Rockman

Let me see if I'm getting this right. I can drop the 83 2wd EA81 into a 79 4wd wagon? Will the transmission in the 79 mate with the EA81? I'll bet your setup has a bit more omph than the EA71. What is the difference between a 2wd distributor and a 4wd distributor? I'm guessing less low end torque?

Actually, it was purchased at the College Park Volkswagon dealership in MD. From the sounds of it I can put any of the late 79 or early 1980s distributors in it? Just swap out the ballast resistor and the other stuff that comes with the Hitachi points model? At any rate I guess I'm going to look for a decent 4wd model and sell the 2wd and use my current 79 as a parts car. Thanks again for the beta. Joe

Thanks Racer-x. That does seem the simplest solution if I want to stay in the EA71 4wd game. Definitely a classic. I am surprised, however, from a mass production standpoint that the wagon body style seemingly the same on the 2wd and 4wd that you can't just switch the 4wd stuff over. A quick glance at the under carriage it looks pretty similiar but apparently not. And I was going to a complete rebuild on everything anyway so it wouldn't be that much more work. That is, new boots on the axels, new struts, etc. And yes, my 79 (production date 12/78) does have a stock electronic pointless distributor. Thanks for the input. Joe

Well, thats an option I was considering as well but there's not many left in these parts and the ones that are still on the road are rust buckets. Any of them in decent condition-the body that is?

I just stumbled onto this great site. I found a 78 2wd wagon that is nearly rust free. My 79 4wd wagon is dying a slow insiduous death and I'm thinking of cannibalizing it and converting the 78 to 4wd. So a couple of questions: 1. Would there be any major modifications necessary? It appears that all the proper bolt holes, etc are there to attach the rear differential. I know front axels are not the same so its pretty much a drive train swap. 2. The 78 has a points distributor. Is there any advantage to trying to use the more maintenance free electronic distributor that is in the 79? Will the 78 wiring harness handle this or would I need to change the wiring harness? Or for that matter should you trust a 36 year old wiring harness? 3. I plan to rebuild the motor. Any way to get more horsepower of it aside from bigger pistons? Might the later model 1800 cc engine fit (1980) without major modifications? Any advice appreciated. I hate to put my 79 wagon out to pasture but the body work alone would cost me a fortune. It was even used in a photo shoot in Sedona for a back to school L.L. Bean catalog 3 years ago. They gave me $500 bucks to use it for a day!