Date:         Mon, 3 Aug 1998 06:46:15 EDT
Reply-To:     KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Subject:      Re: Upgrade to 2.0L 16V
Comments: To: CGatlin938@aol.com, vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

I have heard that this swap is not a good choice because the 16v engine lacks
low end torque.  It is great in a GTI or GLI (light cars) but a real dog in a
heavy van.  The power and torque curves are set up for the higher end of the
rpm band.  I have heard of a guy in Germany doing this one and he said it was
not a good idea (now he has a VR6 in there!).  The better choice is either a
1.8 liter JH motor (GTI, GLI 8valve), the newer 2.0 liter 8v, or a nice turbo
diesel (TDI perferably).  All of these motors have excellent low end torque
(especially the diesels) so you won't be stuck creeping away from a stop sign
or afraid to pull out into traffic.
I am doing the 1.8l JH motor swap myself (still in the middle of it) so if you
want some pointers just drop me a line.
Have fun.
Ken Wilford
John 3:16