Date:         Sun, 16 Jul 2000 01:51:44 EDT
Reply-To:     Chgolynch@aol.com
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Sean Lynch <Chgolynch@aol.com>
Subject:      Gotta Be a Wasserboxer!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hey again!

    I would like to thank everyone who's responded to my posting so far.

<quasi-rant>

    However, I would like to restate though, I have NO intentions of putting
anything but a wasserboxer into the arse end of my '86 GL. As I'm a diesel
owner too, I couldn't bring myself to gut one of the few remaining trannies
on this side of the Atlantic that could potentially wind up in my dieselbox
someday.
    Secondly, I will not cut, mutilate, or otherwise defile my van, as
several conversions require. Not even for the stereo. All I'm looking for is
about 105-110 hp, with a little more low-end torque. Top speed is fine now.
It'll do 88 flat out, and that's outside the green zone on the tach, and
taboo in my book.  Money isn't an issue, as I'm willing to spend whatever I
can muster to do it right.
    Thirdly, I saw the Vanagon article in Hot VWs on the saga of the author's
'91 Carat. Considering the mileage between failures, this guy must have had
some questionable mechanics. He claims the heads worked off after a full
top-end rebuild, and in less than a thousand miles? C'mon. Don't get a gun,
get a warranty!  I'm getting a warranty on parts/labor on this build, and I
plan to use it if necessary. This motor's lasted 125K before starting to have
problems, and only because the previous owner let it sit for THREE years!
    I realize what a mechanical/financial "cow pie" a Vanagon is, but I like
the ride, handling characteristics, and the charisma it possesses. Plus,
compared to the diesel, the 2.1L is damn quiet. :)  I've looked at all the
posts about the crappy stock motor, and how it would have to improve just to
suck, but I like it. Chalk it up to "tough love". People keep British cars
and Italian cars, and it's not because they're reliable, but because  the
owner loves the car. Face it, those cars suck in their own ways too. Next
time you start cussing your 'boxer, think Trabant or NSU Ro80, and consider
yourself blessed. :)

</quasi-rant>

                                 Sean L.

                                Two 2.1's and None The Wiser
                     (but I keep the diesel for backup)