Date:         Mon, 4 Jan 1999 12:57:05 -0400
Reply-To:     Tim Smith <smitht@UNB.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Tim Smith <smitht@UNB.CA>
Subject:      Subaru install prob/warning
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi,

Talked to a Syncro-Westy-Subaru owner just before Xmas, thought I'd pass on
his impressions.  Nope I haven't driven it yet, he's about 3 hours from me.

1) no huge gain in performance, likely the fat Syncro-Westy could take a
bigger boost, no feedback as to off-roadability, the van is for trailering
two motorbikes/gear to races.

2) Subaru thermostat is on return line of coolant circuit, so if you want
it to open it needs some flow at all times, solution was to drill small
hole through plate, now it runs a bit too cold.  needs real fix somehow.

3) the biggie.....   busted one bellhousing!!!! cracked right through
starter boss region. This is a major concern.  Remember folks, KEPs
prototype is in an autotrans, and the bell on an autotrans is cast iron!
Subaru engine is supported very close <1" from bell housing, whole engine
is cantilevered out the rear, lots of bounce potential. Owner figures his
may have cracked due to a bad install, current one is fine, but few miles.
No easy solution to this one if it is a 'real' problem, a rear X-bar mount
is very hard to figure given the Subaru's timing belt and plastic covers
that shield entire rear of engine.

4) Oilpan required cutting of Syncro skid plates, and is too low as we know.

5) Tach signal won't run VW tach, need to pull signal off coil via diodes.
Minor irritant.

Owners happy overall, that's it.  bye, Tim