Date:         Tue, 17 Apr 2001 00:52:47 EDT
Reply-To:     Chgolynch@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Sean Lynch <Chgolynch@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Finally, Things Actually Happen
Content-Type:  text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

   Thirteen months after dropping my Vanagon off, I finally have my
stripped-down motor. Tomorrow, it goes to the machine shop for measurements.
Oil light issue was most likely the cam bearing closest to the oil pump, as
it was significantly worn. Now the fun begins.
   Anyone use the FGA Heavy-duty head studs before? None of the studs broke
during disassembly, but I'd love to upgrade to something less prone to
stretching. A friend suggested I see another friend, who builds high-dollar
bicycles, since he can get rods of titanium, and has the facilities to
machine them. Sounds nice, knowing something of the high strength of
titanium, but I wonder if there are any issues of titanium mating to the
block (which I presume is aluminum) and the heads. Any thoughts? My other
consideration was if Raceware makes anything that could work.
   The rods and crank are going to be counterweighted. I'm wondering if there
are any good substitutes for the stock 2.1L rod bolts as well. Knowing the
potential of failure on these bolts, I'd like to address the issue. Any
ideas?
   Next, onto the heads. What are the differences between 1.9L and 2.1L
heads? I have a set of factory heads from a 1.9L with only 20K on them.
Perfect shape. I'd like to use them, if possible. I've heard mixed info
locally on compatibility. If I have to buy new, I'm considering FGA's big
valve heads as well. I'm looking at bigger valves since I'm considering
increasing stroke a bit more, and I don't want extra lift in case the
increased piston velocity could cause problems. Anyone use those heads?
They're a bit expensive, but I'm game if they actually work.
   Finally, you're probably asking ''Why bother?" My goal is a bit more
horsepower, but I mainly want more torque. I plan to run the hell out of this
motor through some serious roadtrippin' in the next year or two, and I feel
it'll be more reliable if I address some of the 'features' the 2.1L suffers
from. Plus, I'd like to be able to tow a trailer if necessary, and actually
make it over hills. Wasserboxers are a bit voodoo to me, but it looks like a
glorified Beetle block inside. Any help or insight is much appreciated!

                                                   -Sean L.

                                         '82 GL Diesel "Donder"
                                         '86 GL "Blitzen"
                                         '83 GL Okay, it's aircooled, but I
have 914 pistons!

P.S. Any feedback on those who have been able to try out the Australian ECU
for the Digifant 022D? Mine's still in the box, since I've lacked the van to
try it in. Thanks!