Current Inventory
Diesel Conversions
Volvo Diesel Conversions
Gas to Diesel Conversions
Many concerned environmentalist would like to dump their gas vehicles in favor of a more eco-friendly alternative. Running on biodiesel results in a dramatic 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the equivalent gasoline powered vehicles. Obviously, biodiesel is a great choice for a green vehicle.
What types of cars can run on biodiesel?
Only those with diesel engines of course and that would include Volkswagen Tdis, Mercedes sedans, old Volvo diesels, and larger trucks that come in a diesel versions. In the passenger diesel vehicle market, your choices are quite limited. Not only are there very few makes and models with diesel versions, the supply of diesel vehicles is quite low compared to the demand. For some, especially families and those requiring a vehicle with space, this becomes quite a challenge. If you want a larger biodiesel vehicle, not a truck, what are your choices? The Jetta Tdi wagon, The Passat Wagon Tdi, the Jeep Liberty CRD, and the diesel Suburban. While those are great vehicles, they do not necessarily work for everybody. Plus, they are extremely sought after and difficult to buy. With this in mind, we decided that we would help fill a hole in the market by providing some more biodiesel vehicle choices. That is why we are taking gas Volvo 240 wagons and gas Vanagons and converting them to diesel. We chose these particular vehicles because of their appeal to families and their usefulness as utility vehicles. Also, both the Volvo 240 and the VW Vanagon had diesel versions in the U.S. in the early 80's. We worked with an importer to bring in low mileage engines and transmissions from Europe to convert these vehicles.
The Process
Most people are not mechanically inclined and have no idea of what would be involved in converting these vehicles from gas to diesel. This is not a quick and simple process but I will try to explain it as best I can in layman's terms.
The Volvo 240
The Volvo conversion is the most labor intensive. First of all, we remove the gas engine and transmission. We completely reseal the low mileage (under 50k miles) diesel engine and it's accompanying transmission before we install it in the donor car. We also replace the clutch and timing belt at the same time. We wire up a glow plug wiring system to heat the glow plugs on the diesel engine. We fabricated custom motor and transmission mounts in order to fit the diesel drive train in the gas car. The gas fuel tank has to be cleaned out, filled with biodiesel, and any non-synthetic fuel lines are changed out at the same time. Once the engine is ready to fire, we set the injection pump timing as well. We custom make a new exhaust system as well to be compatible with the diesel drive train. This whole process takes around 50 shop hours.
Now that the Volvo is running on biodiesel, it is time to check out the rest of the car and make sure it is mechanically perfect.Ý Since we just installed a diesel engine with under 50,000 miles, the new projected life of this vehicle is 15-20 years.Ý It is our philosophy to make sure the rest of the car is up to par.Ý We do a complete 100 point inspection of all mechanical components.Ý On a typical conversion, we will replace the tires, the front and rear brakes, the radiator and heater hoses, the shocks and struts, and possibly the power steering rack.Ý By the time our skilled technicians are done, these Volvo 240s are in like new condition mechanically. Ý
Cosmetically, Volvo 240s do hold up well over the years since they were such high quality vehicles.Ý We replace any missing trim, cracked taillights, broken interior pieces, and re-upholster torn seats.Ý We also give the car a complete detail including steam cleaning the carpets, cleaning the vents, engine compartment, buffing and waxing the exterior, etc.Ý Just the final touches so that clients can feel proud driving their new diesel around.
Now if you really want your Volvo conversion to rock, we can do even more. Options include alloy wheels, heated seats, premium stereo systems, Bluetooth hands free cell phones, navigation, dvd screens, dog gates, cargo liners, roof racks, tow packages, etc. We are basically building a 'new' car, so you can make it exactly what you want.
If you were to bring a gas Volvo 240 to our shop, it would cost $9,000 to do a basic conversion.Ý We put a lot of labor hours and only new genuine Volvo parts in these vehicles and we do an impeccable job.Ý We are completely confident in our product.Ý It took us over 12 months of R & D before we were satisfied enough to offer the diesel conversion to the public. Ý
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are these cars so expensive?
First of all, we don't think that they are expensive, when you consider that they are a like new vehicle with potentially 20 years life left in them. A comparable Jetta wagon tdi costs over $20,000 and is not made of such high quality materials as the Volvo 240. 10 years from now, I would bet money on the fact that the Volvo 240 would look better cosmetically than the equivalent Jetta Tdi wagon. They just don't make cars like the Volvo 240 anymore. Also when you look at how much it costs to convert these cars at The Green Car Clinic, how much would you expect to pay? If you study what we have done to these vehicles and all of the work that went into them, you will realize what a value you are getting.
Do these cars come with any kind of warranty?
Definitely!Ý We are so confident in our product, that we offer a 1 year/ 12,000 mile warranty on every conversion!
Should I worry about the mileage that is on these cars?
For example, you have a 92 volvo 240 that states 240,000 miles?
That is the mileage that was on the Volvo before we converted the car.Ý Since the entire drive train has been replaced by the low mileage diesel one and we have also replaced any other mechanical parts needed, then the mileage of the vehicle has no relevance.Ý There will be no difference mechanically between a 92 volvo 240 wagon with 240,000 miles and one with 95,000 miles
Are these Volvo conversions Biodiesel ready?
Yes. During the conversion process, we replaced any non-synthetic fuel lines and connections with synthetic.
Can I run diesel in these Volvo conversions?
Of course. You can mix and match diesel and biodiesel in all diesel vehicles We would prefer that you use biodiesel since it is the 'green fuel' which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions You can find your local biodiesel fueling station at www.biodiesel.org.
Can I run waste vegetable oil in these Volvo conversions?
We do not advise running waste vegetable oil unless you have The Green Car Clinic install a WVO conversion kit as well.Ý These kits will allow you to run on WVO as soon as your engine reaches operating temperature.Ý You will then be able to run your Volvo on diesel, biodiesel, or WVO.Ý How cool is that!?Ý The Green Car Clinic WVO kits for the Volvo are around $1500.Ý Please call the Clinic to find out more details at 425-825-1205.
I already have a Volvo 240.Ý Can you convert it for me?
Definitely. You would contact The Green Car Clinic at 425-825-1205 to obtain a retail quote. They will want you to bring in your car for an inspection first to ensure that it is a good candidate. If your Volvo has structural damage from an accident or significant under carriage rust, we would advise against conversion. You want a Volvo that is in good enough condition to last the lifespan of the diesel engine. (200,000-400,000 miles)
What engine is being installed?
The engine we use comes from European Volvo 240 wagons.Ý The engines are made by Volkswagen for Volvo.Ý It is a non-turbo,2.4 L (D24) 6 cylinder diesel.Ý This engine was also used in VW trucks in Europe.Ý It has an excellent track record of reliability and longevity.
How many miles can I expect to get out of this diesel Volvo conversion?
On average these engines last 200,000-400,000 miles. Highway miles are easier on diesels and will result in even a longer lifespan. Ultimately your engine's lifespan depends on preventative maintenance, regular oil changes, a good cooling system, and some luck.
What is the fuel economy of the diesel Volvo?
Depending on your driving style, you can expect a range of 25-35mpg.Ý You may get more, but we like to be conservative.
Will I be able to get parts for this vehicle?
Will it be hard to get it serviced?
It is not difficult at all to get parts for the Volvo 240 conversions. We are able to order everything we need from local European parts distributors like Worldpac and from the Volvo dealer. It is not hard to service these vehicles either. You can bring the car to our shop or to a diesel or Volvo specialist like Larry's Volvo in Seattle. Volvo 240 parts are plentiful and inexpensive.
Can I get financing on your vehicles?
Will my credit union consider the Volvo 240 conversion as a new car?
Every credit union is different, but for the most part, they do not recognize the value of customized and specialty vehicles. You will be able to get a loan on the vehicle but 100% financing with no down payment would be unlikely. You can try Capital One Auto Finance on the internet as they base auto loans more on the consumer's credit than the value of the vehicle. You can also get a personal loan instead of an auto loan
Do you have Volvo diesel conversions in stock or do I have to order one?
Right now, we have several in stock. If there is a color combo that we don't have, you can custom order one. Custom orders usually take 4 weeks.
I live out of the area and not near a major city.
Where can I get parts for this Volvo?
You can order parts from The Green Car Clinic, any Volvo dealer, or IPD USA.Ý We can send parts UPS, DHL, or Fed-ex.Ý We can also provide phone support to your local mechanic if needed.
Why should I buy a Volvo Diesel Conversion over a VW TDi?
You should buy the vehicle that matches your personal transportation needs. If you are a single occupancy commuter or a couple with no children, then the VW TDi makes more sense. If you have a family, large dogs, like to camp, haul large items, or just love Volvos - then the Volvo conversion may be for you.
I want to be green so what if I just buy a Prius instead of a Volvo 240 conversion? That way I get a brand new car.
Well, you can do that ...but a Prius is not nearly as green as this diesel. Priuses burn gasoline and produce much more CO2 than the Volvo running on biodiesel. Biodiesel is a domestically produced fuel and gasoline is not. You can support your local farmers or your Middle-eastern sheiks and multi-national oil companies. By choosing a biodiesel car, you are making a statement and you are being much more 'cutting edge' environmentally than by buying a hybrid.
Vanagon Diesel Conversions
Gas to Diesel Conversions
Many concerned environmentalist would like to dump their gas vehicles in favor of a more eco-friendly alternative.Ý Running on biodiesel results in a dramatic 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the equivalent gasoline powered vehicles.Ý Obviously, biodiesel is a great choice for a green vehicle.Ý What types of cars can run on biodiesel?Ý Only those with diesel engines of course and that would include Volkswagen Tdis, Mercedes sedans, old Volvo diesels, and larger trucks that come in a diesel versions. Ý In the passenger diesel vehicle market, your choices are quite limited.Ý Not only are there very few makes and models with diesel versions, the supply of diesel vehicles is quite low compared to the demand.
For some, especially families and those requiring a vehicle with space, this becomes quite a challenge.Ý If you want a larger biodiesel vehicle, not a truck, what are your choices?Ý The Jetta Tdi wagon, The Passat Wagon Tdi, the Jeep Liberty CRD, and the diesel Suburban.Ý While those are great vehicles, they do not necessarily work for everybody.Ý Plus, they are extremely sought after and difficult to buy.
With this in mind, we decided that we would help fill a hole in the market by providing some more biodiesel vehicle choices. That is why we are taking gas Vanagons and gas Volvo 240 wagons and converting them to diesel. We chose these particular vehicles because of their appeal to families and their usefulness as utility vehicles. Also, both the VW Vanagon and the Volvo 240 had diesel versions in the U.S. in the early 80's. We worked with an importer to bring in low mileage engines and transmissions from Europe to convert these vehicles.
The Process
Most people are not mechanically inclined and have no idea of what would be involved in converting these vehicles from gas to diesel. This is not a quick and simple process but I will try to explain it as best I can in layman's terms.
The VW Vanagon or Westfalia The VW Vanagon or Westfalia is a great diesel conversion. It is quiet and has decent power with a 1.9L turbo diesel motor. First of all, we remove the gas engine and transmission. We completely reseal the low mileage (under 50k miles) diesel before we install it in the donor car. We replace the 4th gear in the transmission so it will be compatible with the new diesel engine. We also replace the clutch and timing belt at the same time. We wire up a glow plug wiring system to heat the glow plugs on the diesel engine.
We fabricated custom motor and transmission mounts in order to fit the diesel drive train in the gas car. The gas fuel tank has to be cleaned out, filled with biodiesel, and any non-synthetic fuel lines are changed out at the same time. Once the engine is ready to fire, we set the injection pump timing as well.
We custom make a new exhaust system as well to be compatible with the diesel drive train. This whole process takes around 50 shop hours. Now that the Vanagon is running on biodiesel, it is time to check out the rest of the car and make sure it is mechanically perfect. Since we just installed a diesel engine with under 50,000 miles, the new projected life of this vehicle is 15-20 years.
It is our philosophy to make sure the rest of the car is up to par. We do a complete 100 point inspection of all mechanical components. On a typical conversion, we will replace the tires, the front and rear brakes, the radiator and heater hoses, the shocks and struts, and possibly the power steering rack. By the time our skilled technicians are done, these Vanagons are in like new condition mechanically.
We also look at the cosmetic condition of the Vanagons. We replace any missing trim, cracked taillights, broken interior pieces, and re-upholster torn seats. We also give the car a complete detail including steam cleaning the carpets, cleaning the vents, engine compartment, buffing and waxing the exterior, etc. Just the final touches so that clients can feel proud driving their new diesel around.
Now if you really want your Vanagon conversion to rock, we can do even more. Options include alloy wheels, heated seats, premium stereo systems, Bluetooth hands free cell phones, navigation, dvd screens, roof racks, cupholders, tow packages, etc.
We are basically building a 'new' car, so you can make it exactly what you want. If you were to bring a gas Vanagon to our shop, it would cost $10,000 to do a basic conversion. We put a lot of labor hours and only new, genuine VW parts in these vehicles and we do an impeccable job. We are completely confident in our product. It took us over 12 months of R & D before we were satisfied enough to offer the diesel conversion to the public.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are these cars so expensive?
First of all, we don't think that they are expensive, when you consider that they are a like new vehicle with potentially 20 years life left in them. A comparable Jetta wagon tdi costs over $20,000. The Vanagon can hold more people and is a much more versatile vehicle. Also when you look at how much it costs to convert these cars at The Green Car Clinic, how much would you expect to pay? If you study what we have done to these vehicles and all of the work that went into them, you will realize what a value you are getting.
Do these cars come with any kind of warranty?
Definitely!Ý We are so confident in our product, that we offer a 1 year/ 12,000 mile warranty on every conversion!
Should I worry about the mileage that is on these cars?Ý For example, you have a 91 VW Vanagon Carat that states 180,000 miles?
That is the mileage that was on the Vanagon before we converted the car.Ý Since the entire drive train has been replaced by the low mileage diesel one and we have also replaced any other mechanical parts needed, then the mileage of the vehicle has no relevance.Ý There will be no difference mechanically between a 91 Vanagon with 180,000 miles and one with 95,000 miles.
Are these Vanagon conversions Biodiesel ready?
Yes. During the conversion process, we replaced any non-synthetic fuel lines and connections with synthetic.
Can I run diesel in these Vangon conversions?
Of course. You can mix and match diesel and biodiesel in all diesel vehicles. We would prefer that you use biodiesel since it is the 'green fuel' which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You can find your local biodiesel fueling station at www.biodiesel.org.
Can I run waste vegetable oil in these Vanagon conversions?
We do not advise running waste vegetable oil unless you have The Green Car Clinic install a WVO conversion kit as well.Ý These kits will allow you to run on WVO as soon as your engine reaches operating temperature.Ý You will then be able to run your Vanagon on diesel, biodiesel, or WVO.Ý How cool is that!?Ý The Green Car Clinic WVO kits for the Vanagon are around $1500.Ý Please call the Clinic to find out more details at 425-825-1205.
I already have a Vangon or Westfalia.Ý Can you convert it for me?
Definitely.Ý You would contact The Green Car Clinic at 425-825-1205 to obtain a retail quote.Ý They will want you to bring in your car for an inspection first to ensure that it is a good candidate.Ý If your Vanagon has structural damage from an accident or significant under carriage rust, we would advise against conversion.Ý You want a Vanagon that is in good enough condition to last the lifespan of the diesel engine. (200,000-400,000 miles)
What engine is being installed?
The engine we use comes from European VW diesels. It is a 1.9L Turbo diesel with mechanical injection. It is not a Tdi motor. It is the same engine that was used in early 90's VW diesel Golfs and Jettas.
I had an 82 VW Vanagon diesel.Ý Is this the same engine?
No.Ý This engine has a lot more power.Ý The diesels in the old Vanagons were 1.6L.
How many miles can I expect to get out of this diesel Vanagon conversion?
On average these engines last 200,000-400,000 miles. Highway miles are easier on diesels and will result in even a longer lifespan. Ultimately your engine's lifespan depends on preventative maintenance, regular oil changes, a good cooling system, and some luck.
What is the fuel economy of the diesel Vanagon?
Depending on your driving style, you can expect a range of 25-35mpg.Ý You may get more, but we like to be conservative.
Will I be able to get parts for this vehicle?
Will it be hard to get it serviced?
It is not difficult at all to get parts for the Vanagon conversions.Ý We are able to order everything we need from local European parts distributors like Worldpac and from the VW dealer.Ý It is not hard to service these vehicles either.Ý You can bring the car to our shop or to a diesel or VW specialist.Ý VW parts are plentiful and inexpensive.
Can I get financing on your vehicles?
Will my credit union consider the Vanagon conversion a new car?
Every credit union is different, but for the most part, they do not recognize the value of customized and specialty vehicles. You will be able to get a loan on the vehicle but 100% financing with no down payment would be unlikely. You can try Capital One Auto Finance on the internet as they base auto loans more on the consumer's credit than the value of the vehicle. You can also get a personal loan instead of an auto loan.
Do you have Vanagon diesel conversions in stock or do I have to order one?
Right now, we have several in stock. If there is a color combo that we don't have, you can custom order one. Custom orders usually take 4 weeks.
I live out of the area and not near a major city.
Where can I get parts for this Vanagon?
You can order parts from The Green Car Clinic, any VW dealer, or Go Westy.Ý We can send parts UPS, DHL, or Fed-ex.Ý We can also provide phone support to your local mechanic if needed.
Why should I buy a Vanagon Diesel Conversion over a VW TDi?
You should buy the vehicle that matches your personal transportation needs. If you are a single occupancy commuter or a couple with no children, then the VW TDi makes more sense. If you have a family, large dogs, like to camp, haul large items, or just love Vanagons - then the VW Vanagon conversion may be for you.
I want to be green so what if I just buy a Prius instead of a Vanagon conversion? That way I get a brand new car.
Well, you can do that... but a Prius is not nearly as green as this diesel.Ý Priuses burn gasoline and produce much more CO2 than the Vanagon running on biodiesel.Ý Biodiesel is a domestically produced fuel and gasoline is not.Ý You can support your local farmers or your Middle-eastern sheiks and multi-national oil companies.Ý By choosing a biodiesel car, you are making a statement and you are being much more cutting edge environmentally than by buying a hybrid.