Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2005 09:33:08 -0900
Reply-To: Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Subject: Re: sucks in snow!
In-Reply-To: <vanagon%2005120323285647@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Karl,
I agree that adding weight to a Syncro Westy is unnecessary, but the van that started this thread is not a Syncro. The
Honda/Acura dealership that I work for used to be owned by the same people as the VW, Porsche, Audi dealer and we
shared our wholesale delivery service with them. Their delivery vehicle was and still is a 2 wheel drive vanagon, and it
gets around town a lot better with weight added then without. Anyone putting snow tires on should definitely use four as
you point out, spins are only fun when you want them to happen. Locking differentials are great for those of us that have
them as without them you do not really have power to all wheels, but they are expensive to add for some and not
available for others. A skilled driver is still the most important item, proper tires and extra weight in the appropriate
amount and location next, and a locking diff. if you can justify it. An alternative choice as one member mentioned is to
have another vehicle available that is better suited for winter driving. Nokian tires cost more initially then most other snow
tires, but to me the longer life of both the tires and their studs, and the superior grip they have on ice to any tire that I have
driven, which is many thanks to my job and geographic location, make them the best choice and the most economical
one for my situation. As the Assistant Parts Manager of a new car dealership in Alaska I assist many people every year
with snow tire choices. Each persons needs are different so I question every one of them as to the driving experience on
ice and snow, where they will be driving, and how long they will need them for. For those that will be in Alaska for years
to come, drive in mountainous regions, or have limited experience on ice and snow, I recommend Nokians. More
experienced drivers, those not going up and down the mountains, and people leaving the State soon can get around
nicely on Hankooks, Coopers, Bridgestones, etc. My daily driver, a 1990 Jeep Cherokee has all seasons under it and
has been in four wheel drive for less then 1/2 mile so far this winter, and most of that was just because I was running late
one morning and 4wd does get you moving faster on slippery roads.
How is your TDI running? I am still planning on doing one once I round up all the necessary pieces. Has anyone done a
write up on the conversion that you know of? I want to learn more of the process while I gather the parts.
Mark in AK
87 Syncro Westy
86 7Pass Syncro
90 Audi 200 Quattro
90 Jeep Cherokee
----- Original Message -----
From: Karl M <syncrowestytd@MINDSPRING.COM>
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2005 7:38 pm
Subject: Re: sucks in snow!
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Bridgestone Winter Duelers. Absolutely Amazing in all ice, snow,
> and other
> winter garbage. I once drove into [or rather off-course!] a 24"
> fresh snow
> spot and was able to self-extricate easily using the rear diif-lock
> [SyncroWesty]. The BS tires are a tad less expensive than Hakkas.
> Adding weight, in
> my opinion, is asking for trouble, the van is already weighted
> well. True
> snow/winter tires are key. And use FOUR, not two, if you don't like
> unintended spins!
>
> Karl Mullendore
> Syncro Westy TDI-m, 520,000 km!
> [just returning from a 10,000 loop from east to west via via WA,
> OR, and
> Death Valley]
>
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