In a message dated 1/21/00 8:39:50 PM Eastern Standard Time,
vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG writes:

> If you want power, install an Audi A4 or VW Passat 1.8L Turbo engine. 150hp
>  plus a lot of FLAT torque... these engines arn't THAT expensive or that
>  hard to install.

If you think that the Eurospec exhaust problems were bad, try adapting the
system to accomodate the 1.8 Turbo. I also think that you'd have a hard time
getting it under a stock deck. It's a lovely engine (got one in our 99
Passat) but I can't see it being either cheap or simple to install.

and then:

In a message dated 1/21/00 9:11:37 PM Eastern Standard Time,
Wolfvan88@AOL.COM writes:

> Is it really all that better?
>  My Wasserboxer is in the 130HP range and a few other mods 150HP to 200 HP+
> is  possible, with all the reliability of a stock.

I may have missed it, but did you dynotest your engine after mods? That's
quite an HP jump, and it's almost impossible to get something for nothing.
Increased HP=increased drivetrain stress, heat, etc.

Also, claiming "stock" reliability for a waterboxer is not exactly a ringing
endorsement. A key to longevity is an overdesigned engine.

> Notice that the writer SAID that the Eurospec engine power was really no
>  better than a STOCK Wasserboxer????

I think the writer is wrong. And even if he is right, there is a marked
improvement in drivability (much less shifting) over the WBX. The price? A
drone from the I-4 (and a much lighter wallet) rather than a more tolerable
rumble and smoother running.

Let's face it, if the WBX was a success, VW would have stayed with it, but
they didn't. I still miss the smoothness and the sound of my WBX. One day
soon, I hope to find a Westfalia and make it a project WBX restoration.

However, for my daily driver, I'll take the I-4 in my Carat, warts and all.

Paolo