Date:         Wed, 19 Apr 2000 19:40:10 -0400
Reply-To:     ed <edevinney@BIGFOOT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         ed <edevinney@BIGFOOT.COM>
Organization: Pismo Beach Institute for Advanced Leisure Studies
Subject:      I'm Siiiiiinnnnngin' in the Rain!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; x-mac-type="54455854";
              x-mac-creator="4D4F5353"

The rain of coolant, that is.  I suspected I was in trouble when the
expansion tank kept coming up dry.  We just bought this 86 Syncro a few
months ago, and all signs pointed to a reasonable chance of decent engine
life, at least for a while.

Well, it lasted longer than my old Triumph Stag (bought used with 60k miles,
lasted 2 weeks), and I was expecting to have to do something in the engine
bay (my wife's a lead foot) but now I have to figure which one.

Lilley-esque 2.1 rebuild.  1.9TD, 2L gas, 1.8T, VR6, 2.2 or 2.5L Subaru.
3.2L Porsche 6 (mmmmmm - my mechanic has a 3.6 turbo and C2 5-speed
available... who needs AWD?).  So many choices, so many compromises.  If $$
were no object, I'd go for a Carrera 4 Tiptronic drivetrain, I think, but
will settle for the right combination of improved speed, reliability, and
cost-effectiveness (not necessarily cheapest).

The list and archives have all the objective info I need, but if anyone in
the Wash DC to Philly area has an interesting conversion story and is willing
to offer a test drive, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

Cheers -

ed devinney
Purcelville, VA