I've just re-subscribed to the list as I've found a Vanagon Syncro that
I may be adding to the family.  I was on a short while a couple of years ago
while living in Virginia.  My wife and I had the opportunity to meet some of
you good folks at the Christmas get together (at the Carringtons' I believe)
in 1999.  We had a fantastic time and hopefully will make it again this time
with Vanagon.
    The Vanagon in question is a 1987 passenger.  It has 163,000 miles on it
and is in need of a little TLC, but I may be able to get it for a decent
price or trade a vehicle or something.  It looks salvageable.  I had a few
questions about the van however.  It appears on the shifter the pattern has
R and 1 through 4, plus an L.  Is this for "Low" meaning a real low "first"
gear?  I've done a little searching on the Vanagon.Com site about engine
swaps, both VW/Audi and otherwise.  With this many miles and the apparent
cost of rebuilding a Wasserboxer, I'd be interested in a swap.  Currently, I
have the engine, fuel/emissions system, and wiring harnesses from both an
'88 QSW and '90 Fox.  I believe I'd be able to piece together the rest of
the things I need to use either engine.  I am curious as to what legal
issues I'd run into.  Vermont seems to be fairly easy on emissions, but does
anyone know first hand?  If I was to utilize the '88 or '90 emissions
systems from the setups I have, would I be OK considering that my setups are
newer?  Vermont does not emission test anything earlier than '96 that I know
of, but it would be nice in the future not to run into hassles.
    Lastly, I am looking for a friend of mine from Virginia whose e-mail and
telephone number I've lost... Jesse King.  Jesse, can you e-mail me if
you're on the list?  Thanks.
VWRuss
Swanton, Vermont