In a message dated 8/8/2003 12:00:50 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
altowner@COMCAST.NET writes:

> The Vanagon diesel engine is different from a Rabbit diesel in more ways
> than just the parts that allow it to fit in the van engine compartment. The
> most significant difference is the injection pump, which not only has a special
> throttle linkage to fit under the floor, but also uses a different fuel
> delivery curve than a Rabbit. Many people have tried to replace a failed Vanagon
> diesel injection pump with a Rabbit pump, but few are satisfied with the
> results. If I'm not mistaken, the Vanagon has a special engine code too, "CS".

From my point of view, the engine is the longblock. Everything else is
essentially accessories, right? So if you took a Rabbit engine and stuck all the
accessories from a Vanagon engine, it should be In Like Flint, right?

Although I no longer own a Rabbit I find nothing objectionable to the color
coordinated interior. My own A1 GTi 's interior lasted until now (with a new
owner). The A1's are lighter than the A2's. Many A2 parts are compatible so
upgrades are easy. A1's are typically cheaper to acquire than A2's, A3's and A4's.

As for people preferring the regular Rabbit's vs. GTI's, well lots of people
prefer the cushier ride. Lots more Golfs (A1 & A2) and Rabbits sold than
GTi's. That was not just because of the price point. The Rabbit changed the way
people view economy cars. When the diesels came out during gas crisis of the 70's
VW dealers were getting as much as $17K-$18K for them here in the SF area.
Anyway, to each his own. Incidentally, it is much less expensive to upgrade the
looks of a bunny than an A2. You can pirate parts fro the Cabriolets up to
about 1992 to give the car a fresher look.

So much for Rabbits. Vanagon diesel engines are essentially the same engine
as those found in VW diesel cars of the same period.

Period.

BenT