Thanks Stan,

I did not take it as a "rag". I am on this list for the very reason of
advice from Vanagon owners like yourself. 
I would thank everyone for their input over the last few months as I
search for the perfect van for my family.

Andy
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Stan Wilder [mailto:wilden1@juno.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2002 9:43 AM
To: Yarnell, Andrew
Subject: Re: Looking for a CA smog legal conversion that is a clean
install

I wasn't trying to rag on anybody ........ its just that KISS (keep it
simple Stan) and common sense in investments is normally the best
approach.
I just can't justify 20,000 paranoid miles waiting for parts to fail or
fall off.
My old 83 Westy has never left me stranded in 150K and I thoroughly
trust
it.

Stan

On Tue, 5 Mar 2002 10:20:52 -0600 <Andrew.Yarnell@kimley-horn.com>
writes:
> Stan,
> 
> You make a very solid point. One I have been considering. Looking at 
> the
> Eurovan, yes it is very nice and modern, but you do pay $$ for it. 
> I
> guess in the long run though it is worth every penny, you will get 
> what
> you pay for. I am more of a hobbyist mechanic, and really do not 
> want to
> get in over my head with an engine swap on a vehicle that would be
> primarily for family travel around town and around the country. We 
> will
> look at some Eurovans too, and make a wise choice. 
> 
> thanks for the insight Stan,
> 
> Andy
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stan Wilder [mailto:wilden1@juno.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2002 9:19 AM
> To: Yarnell, Andrew
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM; TSmola@TRIBUNE.COM
> Subject: Re: Looking for a CA smog legal conversion that is a clean
> install
> 
> 
> It seems like a lot of trouble and expense to hang onto an old 
> shell.
> Why
> not go to a newer Eurovan rather than creating a bastard vehicle 
> that
> only a Vanagon Extremist would own.
> I've met a lot of Eurovan owners in campogrounds that are retired 
> folks
> and they buy their vans with extended warranties and are free to go
> wherever they want.
> They all seem contented with power steering, power windows, Air
> conditioning, power lift Pop-top, roll out side canopy.
> Many pull small trailers for additional camping gear and carry mini
> bikes
> or bicycles with them.
> Maintenance and repairs are never in their discussions of Van 
> ownership
> ....... they're just looking forward to their next destination.
> If you're a seasoned mechanic and just love the challenge of the 
> engine
> swap and are confident taking one of these conversion vehicles on 
> the
> road, then I say go for it. You can still expect every vehicle 
> newer
> than
> ten years to out-run you around town and on the highway.
> My owners manual says Vanagon on the cover and my repair manual says
> Vanagon on the cover, I know what I've got and I'm satisfied with 
> the
> Vanagon as the factory shipped it. When this changes I'll get 
> another
> vehicle.
> 
> Stan Wilder
> 83 Air Cooled Westfalia
> 
> On Tue, 5 Mar 2002 09:35:04 -0600 Andy Yarnell
> <Andrew.Yarnell@KIMLEY-HORN.COM> writes:
> > I too have been looking at a lot of conversions. I would love to 
> > have
> > VR6 in a Vanagon. I have not been able to find a kit to accomplish 
> 
> > it,
> > so a lot of custom work would have to be done. Have you seen the 
> > blue
> > Vanagon with the VR6 from Europe?
> > <http://volksweb.relitech.com/../helmut/VR6-engine/vr6-engi.htm>
> > http://volksweb.relitech.com/../helmut/VR6-engine/vr6-engi.htm
> >  
> > It looks like the VR6 sits just below the stock lid. The web page 
> 
> > does
> > not go into very much detail as to what was done to make this 
> > transplant
> > happen, but I am very curious how it all come together, and man, 
> it
> > looks clean, "from the factory".
> >  
> > I am still looking for my first Vanagon; one that is a prime 
> > candidate
> > for a conversion. What I am finding is the Vans that are prime
> > candidates, are generally in poor condition all around...but I am 
> 
> > still
> > looking, and confident something will come my way.
> >  
> > Good Luck
> >  
> > Andy
> > Denver, CO
> >
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > ---------------------------------
> > Original Message:
> >  
> > Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 23:17:38 -0600
> > From: "Smola, Tony" <TSmola@TRIBUNE.COM>
> > Subject: looking for a CA smog legal conversion that is a clean 
> > install
> >  
> > I've been looking at everyones pictures of their 
> > conversions......not
> > really
> > a clean install...although I commend the effort
> > The closest clean install appears to be the Tiico South 
> > African......but
> > I
> > would like either a 1.8T or a VR6, but does the VR6 fit under the
> > lid?....looking for broad torque and firm horsepower band, would
> > eventually
> > install a 5 spd w/ 0.71 fifth overdrive.
> > Or should I bump the wasserboxer up in displacement and 
> compression
> > ratio
> > and keep it somewhat stock....hmmmm....no 5 spd w. this one
> >  
> >  
> > Malibu Tony 1.9L 5 degrees BTDC
> >  
> >  
> >  
> >  
> >  
> > 
> ________________________________________________________________
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