I thought I would start a thread on a project to replace the engine driven vacuum pump on a 617 engine with an electrical pump.
There are a number of donor options and in doing the research on possibilities I created a list of possibilities.
2005-09 Audi A8 Quattro [8E0 927 317]
2004-06 VW Touareg [8E0 927 317]
2001-05 VW Passat [8E0 927 317]
1998-01 Audi A4/A6 [8E0 927 317]
1999-05 VW Jetta [1J0612181B and D]
1999-13 Volvo (most) [31317445]
1999-03 Saab 9-5 95 [46 46 220]
1994-99 Saab 9-3 900 9000 93 [46 46 220]
2011-12 Chevy Cruz [13343961] * (Pump appears ok, the problem is with a switch)
In an initial trip to the junk yard I found a VW pump but it was way too expensive. Today I found one for under $20 so I grabbed it. It came off a Passat. Here is what they look like.
I haven't ordered the vacuum switch yet but will shortly.
Right now I'm working on a design for a bracket and will get the pump mounted up before proceeding with the switch and relay.
The reason for the conversion is to eliminate the possibility for the engine driven pump to spill it's bearings and take the engine out.
There are at least two ways to control the pump. The first is with a controller. This is one that is used to control vacuum in a CNC machine environment.
It's $95 and is available on the
BuildYourOwnCNC web site.
The other option is to use a switch and relay. I'm leaning toward this switch, which is available from
EVParts
Pictures and progress to come.