You took the words right out of my mouth Ben. I installed my 2.5 last year and couldn't be happier. I easily cruise at 70-80 mph on the freeway with plenty of power to spare. The stock air cooled transmission in my van has a gear ratio that works just fine, so no need to change out to a taller 4th.

Gone are the days of drafting big rigs just to make it up a hill. Now, I race past them to the top.

I also regularly get 22-24 miles to the gallon. I was lucky to get 16-18 with my old engine.

Thinking of rebuilding that old tired leaky wasser or air box? Don't waste the money. Upgrade to the engine that should have been put in these vans from the start. You will thank yourself later.

My 2 cents.

Ryan '82 Camper Van 'Beethoven'

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Benny boy Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 9:23 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Thoughts on conversions (kinda LONG)

Some years ago, my first choice would ave been an Honda engine for theirs extreme reliability , more specifically a 2.2L Accord engine, but of course, it was spinning the other way. But worse, Honda have poor torque at low RPM, so that was worse than anything else. Most small 4cyl JapANESE (he he) engine need RPM to produce HP and torque, with our big van, we need some torque at low RPM, and this is somewhat a problem with many small engine. The bigger Subi 2.5L has just enough torque a low RPM, i can't imagine having any other smaller engine.

As of today, i did 2300 miles on the Subi 2.5L, 1000 with the stock trany and the rest on the higher ratio fourth gears. (.77), The bigger Subi with the higher fourth gear just feel perfect at 70-75, rpm is right where it should be, between 3700-3800. Of course, there is NO perfect solution, between third and fourth there is a small hole, so on country road or back road the engine rev a bit too low (2000 rpm) but that is a small price to pay. I choose the higher freeway speed over the stock system, even if i may have to downshift on some very steep hill.

Yersterday i did change my trany oil (recommended by Daryl of AA transaxle, good thing men!), the van was in the air, i was looking at the engine for some little adjustment of leaks... he he he, yea, i was just looking, i found nothing to look at.

So, after 2300 miles i can tell you one thing, until i try something better, this is the perfect conversion (fuel and power wise) for a vanagon, it's kind of fun to push a 2.5 Eurovan. Many have ask me about Fuel consumption, well, it's better than any in shape 2.1L, and that, even at speed over 75mph, and for sure, it's way better in town, at 65mph, i think the fuel consumption would be amazing!!! but that, i will never know :-) . I would personnaly NOT go SVX, that is a personal choice.

As i now know a lot more about Subi (we did a few engine installation and swap over the last few weeks including a 2006 fly by wire 2.5L 8k miles), my next project will probably be a WRX 2.0L Turbo engine.... just for fun. But that will be next year and NOT before my Mexico trip, that 2.5L just feel so fine. I spent all week troubleshooting wasser FI problems, i won't tell you how i now really feel about those old engine, no, i will scare you all. I'm not blaming the engine itself, at all, but the FI system and the coolant system that are getting way to old.

I come to work each morning with my van... i have a car and a bike, but i choose so because it's now so pleasent to drive. I will not sell this van even for 45K US (even if US money is not that good those days, or it's maybe Canadian money that is strong?), my Tornado Red van is the most pleasant Vanagon i have ever driven.

Cheers, Ben http://www.benplace.com/