>1just had my '87 syncro delivered. Woo Hoo! I love it! I live in new york >city, when I parked it out front of my apt, before I had a chance to scrape >the "for sale..." off the windows, 3 people asked me if they could buy it. >(cool!)

Jax, Two people I know have had engines ruined by "NiftyLube" places (not) changing their oil. One forgot to put the plug back in the pan; another forgot to put in oil.

Even if they do their job, the quality of oil filter they use is one you shouldn't allow near your engine. The factory filter has an anti-drainback check-valve which results in oil pressure immediately (well, almost) when you start the engine. Without the proper filter, the engine will start and run with zero oil pressure for a few critical seconds.

In addition to the check-valve, only OEM filters have quality oil-filtering material to sufficiently filter out the junk in the oil.

If you don't want to do it yourself, look for an *experienced* Vanagon independent mechanic who knows what the correct filter and oil brand and weight is to use on your valued VW. It'll cost you less than doing it at a dealership.

Enjoy! Dave -- Dave Carpenter

Whatever you wish for me, May you have twice as much.

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." -- Arthur C. Clarke