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Subject:Re: Engine Conversion and MPG
From:Ty Graham
Date:Sun, 23 Jul 2000 12:16:27 -0700

I can say nothing about Robert's hotted up WBX.  Weren't we supposed to see
dyno test results?

I have a Eurospec conversion that I am anything but happy with.  One year
into the project things are still not right.  Noisy.  Hot start problem.
Less torque.  I'd almost switch back to my old WBX.

That said, I am getting great gas mileage.  I am using my Syncro Doublecab
primarily for stop and go commuting and runs to the dump. Very little
highway miles.  22MPG city seems to be routine.  I'd guess high 20s for
highway.  I was getting mid to low teens in city driving prior to the
conversion.

Ty
'86 Syncro DoppelKab
'91 Syncro Westfalia
'90 Carat

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Mark Drillock
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2000 11:26 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Engine Conversion and MPG

Don't believe everything you read. The aerodynamics of the Vanagon are
not improved by engine conversions or mods. The MPG can certainly be
improved but a claim of 25 MPG at 75 MPH puts all claims by that person
under suspicion in my book. Come on out to Calif with such a Vanagon and
we can drive together up and down I5 400 miles each way from San Diego
to SF. We will check the odometer with mile markers and the speedo with
a stop watch. If it gets a true 25 MPG over 800 miles at an average of
75 MPH I will give you $500. If it gets less than 23 MPG you give me
$250. Between those numbers we will call it a draw. This offer does not
apply to Diesel engined Vanagons.

Mark

David Ricketts wrote:
>
> I was a little surprised to hear some of the MPG quoted with engine mods
> and conversions.  I believe one person said he had 30mpg with a Bus and
> someone else had 25mpg with increased horse power.
>
> Can anyone comment on MPG above 22mpg.  Are you getting it with a
> conversion or modifications or stock.  I am dripping along at 16 mpg,
> with a motor that doesn't have a lot of power.
>
> Thanks,
>
> David