In a message dated 8/18/99 3:32:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time, JordanVw@AOL.COM writes:

> i'll spend less than $500 on another head gasket job before shelling out > $8000 for an engine conversion anyday. > the 5cyl is a great engine ( i should know, i have 4 audi 5000 turbo's) but > the whole conversion thing is beyond most people's financial means. > as Ken Wilford said "only for people with deep pockets" :<) > Having just recently done the Eurospec conversion, I agree that this was not a cheap way to go. However, I must say that the improvement in driveability makes it seem almost worthwhile. My mileage is up to the low twenties (mix of city and highway) and in general, the van feels "renewed". I'll know if I made the right decision in a couple of years when we'll see if the new engine really durable.

Any conversion is going to take time and money. I'm still trying to chase down some minor quirks with my installer and Eurospec. However, when I total up what I've put into my van in total (purchase, conversion, other bits) I'd say I'm in for about 11K USD. If I look at what is available for purchase as a new (nothing) or used (a minivan?) vehicle for the same price, I'm pretty happy.

Paolo 89 Carat Eurospec'd 149K