Date:         Thu, 25 Feb 1999 07:41:31 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: engine conversion experiences (long)
Comments: To: Helmut Zeidler <Helmut_Zeidler@NOTESMAIL.NOKIA.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Mark said,
> >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.


Helmut Zeidler wrote:
>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.
>

                    Mark replies,
The skid plate is still using the same front attachment points, the
tranny has not been lowered as it is in 2WD conversions, and the skid
plate is still parallel to the ground. I don't see how this results in
much of a lowering of the skid plate. My Syncro is at Detlev's being
fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system so I can't measure it for
you at this time.

                    Helmut said,
> 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.
>

                    Mark replies,
This is one of the improvements of Detlev's conversion design. The
original Audi configuration has the fuel distributor on the left, above
the exhaust manifold. This is then a very hot and crowded area that
limits the air flow and when a hot engine is parked, the exhaust heat
rises to the fuel system. Detlev's design has the fuel distributor on
the RIGHT in a large open area that is not anywhere near the exhaust
manifold.

Sincerely,
Mark Drillock