>Yes, but consider the WRX is rated at 227 hp (217 ft/lbs of
>torque)...The next "weakest link" in the Vanagon is the transmission,
>which was designed for 100hp engines.

Not if it's a Japanese WRX STi Type RA. These go back some years and
are a claimed 208kW (281hp). Japanese manufacturers of hotrods
(Mitsubishi Lancer Evo I-!V etc, Impreza WRX, Legacy B4, Skyline
GT-R) claim this power output, as it is the max allowed in a Japanese
"gentlemen's agreement" to limit horsepower. However the ACTUAL
output is in some cases rather more than the claimed figure.

>I'll definitely consider a Subaru engine for the next conversion
>project, but I wonder how the stock transmissions fair with these high
>HP conversions?

Not at all well, unless you pussyfoot around... and why install a
hi-po engine in that case? Hence the popularity in Germany of fitting
Getrag G50 transmissions from late-model porsche 911s.

>Since all of my Vanagons are syncros, this is an important
>consideration.

You COULD fit a 4WD G50 trans and front diff... that's what I'd
really LIKE to do with my 2WD van! but I'll just have to settle for
my 911 Turbo G50.
--
Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin, New Zealand
64 (3) 473-8863
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Fossil preparator
Seashell, Macintosh & VW/Toyota van nut