1986 VW Vanagon 4241
The 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon marked the start of the refined late Vanagon period, with the larger 2.1L water-cooled wasserboxer engine, updated engine management, and a redesigned front-end look with rectangular headlights. This year is also important for Vanagon enthusiasts because Syncro four-wheel-drive models became available, creating one of the most sought-after Vanagon configurations.
This page groups parts for the 1986 VW Vanagon, including Tin-top, Westfalia, Weekender, Syncro, Syncro Westfalia, and other water-cooled Vanagon applications depending on your vehicle and catalog fitment. CIP1 offers a large selection of 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon parts and accessories, including wasserboxer engine parts, cooling system parts, brake parts, suspension parts, steering parts, Syncro drivetrain parts, rubber seals, electrical components, body trim, interior parts, exterior parts, lighting parts, camper parts, wheels, and vintage VW restoration components.
Browse parts for your 1986 VW Vanagon and keep your classic Volkswagen on the road with confidence, whether you are maintaining a daily driver, restoring a Westfalia camper, preserving a Syncro, or planning a full Vanagon restoration.
More about the 1986 VW Vanagon
Factory-style details
- Late water-cooled VW Vanagon
- 2.1L water-cooled wasserboxer flat-four engine
- Approximately 90 hp engine output
- Digifant engine management used during this later period
- Front-mounted radiator with lower grille
- Rectangular headlights
- Rear-mounted engine layout
- Rear-wheel drive on standard 2WD models
- Syncro four-wheel-drive models available
- Independent front suspension
- IRS rear suspension with CV joints
- Tin-top, Westfalia, Weekender, and Syncro applications may apply depending on fitment
1986 Vanagon notes
- 1986 is noted as the start of the 2.1L wasserboxer period
- Rectangular headlights replaced the earlier round-headlight front-end styling
- Syncro four-wheel-drive models became available during this period
- Late Vanagons received cooling system and engine management updates compared with earlier 1.9L models
- Syncro models use different drivetrain, suspension, fuel tank, and underbody components than 2WD models
- Body, trim, engine, cooling, brake, suspension, wheel, camper, and electrical details can vary by production date, market, drivetrain, and Vanagon model
