Date:         Mon, 5 Mar 2001 09:50:33 -0800
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <macmillan@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <macmillan@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Re: Are synchros more trouble than they are worth???
Comments: To: wayout <wayout@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

There is nothing inherently wrong with the Syncro, it is a fine vehicle,
but it will cost you more to own:

Complexity + expensive parts + rarity = maintenance $$$$$$.

Two examples are the viscous coupling ($850) and a tranny rebuild from
AA Transaxle--$1750 vs. $950 for the 2WD.  You also have eight CV joints
as opposed to four, and gas mileage will be less due to the extra mass
being turned and moved by the engine, which is already under powered.
Many parts are specific to the Syncro, and due to its rareness they are
expensive and hard to get sometimes.

You just have to decide if you drive through enough mud and snow to make
it all worth it to you, there is no other advantage to having one beyond
the "coolness factor".

--
Stuart MacMillan
Seattle

'84 Vanagon Westfalia w/2.1
'65 MGB (Daily driver since 1969)
'74 MGB GT (Restoring sloooowly)

Assisting on Restoration (and spending OPM):
'72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
'64 MGB (Son's)

Stripped and gone but their parts live on:
'68 MGB, '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT