The Zombie is a 1989 VW T3 Syncro. Like most T3s, it has been modified over the years so a factory manual is at least a little bit wrong.

Here are it’s technical specifications. I keep this page up to date because it serves as a reference for me when doing repairs.

Drive Train

• 5 speed stock 094 syncro transaxle (rebuilt early 2021) and front diff.
• final drive ratio 5.45 (SA stock)
• front and rear diff locks
• decoupler (early 2021)
• bypassed vacuum reservoir (seems fine, can reverse)
• Takes GL4 transmission oil, preferably Shell Spirex. Rear takes 4.5l, front takes 1.5l. Last filled early 2021.

Engine

• VW 2l AGG motor (ex Golf 3, installed mid 2020)
• Estas 268 cam (early 2022) (removed mid 2022)
• MP9 controller
• Unichip (mid 2022)
• Stainless steel exhaust (mid 2022, repaired under warranty late ‘22)
• Aircon and alternator belt is a PG211 (replaced early 2022)
• Power steering takes standard red ATF fluid (refilled + new lines mid 2022)
• New distributer (mid 2022)
• Volvo X40 electric power steering pump (late 2023)
• New cambelt, pulley, tensioner, cam seal (late 2023)
• New crank seal (late 2023)

Suspension

• Bought it raised by ~3.5cm. As of late 2023 the front is stock height and the rear is raised.
• Bilstein rear shocks, Munroe front
• New Munroe front shocks (late 2023)
• Replace front springs (late 2023)

Brakes

• Stock front disks
• Stock rear drums (replaced mid 2022)
• Steel brake lines (early 2022)

Wheels

• Continental WorldContact 215/80 R 15 C (new late 2023)
• Rear outer CV joins and bearings replaced early 2022

Interior

• Front door panels ABS a la Gowesty (recommend)
• Front seats replaces with Chrysler Voyager stow n go seats
• Rear panels are original or, where replaced, MDF with black interior felt
• Engine bay raise ~15cm to accommodate engine
• Engine bay and firewall soundproofed with Second Skin damplifier pro and luxury liner pro.
• Middle seat is from an old stock sliding middle seat, reupholstered, with added headrests.
• Middle seats all fitted with 3 mount belts
• Front cab has a removable bunk stretcher for kids to sleep in
• Replace OEM aircon with aftermarket integrated unit (late 2023)
• Removes rear seats, build steel platform, cut plywood to make a flat bed surface with space underneath for fridge, battery and boxes (late 2023)

Camper stuff

• Frontrunner roof rack with attachments for tyre, eyelets, roller for paddle board
• Hannibal self-supporting awing with side panels for shade and gear shelter
• National Luna green box second battery for charging and music
• Front seat swivels to make a little lounge in the front
• New 100ah 12v LifePO4 battery (mid 2023)
• New 35l National Luna fridge freezer (late 2023)
• 2 x jerry can holders for Namibia trip (late 2023)

Consumables

• AGG engine takes Shell Helix 20w50, 4.5 liters, GW code A11405
• Shell Spirax GL4 in main gearbox, GW code A9108
• Shell Spirax GL5 in front diff
• Oil filter GW code A018
• Spark plugs GW code 20011
• Air filter - AG850P, GW code 20119
• Battery - type 651
• Water pump belt
• Serpentine belt 6pk1153, GW code A533
• Voltage regulator, GW code A2842
• Coolant - HEPU g12 Coolant, GW Code 12255

Driving characteristics

• We’ve never gotten stuck or had to turn back offroad
• The wheelbase is quite short so City parking is quite easy
• Highway speeds are comfortable at 100km/hr, and scary at 120km/hr. Can do 60-80km/h all day long on dirt.
• Braking is primitive by todays standards, double your following distance.
• Fuel economy is 6.5-7.5km/l, mostly due to poor aerodynamics

Misc

• CV joints sometimes come loose. Use OE Lobro joints, Nordlock washers and torque to 50Nm (using brand new bolts).

Mileage

• Oct 2023: 404000 (estimate, after Namibia - speedo still broken)
• Mar 2023: 397950 (speedo cable broke)
• Dec 2022: 395000
• Aug 2022: 390000
• Dec 2021: 385000
• Jan 2021: 380000
• Sep 2020: 375000