Doktor Tim,
I was in no way attempting to compare a BMW 325 ETA engine to a
waterboxer.
The point was, if I can simply add a computer chip, and gain some 20
horses why can't I do it to  1.9 VW?
I agree that most certainly one could overstress anything, but I'm not
looking for 100 horses, I'm thinking more like 15 to 20.I wasn't
considering turning this thing into the "Little Red Wagon"!
I feel this way about the safety issue; I think it is unsafe, not being
able to avoid a situation, with a little burst of speed, when you want
it to be there.
I didn't purchase the Vanagon, because I wanted to go fast, I bought it
because it is fun to drive, and here (Chicago area) it is an oddity, and
I think it's neat.
However, when I push the throttle down (especially with the AC on) I
want to be able to move, when I want to move, as fast as I want to move.
If power and safety is in question, then why in the heck are other
Vanagonites, playing Dr. Frankenstein,and installing Subaru, or inline
motors?
Because they are thinking about how unsafe their Vans are going to be
with all this new found horsepower?
I don't think so!
Chow, Chow, For Now

Terry