Date:         Sun, 20 Aug 2000 23:08:27 PDT
Reply-To:     Mark Dorm <mark_hb@hotmail.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Dorm <mark_hb@hotmail.com>
Subject:      Re: Engine Conversions
Comments: To: alien1@jps.net
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

4 Liter V6??? WOW. Not bad. Are you a real person? You're not just an
advertisement in disguise??? Hey, what kind of mileage is she getting....???

And speaking about mileage someone claimed they got 25 miles per gallon
after switching to Mobil One Synthetic Oil... Can anyone back that claim
up???


>
>My sister has now logged about 500 miles on her Tiico conversion and is
>loving it.  I was very jealous of her today as I followed her on a freeway
>onramp and up a long hill on the freeway.  I could not keep up and I was in
>my Ford Ranger with a 4 liter V6!  I think she was showing off a little.
>
>Alan
>Sherwood, OR
>

>Thanks to all who responded to my questions about Subaru vs. TiiCo
>conversions. I had been leaning toward Subaru, but here's my current
>thinking:
>
>1. All engine options--including complete rebuilds of the wasser boxer--are
>expensive, but most of us don't drive a Vanagon only for economy.
>
>2. The wasser boxer can be made MORE powerful/reliable with modifications
>such as ceramic coatings, different chips, camshafts and the like, but at
>even greater expense, and the long-term reliablity question appears still
>in
>doubt. I don't want to start every trip wondering if this is the day the
>heads leak. I am not inclined to rebuild my WBs, and one of my requirements
>is no modification to the engine cover.
>
>3. Most conversions, such as Kennedy/Subaru and David Marshall's I4,
>require
>fabrication, creative wiring, and LOTS of time, and still result in the
>installation of a used engine. Subaru conversions seem to take about two
>full-time weeks. (I apologize to those who've done it quicker.)
>
>4. Therefore, the TiiCo conversion, with a brand new engine, proven
>performance and reliability, two day installation, and no fabrication,
>seems
>to be a great deal at $3875 plus shipping.
>
>I've not done any of the swaps, and I have affiliation with any of the
>companies in that business. But I do love my Vanagons, and I NEED more
>reliability and would LIKE some more power. I post these musings for your
>comment, even though I realize the issue isn't nearly as important as rear
>hatch struts.
>
>James Huskins
>Chapel Hill, NC

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