Date:         Thu, 31 May 2001 03:56:21 EDT
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Benjamin Tan <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Question on Waterboxer Power vs transplants.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

You've left out a couple of interesting powerplants. Many diesel Westy owners
have installed a 1.6 td and the 1.9td engines for improved acceleration. I
even know of one who went from WBX to 1.9td.

I drive a 16" Syncro with a 1.6 turbodiesel. Now that I've learned to drive
it, I realize that the td & tdi engines are the way to go in Syncros. I
personally prefer the WBX enignes for freeway duty. However, the turbodiesels
can't beat for torque offroad. The 1.9td with an intercooler should be able
to come close to the power of the of the 1.9 tdi w/o the complexity of
electronics. I like the idea of being able to drive in deep water w/o
drowning any electrical parts.

Cost is also quite reasonable. I have a quote of $2650 INSTALLED for a 1.9td
outright for my Syncro. All I do is drive the thing in, then drive it out.
That is with a new engine, new pump and new turbo. Much of the exhaust is
reused in my application. WBX to diesel convesions will be more expensive.
Although this pricing is probably slightly below retail, it just goes to show
you that it is possible with creative negotiations.

BenT
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html">Vanagon
Cafe</A>

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