4x4 Cars

4WD for Sale, 1990 VW Syncro Westfalia Subaru Engine Conversion

Found a used all-terrain Westfalia campervan offered for sale by the owner for $74,997 in Eugene, Oregon. This 1990 VW Westfalia Syncro has a Subaru engine conversion, which is believed among enthusiasts to make an upgrade its range and reliability. Owners always get compliments on that Syncro, which we think is normal considering its condition as we can see in the photos.

Powered by a Subaru 2.5L SOHC engine mated 5-speed manual transmission with 46900 miles revealed on its Ad. Has a lot updated and upgrades, including its Syncro system, and everything is still in nice condition and works properly.

Year of construction	1990
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Vanagon Syncro
Type	4x4 Van
Fuel	Gas
Color	Grey
Miles	46900
License	Yes
Price	$74,997
For Sale By	Owner
Contact	SOLD
City	Eugene, Oregon

Detail by owner
1990 VW Vanagon Syncro Westfalia with Subaru 2.5L SOHC Conversion – Asking $74,997 OBO - All Reasonable Offers Considered

The thing I have heard the most while traveling in this van: “That is the nicest van I have ever seen!”

While I was always flattered, I know there are other vans that are as nice or nicer, but, nonetheless, Violet is a pretty freaking badass van!

The time has come to part with this one-of-a-kind beauty! Her name is Violet and you may have seen her on your travels. She has been extremely well taken care of in the 13 years I have owned her and I will be sad to let her go. However, it is time for the next chapter for both her and for me. Plus, I am extremely excited for the new owner to be able to start building memories in her as I have for more than a decade.

Below is a comprehensive list of all the work, modifications, upgrades, and accessories that Violet has. Please feel free to reach out and ask any questions.

Serious inquiries only, please.

Born a white 2WD automatic Vanagon Westlfalia, Violet underwent a Syncro conversion and 5 speed transmission install. All work was performed at my collision repair center and was done by some of our highest skilled technicians. Soon after, Violet underwent a complete color change, extensive body work to remedy many years of bumps and bruises as well as rust remediation and prevention (full disclosure, no vehicle will ever be completely free of rust once it sets in, thus there are a few slight areas that its creeping back in, fortunately not in areas that will cause any water leak issues) Since the original conversion and installation of the Subaru engine, the speedometer took a crap and I lost track of mileage. Honestly, I didn’t ever think I would sell her, so it didn’t matter all that much to me at the time. Now, I wish I would have kept better records of her mileage. Rest assured though, all routine maintenance was performed at regular intervals, i.e. oil change every 3500, only used 10-30 synthetic oil in the engine, more often than not I run super unleaded fuel (I’ve found she gets better gas mileage and runs better)

- Approx 50K on top end rebuild Subaru 2.5L SOHC engine.
- Approx 40K on rebuilt 5 speed transmission with taller 3rd and 4th gears – rebuilt in Bend OR by German Transaxle of America

EXTERIOR

Suspension & Drivetrain

- Driveshaft Decoupler kit installed at time of conversion
- Rear air locker
- New fuel pump & sending unit installed at time of conversion as well as new fuel lines throughout van
- Complete rebuilds on both front and rear axle assemblies utilizing components purchased from T3Technique – rear axles were built using the 944 GKN/Lobro kit and custom axle shafts that are made of spring steel, this giving incredible strength and reliability.
- T3 Technique HD front swaybar and HD swaybar links
- Big brake upgrade kit in front
- Big shot shifter upgrade – massive upgrade to the factory shifter setup
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO’s that are getting close to end of life – I haven’t replaced them as I figured the new owner would want to choose their favorite and not everyone is a fan of the BFG’s
- I have a set of 5 16” Audi Winter Wheels (see photos) that I was planning on installing but never did get around to it. The wheels could be yours if you make a full price offer – comes with everything you need to install (bearing kits, wheel studs, spacers, etc. all from T3 Technique) These wheels weigh in at less than 13 pounds each, compared to the factory 16” steelies at 33 pounds each.
- Schwenk 2-inch lift Spring Kit
- Old Man Emu spring set
- Stainless Cooling lines from front to rear
- BlazeCut fire suppression installed in engine bay – MUST HAVE for any Vanagon

Body Upgrades

- Tinted windows all around
- Custom fabricated and powder coated front bumper with winch mount option ability and bull bar
- Custom LED Hella Headlamps
- Custom Baja Design High-beam lamps – these bad boys literally turn night in to daylight!!!
- Complete custom installed clear mylar from BodyGuard on front of vehicle to prevent rock chips and makes cleanup of bug guts SIMPLE!!! This alone was a $2500 install
- BodyGuard protection on front wheel well wrapped in to the door opening to prevent wear on the paint entering and exiting the vehicle
- BodyGuard protection on rear quarter lower to protect from rock damage
- Factory Syncro mudguards on all 4 corners
- Custom fabricated and powder coated rear bumper with Baja Design backup lamp for extra visibility at night
- Rock light kit installed to assist with nighttime parking, especially useful when camping off-grid so you don’t run over anything you don’t want to
- LED Lighting on all exterior lights
- Truck mirrors – I would NEVER drive a Vanagon without these mirrors, PERIOD!!! These are actually heated but I never got around to wiring them up proper. Details upon request.
- Driver’s side Rocky Mountain Westy (RMW, now VanCafe) side ladder
- RMW spare carrier
- VW Rack tailgate rack with integrated ladder
- Rotopax water and gasoline cans – 2 gallons each – attached to rear ladder
- Storage area above cab has been Line-X bedlinered to provide lifetime protection for storing whatever you need – I always used it for firewood
- FrontRunner Outfitters custom sized roof rack
- FrontRunner Outfitters roof rack water storage tank with quick disconnect – perfect for having an outdoor area to rinse dishes and wash hands
- FrontRunner Outfitters roof rack storage for 3-gallon propane tank w/custom VW emblem
- Color matched Thule cargo box
- FrontRunner Outfitters under roof rack mounted stainless camp table – LOVE THIS TABLE
- Fiamma color matched 10 foot awning with mounting brackets that are welded to the van
- Complete window tinting
- Dual pop-top shocks to aid with pop-top lifting/lowering

Interior

- Keyless Entry alarm system
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Backup camera located on driver side of dash
- Finstastic Glove box organizing system from GoWesty
- Plasma gauge upgrade kit for instrument cluster from T3 Technique
- Alpine Head unit, High end separates in front doors, subwoofer located in rear cabinet, two-way speakers located in rear of van, Sony amplifier for the subwoofer and amplifier for the mids and highs – this system bumps and sounds amazing!
- VanagonLife center locking console with 4 cup holders and master power switch integrated to kill power to van for security purposes
- Upgraded front seats to EuroVan seats – BEST UPGRADE EVER! Passenger seat swivels – upgradeable to heated option if you choose.
- 600W Inverter located behind driver seat
- 100AH LifeBlue Lithium house battery with 150W of Solar power – monitor via bluetooth
- Victron solar controller – monitor via bluetooth
- Victron BMS
- Eperspacher Airtronic gasoline cabin heater – this thing can run you out of the van with how well it heats the space!!!
- Custom upgrades to cabinets in back of camper (see pictures)
- Truckfridge TF49 fridge/freezer
- Removed propane tank from undercarriage and opted for quick disconnect for gas cooktop utilizing either 1-gallon disposable or 5-gallon propane tank connection
- Full Westfalia camping interior with modifications/upgrades to provide better storage
- Westy Bravo storage in rear of van – see photo
- VanagonLife Overland Locker on passenger side
- VanagonLife Overland VOW on drivers side
- VanagonLife Overland VOW on rear gate with spare tire optional mount
- Custom rear shelf over bed with storage containers
- Custom headliner update with marine grade fabric
- Extensive sound deadening and insulation throughout entire van – the doors open and close with a thud instead of a clang… must hear!!!
- Upgraded and added interior lighting throughout cabin