I just returned from the first 1000 mile trip with my newly-powered project, traveling via I-81 / I-181 and US Rte. 23 to Asheville, NC. The good (or great?) news is that for the first time in my ownership of this Westy, I was able to not only keep up with the trucks on the long hills of southern Va., but pass all of them at speeds of 75 +/- uphill !! The bad news is that my lead-footed average for the trip was only in the 18 to 19 MPG range. I feel that if I ease up and drive a bit more slowly, 20~23 MPG should be attainable. Yeah, still not great, but a helluva lot more torque than the old WBX ! The only failure was a cracked exhaust mount, that I mounted solidly to the engine mount-arm, but really needs some flex ala factory-style rubber mts. Today, I was able to put the van to a real test, picking up a stranded friend in a freak snowstorm here. With the tall Blizzaks and the torquey diesel at my disposal, I weaved my way around many stalled, slipping, slow SUV's, trucks, making me wonder aloud 'who really has the SUV here?' My friend replied "How disgusted these SUV drivers must feel to be passed by a lowly old VW bus!" An experience to remember. Next? A 6000 mile journey to Oregon and Montana for some snowboarding, in the next month. Wish me luck, and if there are any list-members in that area that want to talk Vanagons or just have a great NW beer, give me a yell! Karl |
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