Date:         Wed, 25 Aug 2004 15:15:56 -0600
Reply-To:     Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: lurker with buying question
Comments: To: mollyhunt@CYBERMESA.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

My van has the TIICO conversion in it. I bought it with about 2500 miles on
it and it now has 27K. I like the overall performance, mileage, simple
reliability, easy to work on (minor maint. like plugs, rotor cap, setting
timing, etcl) hiway cruising and the fact that, while run at about the same
hiway rpm (4000 rpm) as the wasserboxer, that is 2300 rpm below redline, not
1200 below redline. It has a 30+ year history of reliability and is sturdy.
Anyway, I like it.
It's only 118 hp, vs the 90-95 of the w-boxer, and only slightly more torque
so that part is not major. You can now get the TIICO in a 140 hp model, or
upgrade the current one with cam, ecu, and 4-wire oxy sensor + harness.
I have larger wheels on my van so that is the same as making the tranny
gears "taller" which sort of nullifies acceleration and hill-climbing gains
that the TIICO might otherwise have. Those that have closer to stock wheels
notice a significant improvement in acceleration and hill climbing
capabilities. Mileage with these seems to run between 18-23, depending. I
get an average on most trips of about 21-22 mpg.
Just more info to further overwhellm you.
Good shopping, Molly

Bob Stevens
'87 Westy Syncro
http://groups.msn.com/BobsPhotoShare
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tiico