Customer Testimonials
In the beginning
I got my 1984 Westfalia camper from a blind trade off of Craigslist. We met in Berkeley, I handed him the keys to my 1998 C230 Mercedes (w/ Eibach springs and full DVD entertainment system) and he handed me the keys to a completely stock 2nd owner 160k mile Westfalia Vanagon. No test driving, just love at first sight. I snatched those keys and have never looked back.
The next order of business, like any new used car owner, is to see how well everything works or doesn't work. For the most part, all the camping gear was in great running order. It seemed as though the previous owners drove it a bunch and may have slept on the bottom bunk but never really messed with the kitchen or popping the top. For this I was ecstatic! But the van is no good if the engine isn't in running order. I did some Googling to look for a good bus mechanic. I wasn't looking for a "German automotive specialist" or even a recommended "VW guy". As we bus owners know, this is a lifestyle and I wanted to find a shop that embraced this culture. A perfect match... THE BUSLAB!
At the time I was living in Burlingame just across the Bay Bridge so it was going to be a drive to reach these guys but there was nowhere else I wanted to start this automotive relationship. To fast-forward a bit, I quickly became a regular at The Buslab sometimes by choice and other times via AAA but Steve and Marco always found room for my van and entertained my sometimes extensive conversations about the next cool upgrade I should do....
The conversion
It started late in 2010 when my 170k mile Waterboxer motor was in need of some major repairs. I discussed my options with the Buslab crew and assessed my financial situation. In the end, there was only one option. A SUBARU CONVERSION!!!!! They started work on my van and at the time I had asked if they could get in done in time for Christmas. That way I could show it off to all my friends and enjoy some winter camping. Though it was a tight deadline, the crew at the Buslab delivered my van back with a healthy new engine and I was ready for the holidays. My initial thought was OMG, this van is more responsive than most new cars today! No joke, the feedback is instant and you just feel more confident while merging on and cruising down the freeway. Though this wasn't my initial reason for going with the conversion, I quickly realized how much safer I was on the road having that extra power. No more guessing about whether you can get out of the way or accelerate past people in the slow lane. Sure it's no Lamborghini but what I now had was a very capable camper. Not to mention, the sound is just plain awesome. Going through a tunnel and knowing that the low reverberating growl is coming out the back of your Westy is a unique feeling. Not knocking the purists with the Waterboxer jingle, just saying that Subaru's have a unique sound and in combination with the cat back/exhaust system they bolt on, the van takes on a new personality.
The fun continues
I have now been a Subie Conversion owner for just under 1.5 years and nearly 9k miles. My biggest feedback to all is you may find that you're spending more on gas. The reason for this is it's just too easy to cruise in the left lane and leave people in the dust. Full disclosure, I'm an automotive enthusiast and really enjoy good performing vehicles. Ever since the conversion and a few other upgrades, my van has become a very good performing vehicle. It sometimes really amazes me (and those that I'm passing) that "an old VW" is able to accelerate going up hill with all the windows down and logs on the roof rack. I've been able to squeeze out 20-22mph when I remember to keep it under 65. Primarily, I use my van to commute to work but have not stopped tinkering with all the little fun projects that come with owning a Westfalia. It's this nonstop itch that one day I'll be able to just hit the road with no return date and be 100% self sufficient. Until that day, I'll continue to cherish the weekend camping trips and the low growl of my Subaru powered van. This has most definitely been the best automotive investment I've ever made. I highly recommend it to anyone considering and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks again Buslab! -Nick Schwartz (mrnickschwartz@gmail.com)
I got my 1984 Westfalia camper from a blind trade off of Craigslist. We met in Berkeley, I handed him the keys to my 1998 C230 Mercedes (w/ Eibach springs and full DVD entertainment system) and he handed me the keys to a completely stock 2nd owner 160k mile Westfalia Vanagon. No test driving, just love at first sight. I snatched those keys and have never looked back.
The next order of business, like any new used car owner, is to see how well everything works or doesn't work. For the most part, all the camping gear was in great running order. It seemed as though the previous owners drove it a bunch and may have slept on the bottom bunk but never really messed with the kitchen or popping the top. For this I was ecstatic! But the van is no good if the engine isn't in running order. I did some Googling to look for a good bus mechanic. I wasn't looking for a "German automotive specialist" or even a recommended "VW guy". As we bus owners know, this is a lifestyle and I wanted to find a shop that embraced this culture. A perfect match... THE BUSLAB!
At the time I was living in Burlingame just across the Bay Bridge so it was going to be a drive to reach these guys but there was nowhere else I wanted to start this automotive relationship. To fast-forward a bit, I quickly became a regular at The Buslab sometimes by choice and other times via AAA but Steve and Marco always found room for my van and entertained my sometimes extensive conversations about the next cool upgrade I should do....
The conversion
It started late in 2010 when my 170k mile Waterboxer motor was in need of some major repairs. I discussed my options with the Buslab crew and assessed my financial situation. In the end, there was only one option. A SUBARU CONVERSION!!!!! They started work on my van and at the time I had asked if they could get in done in time for Christmas. That way I could show it off to all my friends and enjoy some winter camping. Though it was a tight deadline, the crew at the Buslab delivered my van back with a healthy new engine and I was ready for the holidays. My initial thought was OMG, this van is more responsive than most new cars today! No joke, the feedback is instant and you just feel more confident while merging on and cruising down the freeway. Though this wasn't my initial reason for going with the conversion, I quickly realized how much safer I was on the road having that extra power. No more guessing about whether you can get out of the way or accelerate past people in the slow lane. Sure it's no Lamborghini but what I now had was a very capable camper. Not to mention, the sound is just plain awesome. Going through a tunnel and knowing that the low reverberating growl is coming out the back of your Westy is a unique feeling. Not knocking the purists with the Waterboxer jingle, just saying that Subaru's have a unique sound and in combination with the cat back/exhaust system they bolt on, the van takes on a new personality.
The fun continues
I have now been a Subie Conversion owner for just under 1.5 years and nearly 9k miles. My biggest feedback to all is you may find that you're spending more on gas. The reason for this is it's just too easy to cruise in the left lane and leave people in the dust. Full disclosure, I'm an automotive enthusiast and really enjoy good performing vehicles. Ever since the conversion and a few other upgrades, my van has become a very good performing vehicle. It sometimes really amazes me (and those that I'm passing) that "an old VW" is able to accelerate going up hill with all the windows down and logs on the roof rack. I've been able to squeeze out 20-22mph when I remember to keep it under 65. Primarily, I use my van to commute to work but have not stopped tinkering with all the little fun projects that come with owning a Westfalia. It's this nonstop itch that one day I'll be able to just hit the road with no return date and be 100% self sufficient. Until that day, I'll continue to cherish the weekend camping trips and the low growl of my Subaru powered van. This has most definitely been the best automotive investment I've ever made. I highly recommend it to anyone considering and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks again Buslab! -Nick Schwartz (mrnickschwartz@gmail.com)
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I first visited the Buslab 5 years ago when I needed some work done for my Syncro Westy, which had a quirky aftermarket "Tiico" engine at the time. The guys quickly fabricated the bracket I needed from an old VW Jetta part, and sent me on my way, only charging me $30 for the effort. I was impressed with their resourcefulness, technical skill, knowledge of Vanagons, client focus, and low-stress style.
Later that year, my son and I met up again with Marco at an annual camp-out for Vanagon owners down in the Hollister Hills. I was considering an engine swap and other improvements for the Syncro. The Tiico engine was not providing me either the power or reliability I was seeking. Marco explained how the Subaru boxer engine design is such a perfect swap into the Vanagon... when done professionally, the engine looks like it is factory equipment. As a former Subaru owner, I knew those engines are bulletproof and deliver good power. I was sold on the concept.
Our van is used for family camping trips all over the west, and also as a "race day" van for Junior bicycling races. It is often loaded down with gear, provisions, and people, and I wanted reliability and greater "drive-abilty" on both the highway and off-road to get to that perfect out-of-the-way campsite
Marco oversaw the technical team of great guys that know these vans like no-other. And Steve was the pragmatic, consummate professional, explaining the pros and cons of different alternatives, costs for add-ons and changes, and always keeping me in the loop with progress on the van. We have been enjoying the Subaru powered Syncro Westy for 3 years now. The build is amazingly clean and well thought-out. The Subie engine in our family van has completely transformed the driving experience, and thus, family outings. Fully loaded, it can pull mountain passes with ease. I have continued to bring the van to the Buslab for other projects... a new re-geared transaxle for better highway fuel economy, a new 2nd battery system, new propane tanks, new cooling system, etc. These guys know every bolt in a VW Van, period. I trust my van to them because they are subject matter experts and super nice guys that always provide honest, straightforward input. The van now has 220k miles (20k on the new engine), and looks like it will go another 200k or so without too much drama. Good work, Buslab! - Lance L.
I first visited the Buslab 5 years ago when I needed some work done for my Syncro Westy, which had a quirky aftermarket "Tiico" engine at the time. The guys quickly fabricated the bracket I needed from an old VW Jetta part, and sent me on my way, only charging me $30 for the effort. I was impressed with their resourcefulness, technical skill, knowledge of Vanagons, client focus, and low-stress style.
Later that year, my son and I met up again with Marco at an annual camp-out for Vanagon owners down in the Hollister Hills. I was considering an engine swap and other improvements for the Syncro. The Tiico engine was not providing me either the power or reliability I was seeking. Marco explained how the Subaru boxer engine design is such a perfect swap into the Vanagon... when done professionally, the engine looks like it is factory equipment. As a former Subaru owner, I knew those engines are bulletproof and deliver good power. I was sold on the concept.
Our van is used for family camping trips all over the west, and also as a "race day" van for Junior bicycling races. It is often loaded down with gear, provisions, and people, and I wanted reliability and greater "drive-abilty" on both the highway and off-road to get to that perfect out-of-the-way campsite
Marco oversaw the technical team of great guys that know these vans like no-other. And Steve was the pragmatic, consummate professional, explaining the pros and cons of different alternatives, costs for add-ons and changes, and always keeping me in the loop with progress on the van. We have been enjoying the Subaru powered Syncro Westy for 3 years now. The build is amazingly clean and well thought-out. The Subie engine in our family van has completely transformed the driving experience, and thus, family outings. Fully loaded, it can pull mountain passes with ease. I have continued to bring the van to the Buslab for other projects... a new re-geared transaxle for better highway fuel economy, a new 2nd battery system, new propane tanks, new cooling system, etc. These guys know every bolt in a VW Van, period. I trust my van to them because they are subject matter experts and super nice guys that always provide honest, straightforward input. The van now has 220k miles (20k on the new engine), and looks like it will go another 200k or so without too much drama. Good work, Buslab! - Lance L.
The Buslab converted my 1990 Multivan to a Subaru in the summer and early fall of 2009. I also replaced the transmission (an automatic) and did a number of smaller upgrades including a second battery. The results have been terrific. My van is no longer the slowest thing on the highway. In fact, I can drive at normal highway speeds in any lane I choose. My mileage improved and the reliability has soared. I had to being the van in for one adjustment to the throttle afterward. But the car is like new and I love it more than any other bus I have ever owned. Highly recommended. - Jon S.
