Hi all;

It is starting to look like the German head-gasket worm that lays its
eggs in Vanagon waterboxers got to mine too.  I think the little
critters have hatched and are eating the gaskets in short order.

I have a very nice 87 Westy - all stock, excellent interior, very good
exterior, only 85k miles; so it's worth the trouble of doing a 'good'
engine upgrade.

So I'm thinking a lot about putting in the TiiCo 2.0l Golf engine from
South Africa.
Here's my thoughts - I would love to hear more; especially if you've
done this (or another) engine conversion:

Pros:
- Cost is actually pretty good considering what you're getting
- fuel economy
- power
- reliability
- new FI system (no more Digifant!)
- fits perfectly

Cons:
- aren't my gear ratios going to be poorly matched to the engine?
- Is it REALLY legal?  I know it can pass a smog test - but, if someone
of authority knew what I had done to the van, would they make me take if
off the road??  This is my biggest concern.
- Is it heavier; will my van handle differently?
- Is it as smooth as the wasserboxer?  I really love the feel of the
wasserboxer in 'around town' driving conditions.

I'm very much still in the 'thinking' stage.  I don't even know for
certain that my head gaskets have gone...  I am also very intrigued by
the Audi in-line 5 cyl conversion.  That engine would really lend itself
well to the Vanagon - and used in-line 5's are everywhere - I'm sure
they're dirty cheap.  If I could get one in the van, keep my ground
clearance and keep it under the existing engine cover I would probably
be sold.  Don't think this is possible though.  The Quantum Syncro's 5
cyl puts out 115HP in stock form; the tcoii engine probably couldn't
keep up with it; especially if you modded it a bit.  My stock 88 Quantum
Syncro can out accelerate (0-60) my 89 Cabriolet with well-done 2.0l
engine conversion.  I can't see how the tcoii engine would be much
different in power than my Cabriolet's.

Anyway, this is a long post - give me your thoughts if you have some.

Thanks,

Damian