Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 06:16:56 -0500
Reply-To: Erik O <koesel@UAKRON.EDU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Erik O <koesel@UAKRON.EDU>
Subject: Engine Swaps: Apples and Oranges and Jerks
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Just some thoughts on the recent discussions and some of the replies
I've seen here lately.... I want to keep it to one post and not a bunch
of replies....
+ I think the engine conversion issue is very relevant to this list.
Even if I didn't, I don't think I would speak up and ask that it be
removed from the list. If this list stayed strictly stock vanagon
issues, what would we discuss? We might as well as shut it down, it's
all been done. I really don't think that anyone can come up with a new
question that hasn't already been answered (and archived!). As for
getting to choose the content only you want on this list, show me where
it says "Welcome to the Vanagon List: How may we server you?" and I'll
answer all your questions personally. Sick of all the conversion threds?
Magic word here.... UNSUBSCRIBE!, as opposed to posting your gripes. The
delete key works too! You know, I'm not done yet. Before you publicly
flame someone on this list, go to the archives and do a search under
your name, then theirs. Compare the content. I did this for one of the
recent "wars" and was not surprised to find the person who started the
war has contributed nothing of value to this forum. Go figure.
+ You kind of have to watch when comparing the performance of the inline
4cyls to the wasserboxer. It's unreliable to use performance figures
found in Consumer Reports or what VW claimed it was for that model year.
I doubt very many 2.1L out there are producing 95hp and 117ftp of torque
today. You have to use real world figures.
+ The 86 GTI engine in my van is probably producing between 90 and 95hp
at 5500RPM. I can EASILY pull 120hp or so out of it, and like the HP
freaks on the watercooled side of the spectrum, 180+ is attainable. I
would trade 40hp off the top end of my engine for a flat torque curve
though. Like I say, I don't drive at 5500rpm. What I have is good
performance, reliability and good gas mileage. It's a perfect roadtrip
vehicle.
+ Anything over 130hp is pointless in a Vanagon because it just going to
chew up transmissions, the biggest Vanagon flaw in my book.
+ The best reason for a Vanagon engine conversion, my opinion again, is
availability of replacement parts. I could break down anywhere in the
country and replace my engine for under $200. People give these things
away.
+ The Wasserboxer is still a remarkable engine Chris :)
+ Prediction here... The Vanagon will be sold again in N. America. This
time with a little twist, hybrid electric.
+ Tim and Ron are not the best of friends, the reason is probably no
ones business. If you really must know, search the archives. Tim has
written some of the best posts and how-tos on this list. So what if he
chums in a couple words about his "rival" every now and then. I'm sure
it makes Ron smile to some point and I'm sure he doesn't need anyone
coming to his aid. As for Ron and the rest of the "big 3".... We had a
big discussion years ago about the pros and cons of list commercialism.
I was against it then, but considering the quality content and value out
of their posts and the fact that I know they would be here even if they
weren't selling parts, they're an important part of this little
community of ours. However, just because someone gives you a straight
deal on parts doesn't qualify them for sainthood. Who coined that St.
Salmon comment anyway? JA? I liked it.
_______________________
Erik O Akron, Oh
82 GTI Westfalia
http://ebyte.com/gl
http://ebyte.com/cam
