Date:         Wed, 10 Nov 1999 18:47:15 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@SCOTT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@SCOTT.NET>
Subject:      Re: "Gene Berg Declines" Thread (from 10/28)
Comments: To: Warren Chapman <warren8@EARTHLINK.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I for one would sure like to see "Gene Berg Associates" do something with
the vanagon engine. Given the situation here in the states with the vanagon,
over time these engines are going to become a problem trying to support. It
sure would be nice to have someone in the country with the understanding of
the aftermarket engineering for performance actually take an interest in
these engines and apply their knowledge and expertise and provide parts and
engines for vanagon enthusiasts in the same way they have for the air cooled
vehicles.

I say go for it.

John Rodgers
With an 88GL and wrestling right now with the problem of getting a quality
engine re-build.

Warren Chapman wrote:

> I am considering the purchase of a nice'90 van a 2.1L with rod through
> the top of the block, so (with rebuilding thoughts in mind) called Gene
> Berg about prices on counterbalanced crank and balancing of  the
> rotating assembly.
>
> I spoke with Clyde Berg (Gene's son) but also got the unfortunate
> response,  "We don't do any work on wasserboxer engines" and don't stock
> the counterweights anymore."
>
> HOWEVER.......I lobbied him some and told him he was missing out on a
> big market and if he wanted proof to just run a search on the
> vanagon.com archives on "horsepower increase"  and see how just a hint
> of THOSE "HPI" WORDS always brought a huge response.
>
> He seemed interested and said that GB was "CONSIDERING THE VANAGON
> MARKET" again.  Seemed that he might even check out our site and
> archives.
>
> Perhaps with some positive response and an orgainized lobby with the
> power this list can generate, this respected aftermarket performance
> tuner will see the opportunity and would actually do some R&D resulting
> in some worthwhile performance/durability enhancements to the
> wasserboxer engine.
>
> Anyone interested to organize this effort.  (Maybe I will).  Please post
> your comments and suggestions.
>
> Warren C.
> '89 Syncro Westy