Date:         Wed, 3 Oct 2001 11:14:47 EDT
Reply-To:     FrankGRUN@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Grunthaner <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Diesel parts questions for I-4 (TiiCo) conversion
Comments: To: vgonman@earthlink.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Having some experience with diesel vans and none with the 2.1L version I
would offer a few centimes of advice. The diesel heat shield has worked
perfectly (spatial dimensions) with all the various mufflers that I have used
up to and including the largest mufflers offered in North America by Dynamax
for SUV. Even bolted on a SS RV muffler once. Only ingenuity will limit what
you can bolt here.

However, The heat shield without the dampening pan can be a severe source of
buzzing at different rpm's. You need to use both for a truly quieter system,
and this can have an impact on the exhaust routing. If you have already used
the TIICO exhaust pipe mount, don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to
rework the system after it fractures!

As to heat, I have found, over the years, rather extensive cracking of both
the timing belt and the v-belts for the accessory drives. By using only Gates
name brand belts, I have not noticed any cracking. As for the timing belt, I
found a racing grade belt built for higher engine bay temperatures after
discussions with Techtonics. The belt is made by Kent and distributed in the
US by Eurorace or Eurosport. Over 56K on this belt and no indication of wear
or cracks.

Hope this helps,

Frank Grunthaner