Date:         Mon, 15 Mar 1999 18:15:19 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      5 cyl trip report,87 Syncro Camper
Comments: cc: syncro list <syncro@onelist.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Last night we returned home from our first Baja trip with the 5 cylinder
conversion. Everything went smoothly and the engine ran great. We
traveled fully loaded and then some. Full tanks, spare parts, an extra 6
gallons of water for showering, camping and fishing gear, food and ice
chest, fire wood, 3 people with gear, and towing a 600 pound
boat/trailer rig.  What a difference the new motor makes. I could keep
up with most traffic, and the big V8 vehicles we traveled with didn't
complain. 10 miles from the house a highway patrol car pulled up next to
me and yelled at me over his p.a. to slow down. I guess he had something
else to do, lucky for me. On I 8 over the mountains, sea level to 4100
feet, I used 3rd at 50-60 mph most of the uphill part. I used to need
2nd a lot and even then it would feel like it might not be able to hold
speed. On the more level parts I was no longer the slowest vehicle
around. In Baja I passed many slower cars without the usual anxious
moments wondering if I could pull it off. The pulling power of the 5
cylinder is impressive and made for a more relaxing trip. The mileage
for the 308 mile section in California including both ways over the
mountains was 16.4 mpg. This with over 70 miles up hill and pulling 20+
miles of 6% grades. Total distance covered was 682 miles with no
detectable oil usage. Thanks again, Detlev. I am a SATISFIED customer.

Mark and Anne Drillock
87 Syncro Camper
5 cyl 2.2, Calif. Smog Certified