T4 2.4L Diesel Conversion To TDI Questions..Thanks

[79T2and97T4]

Hi
I have a T4 2.4L non turbo diesel. I love it but being long wheel base it is quite heavy (extra so as it is packed with tools). Steep hills see me drop down to 2nd gear/35klm hr and from a standing start it really is a snail to get going. Don't mind the slow pace so much as I am becoming more and more hippy as I get older (now 35 and half way there) but when my wife zooms off in her 30 odd year old rusty Kombi, leaving me slowly climbing through the gears I say to myself "at least I have power steering" but I probably need little more power as (being a hippy) I am usually running late.

Anyway I am interested in converting her (2.4L diesel) to a turbo diesel. I have kind of picked up that it can be done but would be grateful to get some advice as to what is involved. I can get a K14 TDI turbo unit...would it suit? Also what other mods have to be done as well to accomodate the turbo unit in my bus? One more question... What sort of difference would it make in terms of getting her to speed up...(I have witnessed TDI vans leaving me in their dust) and also how much would be involved in getting it installed/where might it be done on Central Coast, NSW if anyone knows.
Thanks
Tim

[Transporter]

Contact Golf Loon he might be able to help you.

[79T2and97T4]

Thanks Transporter.... Will do.

[Golf Loon]

Much easier and probably cheaper to sell your van and buy a TDI. They are down to $10k or less if you look carefully.

An even cheaper and easier option woould be to buy a TDI with a rooted auto box, there are lots out there and then convert it to manual using your excellent Diesel box, pedal box and shifter parts.

I converted my 2L Petrol 1994 No P/S no A/C with everything from a Smashed 2002 TDI, every wire out of both vans and would never do it again. The thread is on here somewhere.

Have done several manual conversions on T4s and it is not that hard.

Done 50k+ in my conversion with no dramas and it is like a factory one with late model dash, a/c airbags and p/s.

[79T2and97T4]

Thanks Golf Loon

I have had a bit of a look for a shot auto TDI but with no luck so far but will keep looking. Is there a good website you know of where I can pick one up? I suppose you are right about selling mine and getting a TDI straight up. My van functions as a family mover/camper with 7 seats, lwb, all round windows with some that open etc... I haven't seen a TDI that would suit...maybe a Caravelle though??? I thought I might be able to get my 2.4L diesel up to TDI for under $2k fitted (I can get a new k14 TDI turbo unit for $450) but then again I don't really know the extent of extras needed and the work involved. Once again thanks for your insight.
Tim

[Sunny43.5]

Hi I am in a similar prediciment at the moment my sons 2.4 diesel 370.00 km was getting very tired plus the injector pump was leaking $1500 to replace a $16 seal ouch !!!!! plus the timing belt etc so we decided to upgrade to the 2.5 petrol engine after a shaky start we are now putting the new engine into the van . We bought a running van with every thing we needed so we are changing everything across to my sons van . The option of buying just another van was ruled out as when we bought my sons van a couple of years ago I used my skills to make his van a real custom looker , Electric Hollandia built in sunroof/ power windows/ central locking/ German sports suspension/ alloy wheels and a almost soundproof interior with a custom trim job and sound system so we had to keep his van !!! . Just remember the wiring and loads of stuff you just don,t think about will be needed to do a change at least yours with a diesel will be a little easier than ours to change , we even had to change the exhaust and fuel tank . Good luck Howard