The Vanagon Dictionary

English · machine-assisted draft

Colorless, odorless gas produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, contributing to climate change.

• emissions
• pollution

English · machine-assisted draft

Component that connects the engine to the transmission, with a specific design for Porsche and VW compatibility.

• transmission
• clutch

English · machine-assisted draft

Distance between the tire contact point and the air intake system of the engine

• water
• depth
• clearance

English · machine-assisted draft

A polyester body filler used to smooth out bodywork or repair dents and dings in metal.

• bodywork
• filler

English · machine-assisted draft

A seven-passenger version with a lower stance and additional features like body cladding and power windows.

• vanagon
• variant

English · machine-assisted draft

Laws and regulations aimed at removing old, polluting vehicles from the road, promoting environmental protection.

• regulations
• environment

English · machine-assisted draft

Cable that connects the accelerator pedal to the engine, requiring modification for Porsche engine installation.

• accelerator
• cable

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of electrical system that uses three alternating currents to generate a smoother flow of power

• electrical
• alternators

English · machine-assisted draft

A system that directs power to the wheel with better grip, reducing tire wear

• differential
• traction

English · machine-assisted draft

A component that contains the parts that supply power to the rear wheels, located in front of the engine.

• vanagon
• transmission

English · machine-assisted draft

Plates used to block off heat riser ports on engine

• engine
• exhaust

English · machine-assisted draft

A vehicle layout where the driver and steering gear are positioned in front of the front wheels

• vw
• type2
• layout

English · machine-assisted draft

A measure of a battery's ability to supply power when the engine is not running

• batteries
• reserve
• capacity

English · machine-assisted draft

All-wheel drive, a system where one or more wheels can provide power to the ground at any given time

• vw
• drivetrain
• awd

English · source definition

Positive Crankcase Ventilation. A method of reducing the pressure inside the engine crankcase (the middle part where things are whirling around, but nothing is exploding).

English · machine-assisted draft

The component that regulates airflow into the engine and the switches that monitor throttle position

• throttle
• switches

English · machine-assisted draft

Practice of lowering the roof on the body of the vehicle by cutting portions of the frame and door frames

• chop-top
• custom

English · machine-assisted draft

A protective cover for the positive terminal of a generator or alternator

• generator
• alternator
• terminal

English · machine-assisted draft

A switch that signals the engine computer when the throttle is in the idle or full throttle position

• engine
• throttle

English · source definition

( Automotive Services Inc. ) A U.S.-based camper conversion company out of Washington state. Manufactured a Vanagon camper conversion called the Riviera with a straight-up pop-top.

English · source definition

A form of fuel injection found on VW Vanagons / Transporters from 1986 and later. A later variation of Digijet . Also reported to be a slightly less complicated version of the Bosch Motronic fuel injection used on BMW's and Porsches.

English · source definition

A refrigerator installed as part of a camper interior. The documented Vanagon Westfalia appliance supports gas and electric operation; exact power sources and operating requirements depend on the refrigerator model and its manual.

• camper
• appliance
• electrical

English · source definition

The folding or sliding sleeping platform fitted beneath a camper pop-up roof on equipped models. It is stowed when the roof is lowered and is distinct from the lower rear bench bed.

• camper
• bed
• interior

English · source definition

An onboard tank that stores water for a camper's sink supply. Capacity, location, filler, vent, and drain differ by conversion; it is not necessarily a potable-water-rated tank unless the specific installation is documented as such.

• camper
• water-system
• interior