Date:         Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:37:10 -0800
Reply-To:     C B <cunegonde.van.westfalia@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         C B <cunegonde.van.westfalia@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Soliciting VW Engine Recommendations
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi Scott (and other generous folks)!

The total re-do budget is about $3k over two engines; we are assuming I do
the majority of the mechanical labor, as I all ready do. Welding and some
parts fabrication will have to be done by a pro. We just don't have the
cash for re-doing the entire fuel system and a matching transmission for a
diesel/SVO conversion.
Part of the outlay will be 15" front brakes, which will definitely be
necessary with more HP and higher speeds. With the 15x7.5 Audi rims and
modern tires, the front brakes frequently squeal and don't controllably
bind due to tire grip. After new pads, machined discs, all new fluid and
bleeding, we had them looked at/road tested by Wolfsburg Automotive in
Seattle and they confirm the wimpy brakes issue. But hey, we have awesome
tires no matter the road conditions.

Scott, of course, knows Cunegonde and how she is typically used, very well.
The transmission is still working flawlessly, if continuing slightly whiney.

We'll see how her "new" 2.1l transports and is maintained compared to the
45k miles 1.9l she came with. I was regularly getting 19-21 MPG at 60mph,
but only 35-45 MPH uphill/3rd gear with any load whatsoever. Lack of range,
even with rooftop gas cans, produces annoying worries during many of our
back country trips.


--
Bretts

1983 1.9l WBX Ivory Westfalia "Cunegonde"