Mark, good to hear your views on the Audi conversion.
I am about to start the same conversion on my Westy very soon.
Will be putting in the KU series 2226cc engine, 138 HP and aprox the same
torque.(probably not available in the US, this engine was standard  from VW
with no cat etc)
Should push the van along quite well!
Regards
John.
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2000 3:52 AM
Subject: What about the Audi 5?

> Yes, I have some experience with the Audi 5 in a Vanagon. They are
> strong and durable engines in the heavy vehicles they came in and I have
> 18 months and 18k miles on the 2.2 version in my 87 Syncro Camper. I
> have had no problems so far. They are basically the 4 cylinder engine
> with an extra cylinder on the end and some mechanical improvements. They
> share the bore and stroke but the extra cylinder makes them 25% larger,
> more powerful, and smoother. The engine compartment of the Vanagon was
> designed with the inline 4 in mind (diesel version) so they can be
> installed readily with mostly factory parts. The 5 cylinder is longer so
> it is a tighter fit. This adds to the cost and difficulty of the
> conversion but the result is worth it to me. Most of the 18k miles have
> been done fully loaded for camping and towing a small boat trailer of
> 800-900 lbs. The low end torque of the 5 cylinder makes this towing
> comfortable, not the white knuckle experience it sometimes was with the
> stock waterboxer. Highway passing is possible even loaded like this
> where before I was often stuck behind slow moving vehicles unless there
> were long clear openings ahead. We now arrive at distant Baja
> camping/fishing spots faster and less frazzled. My Syncro has been
> transformed. I plan to keep this thing a very long time. And yes, it is
> smog legal in California.
>
> Mark Drillock