In a message dated 1/2/02 8:11:45 AM Pacific Standard Time,
dart330@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

<< Since VWSA is using 2.5 liter inline 5 cylinders, why isn't anyone
importing
 these? It seems to me that there is "no replacement for displacement" and an
 extra half a liter would add alot more power. When my boxer engine goes I
 want the five cylinder. Any body know of a company with a kit? >>

Nathan,

The operative word is profitability. There may not be much of a demand to
certify these for legal use in the US.

You can get the kit from Winkler. Trouble is the engine lid gets a bump to
clear the induction components. IIRC the SA Caravelles have a higher deck to
alleviate this problem. Winkler's distributor to the US, Detlev at Vanagon
Projekt has come up with a solution to this problem. He cuts and welds the
intake manifold to lower it's profile. He also sells the kits to install the
Audi 5000 inline-5 engines.

If you want to save some bucks on doing this pretty expensive conversion, you
can instead modify your rear bench to clear the rear deck. David Marshall at
Fast Forward Tuning in Canada sells these hinges for Westy bench/beds.
Available from Germany as well, of course. I mistakenly bought one thinking
it work in bus. It will not work on Weekender benches. Westies only. I may
sell this if I get a decent offer. David sells these for about $230.

BenT