On Sat, 8 Feb 2003, Andrew Grebneff wrote:

> >As I mentioned to you last week, those of us here
> >like me who have an automatic transmission likely can't install the
> >diesel because the engine needs to be able to cruise
> down the highway at 4000rpm. Dr. Diesel wouldn't like that!
>
> Jeez, my work's 82 LandCruiser Wagon (4-speed) sits on close to
> 4000rpm at highway speeds!

As does a diesel 4-speed Vanagon.  I think a more serious issue with the
automatic is that the shift points would be wrong.  A diesel has a very
different torque curve than a gasoline engine.  There's also no engine
vacuum on a diesel; I can't remember if the Vanagon automatics have a
shift modulator valve that connects to the manifold.

             _ _
  __ _ _   _| | |  | David M. Brodbeck (N8SRE)              Ypsilanti, MI
 / _` | | | | | |  +-----------------------------------------------------
| (_| | |_| | | | @ cyberspace.org
 \__, |\__,_|_|_| "To the optimist, the glass is half full.  To the
 |___/             pessimist, the glass is half empty.  To the engineer,
                   the glass is twice as big as it needs to be."