Telstra Syncro history and 2.1L alternators

1
G'day all,

My Telstra syncro to Westy project is still making slow progress. Though I have
four questions for anyone who might know. In order of my need to know...

1. What alternators can fit (easily) onto the 2.1L water boxer? Mine is on the
way out, and if possible I would really like something like 120amp. Going to the
auto electrician, apparently the alternator on my van at the moment is a '50amp
holden alternator' (anyone know which holden??) that telstra put on instead of
the stock alternator. Which brings me to my next question...

2. Does anyone know the history of Telstra syncros?? Any tidbits appreciated,
I'm especially interested to know just how hard a life they had, what the big
shackle towed, what mods telstra did, would any work have been done to engine /
suspension, what's the deal with the aftermarket air-con etc.

3. Does the whole diff(s) have to be replaced to do things like add diff-locks or
vicous coupling to a van that has none of these?

4. Will I be able to put in a dash with a RPM guage into a van with just the
analog clock without any wiring modifications?

Thanks guys!
Sam
---- Msg sent via @Mail v4 - http://atmail.com/
2
> 1. What alternators can fit (easily) onto the 2.1L water boxer?
Mine is on the
> way out, and if possible I would really like something like
120amp. Going to the
> auto electrician, apparently the alternator on my van at the moment
is a '50amp
> holden alternator' (anyone know which holden??) that telstra put on
instead of
> the stock alternator. Which brings me to my next question...

Telstra syncros had the standard 90A VW alternator.


>
> 2. Does anyone know the history of Telstra syncros?? Any tidbits
appreciated,
> I'm especially interested to know just how hard a life they had,
what the big
> shackle towed, what mods telstra did, would any work have been done
to engine /
> suspension, what's the deal with the aftermarket air-con etc.

I have never seen one towing anything. Depending on the driver, some
were looked after and others were treated badly. Suspension is
standard Australian heavy duty.
>
> 3. Does the whole diff(s) have to be replaced to do things like add
diff-locks or
> vicous coupling to a van that has none of these?
>
> 4. Will I be able to put in a dash with a RPM guage into a van with
just the
> analog clock without any wiring modifications?

The wiring is in place. You will have to buy a printed circuit and
trim the edges of the other gauges.
3
1. What alternators can fit (easily) onto the 2.1L water boxer?

The standard alternator is a Bosch 90A and is more than adequate for
everything, including auxiliary batteries, which many of us run.

2. Does anyone know the history of Telstra syncros??

We have a number of people with ex-Telstra Syncros who should be
able to quote the original configuration. VW lists towing
capacities for the Syncro as 2000kg for a trailer with brakes, 600kg
without brakes, and weight on the ball as 75kg.

3. Does the whole diff(s) have to be replaced to do things like add
diff-locks or vicous coupling to a van that has none of these?

As far as I know, you would have the viscous coupling and the diff
locks can be added without changing anything. Most people find that
a rear diff lock is all they ever need. The front diff lock gives a
bit more grip but severely limits steering.

4. Will I be able to put in a dash with a RPM guage into a van with
just the analog clock without any wiring modifications?

Already answered.

Les Harris
4
> 1. What alternators can fit (easily) onto the 2.1L water boxer?
Mine is on the
> way out, and if possible I would really like something like
120amp. Going to the
> auto electrician, apparently the alternator on my van at the moment
is a '50amp
> holden alternator' (anyone know which holden??) that telstra put on
instead of
> the stock alternator. Which brings me to my next question...


Hi Sam,

here in germany the 2.1 engines do have a 90 amps alternator. If you
want to i can check the price and also shipping-costs. By myself i
installed a 120 Amps alternator. It is the maximum you can fit
without replacing the v-belt!


> 3. Does the whole diff(s) have to be replaced to do things like add
diff-locks or
> vicous coupling to a van that has none of these?


You do have to replace the diffs to fit diff-locks. But i wonder why
you want to replace a viscou?



> 4. Will I be able to put in a dash with a RPM guage into a van with
just the
> analog clock without any wiring modifications?


Yes you can, you just need a cockpit with a rpm guage. Therefor if
you do not need the speed gauge you can also use the 2WD cockpit. Pay
attention to use it from a benzin-car!

See you,

Dirk