VW T3 TRANSPORTER PRE-1991 (REAR-ENGINE)
This was a great van but it is no longer economical to convert.

VW T4 TRANSPORTER 1991 - 2004 (FRONT-ENGINE)

The two main weaknesses of the T3, aerodynamics and undersized diesel engines, were rectified with the T4, but some of the strengths of the rear engined Transporters were lost. Although the short wheel base van's overall length was similar, the rear-of-cab length was 10 inches shorter, posing some problems for converters. The long wheel base van's rear length is 4 inches longer than that of the T3, so T3 layouts transferred without too much difficulty, but the cab seats had to be used to get equivalent accommodation in the short wheelbase vehicle. Most common colours were White, Paprika Red, Indian Blue, and on later models, Fresian Green.

We are frequently asked about the different options available so we have compiled the following table, mostly from VW handbooks. It is not exhaustive and "Availability" is our own assessment. We cannot vouch for its accuracy and the performance figures are very conservative in our experience.

ENGINE 1.9 DIESEL 2.4 DIESEL 2.0 PETROL 2.5 PETROL 1.9 TURBO-D 2.5 TURBO-D
POWER 61 BHP 78/75 BHP 78 BHP 110 BHP 68 BHP 88 BHP 102 BHP
TRANS' 5 spd 5 spd 5 spd 5 spd auto 5 spd 5 spd 5 spd auto
MAX SPEED 79 86 90 101 98 82 N/A 98 N/A
MPG 35.7 30.0 20.9 20.9 19.3 33.6 30.0 28.0 26.7
BASE 800 SWB SWB LWB 800 SWB LWB SWB/LWB 800 SWB LWB 888 SWB/LWB SWB/LWB SWB/LWB
YEARS 91-96 91-98 91-96 91-00 92-04 96-02 98-02 02-04 98-04 98-04 00-04
AVAILABILITY *** **** ** **** * ** * * *** ***** ** ** ***** **** *


Availability is of used vans ***** = most common. The 2.4D was prone to failure and has replaced the 2.5 TDI without an intercooler (88hp instead of 102hp). MPG figures are at a constant 75% maximum speed with half payload plus 10%.

A version of the van called a Combi was available to converters. Also there is a Window van with or without seats. The same van body is used for the people carrier VWs called the Caravelle and the Multivan, but it is much cheaper to convert the plain panel van. The 800 special and 888 special come with single cab seats with arm rests (and some other specifications including a half bulkhead which we have to remove), is only available in short wheel base form, and has limited options, but it is a good buy and is very suitable for conversion. The 1,000 kg and 1,200 kg vans usually have a double passenger cab seat, so a swap of the seats and belts with another van is the best solution and often a dealer will do this if they have a single seat van in stock. They may come with a tailgate or twin rear doors - either are OK for conversion, but you may have a preference. Apart from some J and K reg vans they all have power assisted steering.

VW T5 TRANSPORTER 2004-ON (FRONT ENGINE)
The T5 is a few inches wider and longer than the T4 and is more sophisticated (and expensive!). The new range of diesel engines is impressive and the handling is superb. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk. Some very minor changes have had to be made to the conversions.

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