[MiniPigg]

Cool... another vdub person. I have owned several TypeII's. Newst was an 1971 Doublecab Truck, then an 1968 Singlecab Truck. Then an 1963 Doublecab Truck. Then an 1967 Deluxe Bus. Then an 1968 Westy. 1956 23window Deluxe Samba.
Sure all are older then yours but they share a common bond other then being VW's. The power sucks.

Now that I have offered all praise to VW for building this thing, I have a couple of questions.

1. I couldnt tell you on this one. All my doors opened out.

2, This engine could sure use a block heater. None of the on-line vendors seem to have one. Right now I have an electric hot plate under the crank case all night and that works (Vanagon on the Grill) but is a little clumsy.

You could also get a dip stick heater and ask about an inline water heater to the radiator.

3. What kind of mileage fo you get in yours?

Not sure what to say on this one being mine were different.

4. Why are so many owners in a hurry to convert to Subaru boxer engines or Diesel power?[/quote]

Ok... the Subaru conversions started with the Aircooled engines. Before all the fun add ons for power the aircooled engine had a 100hp mile marker. Meaning that it was hard to get to a reliable 100hp. The older subaru engines are also air cooled and have more power. Get into water cooled soobies and your getting way past what a stock bus puts out. My fav soobie engine is the H6 EG33 3300CC watercooled engine that came in the SVX. It is a very reliable engine and they also use them in airplanes. They can be reliably built for aircraft using a dual turbo setup. The stock power is 230hp and 228ftlbs.

Diesel is a different story and the reasons people convert to diesel is also not the same as converting to a more powerful gas engine. People that convert to diesel either have a Vanagon that was diesel from the factory and they want something more modern with more power and more reliable. Or they are a gasser that wants a deisel for better fuel economy. Which is actually the reason why the person with the diesel Vanagon bought theirs.
I have heard of people getting into the 40+ mpg with an updated diesel Van. Even with a Syncro or a Westy Syncro. If I were to go this route I would use one of two engines. The first ofourse is my fav VW diesel and thats the TDI engine. You can get a decent used 1.9TDI for 1K-1.5K with the computer. That engine is rated at 90hp and 155ftlbs. With an Authority Chip, upgraded injector nozzles, and injectors you looking good at 130hp and 200+ftlbs with the same reliability and fuel ecnomy.
Or you can get a 1.9na and run that stock or convert it over to a turbo diesel using the parts from a VW 1.6TD. No computer with a mechanical injection pump. Still good power and fuel economy.