Date:         Fri, 10 Jan 1997 09:47:00 -0800
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Lawrence Johnson <ljohnson@halhinet.on.ca>
Subject:      Re: weird problem w/ poor 85 Westy gas mileage

(snip)
> Larry,
> Speaking of your trip, how was the trip back from Tom's place?  Must be
> nice to have a wasserboxer and get great mileage like that. :)  Us
> air-cooled Vanagoners only get 18 if we have a tailwind.
> 
> I've often wondered myself why the wind is always head on.
> 
> BTW, thanks for having Christy and me over for coffee at Tom's.  I think I
> forgot to thank you two earlier.
> 
> I wouldn't pay the extra for that 92 or 94 octane unless the manual
> recommends it.  I know the manual for my '81 recommends 91 RON octane, but
> in the USA they don't measure octane using the RON method anymore.  I
> forget what the method we use is called, but it involves averaging the RON
> number with another number, so that 91 RON is equivalent to the 87 octane
> that is found at pumps in the US and is cheap!
> 
> Take care,
> Sean

Hi Sean and Christy, after leaving Tom's we followed the mountains all
the way down to Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and finally had Christmas at
a lovely West Virginia State Resort (Pipe Stem State Park) in West
Virginia. Had beautiful walks through the bush, saw dozens (at least 50)
deer and had a delicious traditional Christmas dinner. We intend to
return in the future.

About octane:
I agree that the VW spec of 91 RON is equivalent to 87 octane available
at a US or Canadian pump. But, the syncro 2.1L engine runs VERY MUCH
BETTER on 92 to 94 octane. 

I consider the engine as the weak link in the syncro design so anything
which makes this engine run smoother it gets. It costs more for the
gasoline on a miles/gal basis but probable pays for itself in engine
life (quality or longevity). I think of it in the same terms a using
synthetic over conventional oils.

I hope your exams results were favourabe,
Larry and Avery Johnson
'86 syncro westy