The long awaited, eagerly anticipated TDI is here, and it delivers. Having installed and driven this gift from the Volkswagen gods, the owner of Transporter Werks can attest to the increase in power, efficiency, and performance of the TDI.

The Turbo Direct Injected (TDI) package offers a well-rounded, reliable, robust option, combining an increase in power with economic fuel efficiency. These engines are comprehensive, factory-surplus Jetta motors with no driving miles (i.e. not rebuilt!), and designed specifically for Vanagon installation. Because each engine is assembled with all new parts, the owner has the benefit of the full life (which can be considerably long) of the motor, and a 12-month warranty on parts from the manufacturer. Only 80 of these super-efficient packages were engineered, and the demand is high, so inquire today!

The TDI offers 150 hp and a whopping 230 ft. lbs. of torque (compared to the 95 hp and 110 ft. lbs. of a standard 1.9 liter gas motor). With this additional low-end power, your revitalized Vanagon will be able to climb hills with ease, keep pace with cars on the road, and blow past those Vanagon owners clinging to the stock 1.9 liter past. Indeed, the TDI delivers double the torque of the standard Vanagon gasoline motor and 60 more foot-pounds than the VR6 motor used in modern Volkswagen gas motors.

As is characteristic of modern diesel engines, the TDI is capable of this output while still averaging between 26 and 28 miles per gallon. The TDI’s efficiency also manifests in cleaner emissions, so there is no black soot, the usual call sign of other diesel engines, being emitted from the exhaust. Furthermore, the TDI allows the owner to run completely off the “petrol grid” by substituting diesel with bio-diesel. In a world of ever escalating fuel costs, non-petroleum based sources of fuel become an ever more appealing alternative…and who doesn’t like exhaust that smells like French fries. For the only semi-granola heads, B20 is a 20% blend of bio- and crude diesel that can be acquired locally and abroad.

TDI’s are a vast improvement over earlier diesel engines because the direct injection electronically controls the spray of fuel into the combustion chamber instead of mechanical fuel regulation into a prechamber. To the driver, this means less noise, more power, better mileage, lower emissions and less of that distinctive diesel knocking. The turbo in the TDI increases the amount of air entering the engine, thereby increasing power. Add in the minimum of 26 miles per gallon and you have a diesel for the new millennium!

Because these engine conversions are designed specifically for Vanagons, each TDI package comes equipped with all necessary conversion parts to make the motor mount perfectly into the van. However, because of the dramatic increase in torque, each installation requires transmission modification; taller gearing is required to take full advantage of the low-end power the TDI delivers. Those sporting around in an automatic Vanagon will need substantial modification to the transmission, but several of these modifications have been preformed and function just fine.

Transporter Werks also recommends an upgrade to larger disc brakes to compensate for the boost in performance and deliver reliable stopping power. So if more power, faster acceleration, and better fuel economy interest you, call or email Transporter Werks today to learn more and have any questions answered.