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Date:         Wed, 11 May 2005 07:47:10 -0400
Reply-To:     AAG - Larry Word <word_aag@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         AAG - Larry Word <word_aag@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      auto. trans. towing - Rambling questions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hello all knowing Vanagon group......(I am always amazed at knowledge base of this extended group....)

I have owned a 1985 Vanagon 1/2 camper for years and always thought this older model water cooled Vanagon might have a more simply, more reliable service life experience than the newer 86-91 Vanagons (based on the # of FI entries/? on the list - 83-85 vs. 86-91?). Any truth to that idea (that the FI system of the older 83-85 water cooled Vanagon is "more reliable" than the later 86-91 FI system?).

I have had excellant service from my 1985 1/2 Camper but I am considering "upgrading" to a 86-91 Vanagon in order that my wife would drive this updated vanagon w/ its auto. trans. and better interior. Couple of model / year type ?'s: -what is the upside of upgrading to a 86-91 Vanagon other than its superior water pump layout, auto. trans. (what are the reliability "thoughts" on this superior more complex auto. vs. manual transmissions common to the 86-91 vans?), and superior (more modern) interiors common to the 86-91 models over the 83-85 models. -If I purchase auto. trans. which is the (1) life expectancy of such units (mileage) and (2) what are common rebuilding cost for auto. trans. on the 86-91 vanagon.

-What is a good source for getting a Vanagon auto. trans. rebuilt in the SE USA area? -Any "$ issues" on the 86-91 Vanagons that I've not had to deal with on the older 83-85 Vanagons?

Last ?, what happens to a auto. trans. Vanagon if towed incorrectly with the rear wheels on the ground (say of a tow dolly) for 200 miles (this occured on a recent E-bay auto. trans. Vanagon auction and curious minds want to know......).

Thanks for advance for advice......sorry for mulitple ? but that's where I am at in this decision making process (Stay w/ 85 model with its round highlights, manual trans. and slightly "simply" interior or attempt to "upgrade" to a 86-91 model in an attempt to gain this three items (interior, exterior, and auto. trans.).

Larry Georgia


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