Date:         Thu, 25 Feb 1999 11:42:14 +0100
Reply-To:     Helmut Zeidler <Helmut_Zeidler@NOTESMAIL.NOKIA.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Helmut Zeidler <Helmut_Zeidler@NOTESMAIL.NOKIA.COM>
Subject:      Re: engine conversion experiences (long)
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello Mark,

...
>you should rethink your appraisal of the Syncro appplication. The
>conversions being done by Detlev Hanschke  DO NOT  reduce the ground
>clearance as he is using his own superior design for the exhaust system.
I can not confirm this. The problem on ground clearance in not the
exhaust system. The problem is the oil pan back between the rear wheels.
The South African original with Syncro undercarriage (but 2WD) gives
a ground clearence of 19cm, my conversion lowered the engine by 3cm
because of cross member mountings. Detlev's conversion lowers the
engine additional by 3cm by removing the mounting pots for the
engine supports at the cross member. Total ground clearence on a
Syncro should be 13cm (5.2 inch) at a Syncro. Mark, please confirm this
by measuring your ground clearence at the oil pan.

>The Winkler exhaust system is a clumsy design along the lines of the SA
>system which is unsuitable for Westys and Syncros.

Right, but the problem is the gas tank on Westies and skid rails which
crosses the exhaust pipes on Syncros. But this can be solved. The left
side section muffler finds it place BETWEEN the frame rails. No loosing
ground clearence because of this.

>Detlev has come up
>with a system that works in these applications without reducing ground
>clearance. The engine skid plate is retained at its previous height and
>the engine lid also (with a small bulge). The broad smooth power band of
>the 5 cylinder is a huge advance in power plants for the Syncro IMHO.
I expect some problems while having the mufflers inside the engine
compartment. The 5 cylinder still have some problems with airbubbles
inside the injection lines in high temperatur surroundings. This is why the
Audi 200 comes with injector coolers as an option, and the South African
5 cylinder Vanagons got them as standard, too. Mark, keep your eyes open,
first problems will start with hot start problems and intermittend power
loss on hot engine. Keep the engine compartment as cool as possible, and/or
add a fan for injector lines.

Another point is, that the midsection muffler will produce noise to the
inside, the whole floor vibrates and amplifies that noise. This can not be
happened on a rear mounted muffler.

Helmut
'80 Vanagaudi