Escape The Zombie Apocalypse With A Zetec Powered Vanagon

"DailyTurismo" (thedailyturismo) 04/25/2014 at 11:30 • Filed to: Daily Turismo

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The Volkswagen Vanagon Type 2 (T3) was launched in 1980 as a replacement to the aging VW Transporter (aka Hippie Bus, Kombi, MicroBus) Type 2 (T2). The Vanagon (as it was called in North America) continued the VW tradition of air cooled flat-4 in the back but was a much more modern car.

The Type 2 (T3) was styled in a more angular fashion and added all sorts of amenities like power steering, air conditioning and power door locks. Don't get me wrong, it is still a thoroughly horrible driving experience akin to riding on the back of a three-legged camel, but it is much more modern and less tippy or terrifying than driving a T2 Bus. However, you can fix the power deficiency with a kit from a company called Bostig who supplies everything you need to convert to Ford Zetec power. Find this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! currently bidding for $5,100 and $17,800 BIN with 6 days to go in Jean, NV via ebay.

This Vanagon has been given the full zombie apocalyse ready makeover and it actually looks pretty cool equipped with brush guards, shovel, roof rack and BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires. A stock Vanagon looks like the skinny kid from high school and while this doesn't look like a varsity football player, it doesn't look like someone who gets too many swirlies, wedgies, wet willies, noogies or purple nurples.

The heart of the beast is a 2.0 liter Ford Zetec engine good for something between 130 and 170 horsepower depending on specification (the basic 2.0 liter Zetec Zeta engine from the Escort ZX2 had 130 hp while the SVT Focus had 170 from its version). The seller states that this is a new engine from Ford with only 600 miles on it but doesn't specify power/torque, but it should be considerably more than the stock 95 horsepower 2.1 liter wasserboxer VW engine.

See a better car that will get you 99% of the place a 4X4 model will go but cost less and get better fuel economy? !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Originally posted as !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Photo credits; ebay.

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HammerheadFistpunch > DailyTurismo 04/25/2014 at 11:40

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These things go for such insane money these days. either you put 30k into them and sell them for 25k or you buy one for 10k and put 20k into it getting it up to snuff.

DailyTurismo > HammerheadFistpunch 04/25/2014 at 11:45

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Ain't that the truth. For 1/2 the money you could get a REALLY nice Ford or Chevy van from the same era that provides 99% of the capabilities, but without the cool factor. To each his own, I guess.

McMike > DailyTurismo 04/25/2014 at 11:54

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I've been watching these guys since they first came up with the crazy Ztec idea.

Most everyone was going to way of an VW ABA engine or a Subaru EJ22. How far these guys have come..

I'm really glad to see multiple engine kits for these things.

it is still a thoroughly horrible driving experience akin to riding on the back of a three-legged camel

I don't know what kind of three-legged camels you're used to riding, or Vanagons for that matter, but they aren't any worse than any other 80s car.

HammerheadFistpunch > DailyTurismo 04/25/2014 at 11:58

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buying a vanagan or synchro right now is the equivalent of selling your gold. If you wanted to make money, that time is past, if you want to blow money just because...now is your chance!