I spotted a Syncro at the tire store today and noticed that is was a 4wd, was that on option or was it a conversion? The owner of it was driving off with some new BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/As. IT did look pretty good.

I spotted a Syncro at the tire store today and noticed that is was a 4wd, was that on option or was it a conversion? The owner of it was driving off with some new BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/As. IT did look pretty good.

 

you mean 4wd or awd? they came awd with locking hubs from VW.

you mean 4wd or awd? they came awd with locking hubs from VW.

 

Well the decals said 4WD

Some decals even say 4 x 4, they aren't. AWD with viscous coupling to engage front wheels when slippage occurs. Some have optional vacuum operated locking differential in the rear( europe had front as well ) they also have a low crawler gear but it would be nicer to hav a full low range like the 80's Subarus. Mine has 15" bfg on modified passat wheels.

elwood91

 

Sweet SYNCRO!!! Have you or are you going to convert it to Suby power?

 

Cheers,

Chris

While it is a very common conversion, there are some drawbacks. Ground clearance is the major issue even with a shortened oilpan, the engine sticks down pretty low. I went with a rebuilt that has more displacement, cam to match, forged rods, and coated pistons. It is now 2.4 L and gets out of it's own way on the highway. The power is similar to a 2.2 L subaru and enough for the almost 20 yr old transmission. If I was going to do alot of highway miles with it I would have looked into a sohc 2.5 or svx 6cylinder.

This van sees a lot of back roads, and the occasional run down the Columbia Gorge. After replacing the engine I am now trying to update the FI system, which is one of the main advantages to converting to subaru. Maybe " the next van" .

I wish they made the BFG's to fit 205/55/16

Hello, could you tell me if your steel wheels had the centers drilled out or just useing the spacers or maybe both...thanks

Some decals even say 4 x 4, they aren't. AWD with viscous coupling to engage front wheels when slippage occurs. Some have optional vacuum operated locking differential in the rear( europe had front as well ) they also have a low crawler gear but it would be nicer to hav a full low range like the 80's Subarus. Mine has 15" bfg on modified passat wheels.

Hello, could you tell me if your steel wheels had the centers drilled out or just useing the spacers or maybe both...thanks

The centers wre drilled out. Offset is 45, not ideal but still works with these tires. The spare mount had to be enlarged a bit to fit.