1987 VW Vanagon Westfalia parked among redwoods with pop-top extended

For Sale

1987 VW Vanagon Westfalia

Subaru EJ25 + EJ22 Hybrid Conversion

Asking $26,500 or best offer

Interested? Questions?
Year
1987
Chassis miles
~365,000
Engine
Subaru EJ25 + EJ22 (~150,000 miles)
Drivetrain
2WD, 5-speed manual
Location
SF Bay Area, CA

Story

My dad bought this Vanagon in 1994 and spent the next 27 years turning it into the camper he wanted — every modification on this page is his own work, from the Subaru EJ swap he completed in 2010 down to the wiring diagrams he drew up to document it. As a master Mercedes mechanic he was meticulous about maintenance and kept full electronic service records; the van was garaged for most of its life and only spent the last few years outside. When he died unexpectedly in 2021 I inherited it. I haven't been able to retrieve those records, but I've taken over the maintenance and still drive and use the van from time to time. I'm selling because I already have another camper van — this Westy deserves an owner who can give it more road time than I can.

Overview

  • 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia
  • ~365,000 miles total on chassis
  • California registered, but no BAR sticker (see disclosures). Buyers should verify which states will accept registration.

Engine & Drivetrain

  • 1997 Subaru EJ25 block, EJ22 heads
  • ECU from The ECU Connection
  • Burley shortened Subaru oil pan
  • ~160 HP
  • Fast cold starts
  • Oil changes every 5,000 miles with full synthetic 5W-30 and WIX 51334XP filters
  • Leakdown test available on request

Transmission

Aftermarket 5-speed manual with a true overdrive 5th — well-matched to the Subaru's torque curve and relaxed on the highway. 4th is effectively direct; 5th drops cruise RPM by about 20%. Shifts smoothly.

On 205/65R15 tires:

  • 4th: 45 mph at 2,850 RPM, 55 mph at 3,450 RPM
  • 5th: 3,000 RPM at 60 mph, 3,250 RPM at 65 mph, 3,500 RPM at 70 mph

History

  • Purchased in Kansas, 1994
  • Relocated to Sacramento, CA in 1998
  • Subaru EJ25+EJ22 transplant performed in 2010 by my father, a master Mercedes mechanic — full wiring diagrams included
  • I inherited the van in 2021 following my father's passing (he was the second owner)

Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension

  • 15" Ronal wheels (7.0 × 15", sized for 205/65 R15)
  • New tires installed 2026: Yokohama BluEarth-Van RY61 all-season
  • 4-wheel disc brakes
  • GoWesty Bigger Brake Kit (TBC)
  • GoWesty Rear Disc Brake Kit (TBC)
  • Koni shocks

Electrical & House Power

  • New 50Ah 12V LiFePO4 house battery under the driver's seat (a larger capacity could likely be fitted)
  • New Odyssey Extreme ODS-AGM42LA AGM starter battery
  • Victron Blue Smart Charger (12V / 17A)
  • Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20
  • 1× roof solar panel
  • 12V fridge wired to house battery, controlled by dash-mounted switch
  • USB Quick Charge 3.0 outlets
  • Anderson PowerPole outlets
  • LED interior lighting
  • Hella twin horns
  • Car alarm with 2 remotes

Interior

  • Propex HS2000 propane cabin heater with thermostat
  • Recaro driver and passenger seats
  • Upgraded T4 steering wheel
  • Custom leather tool organizer
  • No rips or tears in interior fabric
  • No rips or tears in any tent fabric

Exterior

  • Rocky Mountain Westy (RMW) Twin Peaks bumper set
  • GoWesty exterior utility ports
  • Locking gas cap

Accessories & Tools

  • ARB roof-mounted awning
  • ARB outdoor room tent — 4-wall enclosure that zips onto the awning frame for an enclosed side room
  • Assorted Vanagon-specific tools, spares, and accessories accumulated over the years

Diagnostics

  • PLX Devices Kiwi 4 OBDII dongle
  • AutoPi data logger

Maintenance Needed

  • Brake rotors and pads will need replacement before long — they don't look great visually, though I'm still driving the van regularly and they feel fine on the road. Believed to be GoWesty Bigger Brake Kit; buyer should confirm before ordering parts.

Disclosures

  • No California BAR sticker — without one, the engine swap can't be transferred to a new owner within California, so I'm looking for buyers who can register the van out of state. Most other states accept it without issue, but please verify with your local DMV before making the trip to pick it up.
  • Air conditioning isn't blowing very cold right now — likely needs a recharge or service
  • Engine swap mileage is approximate (~150,000) and not independently documented
  • Cosmetic blemishes — paint scuffs, edge rust, and a few small dings — are documented in the Blemishes photo group below

Videos

About the Builder

Dan Beatty (1945–2021)

Portrait of Dan Beatty

Dan spent most of his career as a Mercedes-Benz master technician — the pewter awards below were given to him by the company over the years. He brought the same precision to this Vanagon.

Collection of pewter Mercedes-Benz model awards on wood plaques Dan with a young grandchild on his lap inside the Vanagon Dan with his grandsons at the driver's side door of the Vanagon

Interested?

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