Date:         Mon, 2 Mar 1998 17:59:29 -0800
Reply-To:     Björn <bratjen@DIRECT.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Björn <bratjen@DIRECT.CA>
Subject:      Re: TDI engines availability & smog sympathies
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Cheer up,

Yes, I know that TDI engines are difficult to get, but that's no reason to
be discouraged. If we don't put out the word and create possibilities
nothing will happen.

The TDI price discussion sounds slightly inflated and discouraging as well.
If I go to the VW dealership I will pay $500 for a Syncro muffler. VW parts
prices are sometimes outrageous, we know that. That's why I - like many
others - investigate other sources. The Syncro muffler can be bought for
about 1/4 of the Volkswagen price elsewhere. New TDI engines are available
for $3000 and less (not from the dealership). A complete conversion kit can
be purchased for about $5000. We will do even better, hopefully. I am
working on it and will be sending out more info soon.

Let's talk about savings: With a TDI you will have more power (especially
more torque) at less cost per km. If you intend to keep your car for a
couple more years you will even come out ahead financially. Some people are
willing to spend $200+ for those Hella foglamps next to the direction lights
in front. I liked the look but not the price when I first saw them, so I
mounted regular GE foglights in the same spot. It works for $50, but it's
everyone's choice where they spend their money.  

There is another consideration: How about calculating the environmental
benefits, air quality and emissions too. 5L per 100km savings in fuel
translates into how many liters of air per km or mile or year? It beats
bashing the heart out of a catalytic converter (which the TDI will have too). 

By the way, any experienced TDI engines out there?
That was my question.

greetings,

Björn ;-)