny%20pics/DSCN0877.jpg

[syncroand101]

Thought I'd post a few pics of a little trip we did this weekend.

http://www.image-storage.net/vw/Wales2/Syncro_Wales_Wkend_017.jpg
Up in the mountains in Wales


http://www.image-storage.net/vw/Wales2/Syncro_Wales_Wkend_019.jpg
Nice twisty tracks, pics never show the severity!


http://www.image-storage.net/vw/Wales2/Syncro_Wales_Wkend_032.jpg
A few water crossings..


http://www.image-storage.net/vw/Wales2/Syncro_Wales_Wkend_041.jpg
Fantastic scenery, and not a soul around!


http://www.image-storage.net/vw/Wales2/Syncro_Wales_Wkend_052.jpg
Beach Camp


http://www.image-storage.net/vw/Wales2/Syncro_Wales_Wkend_059.jpg
Camp at night

http://www.image-storage.net/vw/Wales2/Syncro_Wales_Wkend_070.jpg
Can you get a better evening, beach, stars, a fire and friends. (and maybe a few jars)

http://www.image-storage.net/vw/Wales2/Syncro_Wales_Wkend_063.jpg
Roof tent under the stars

http://www.image-storage.net/vw/Wales2/Syncro_Wales_Wkend_075.jpg

[FROADER]

^^THAT looks like a great trip! :)

[stclair]

Last weekend, nothing crazy, just getting her out!

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk249/stclair411/OBX055.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk249/stclair411/OBX091.jpg

Really happy with our new Syncro! It does have a little seam rust, and some around the windshield, so we are looking for a great body shop that's not too far away. We plan on making a few mods to our van, and get it super solid for our planned trip. Any advice is always welcome!

[HenryJ]

I think that we missed the "Gather on the Oregon Coast" memo:
My dads Westfialia was joined by four others and a Eurovan
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1GS-wXIwsnY/TpRo2cIeAXI/AAAAAAAAAdU/uux4DBB_ovA/s640/IMGP2637.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kunFT46ibeI/TpRpb7l7yrI/AAAAAAAAAeU/FjRiPevW0Bk/s640/IMGP2650.JPG https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z2oYW7tX2mI/TpRpFYOeY5I/AAAAAAAAAds/k1HEsevsHxg/s640/IMGP2642.JPG
Two white, two silver and the brown Syncro...oh, and the white Eurovan. Sort of a freaky mid October unplanned rendezvous.

[w_baker76]

Another Syncro owner here. I have an 86 Syncro Vanagon That I am doing a TD conversion on.

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd355/w_baker76/86%20Syncro/SANY0025.jpg

[avdem]

Here`s mine!

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo270/avdem/IMG_7206.jpg

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo270/avdem/IMG_7348.jpg

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo270/avdem/Bil/IMG_7715.jpg

In fresh paint...
http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo270/avdem/Bil/IMG_7740.jpg

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo270/avdem/Bil/IMG_7741.jpg

Western Norway VWbus getogether.
http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo270/avdem/Vestlandtreff/IMG_8792.jpg

1990 Td with 1.91Z mTDI chargecooler, decoupler and some other mods...

[otiswesty]

Here's a couple pics of mine, owned since 2005

[jon_slider]

Betty, Syncro tdi on 31's, locked front and rear, coupled solid now, coupled VC in pic
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ERQVhegyVXo/Tdn2z9GDmwI/AAAAAAAADC0/33wV1UsUOTE/s640/IMG_0350.JPG

more Betty
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/70527-Betty-Boop-87-Syncro-Tdi