If you don't want to be your own mechanic for as long as you own this
van don't even consider a conversion.  You'll be paying Lou down the
block or any other mechanic $60+ per hour to sort through an
undocumented hybrid set up every time you have a problem.  It might work
for you if you live close enough to one of the experienced installers,
but otherwise, forget it.

The 1.9 engine you have is very reliable as long as you maintain it.
Rebuild it and run the orange long life coolant or change the overpriced
Autobahn junk every two years and you should be able to get 150,000 to
200,000 miles, just like you got out of this one.  That is respectable
service for any engine!

Brian Wawzonek wrote:
>
> With my 1985 Westy wasserboxer, it's engine's life is nearing its time. The
> question is what to do next? I want something reliable, of course reasonably
> priced, that Lou down the block can work on. (no subaru) Any opinions or
> suggestions appreciated! Love the list!
> Brian
> _________________________________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

--
Stuart MacMillan
Seattle

'84 Vanagon Westfalia w/2.1
'65 MGB (Daily driver since 1969)
'74 MGB GT (Restoring sloooowly)

Assisting on Restoration (and spending OPM):
'72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
'64 MGB (Son's)

Stripped and gone but their parts live on:
'68 MGB, '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT