At 06:30 PM 2/02/2004 -0500, you wrote:

>I was reading in Ultra VW #6 about Oettinger 3.2 6 cylinder WBX engines.
>They talk about the popularity of the type 25 in Europe(and the type 2) hope
>some of more of this comes across the ocean.   Lloyd in Eureka, Ca (who is
>tired of seeing Vanagons in the Junk yard getting squished)

   I don't personally, but some good VW friends of mine have a very nice
   DoKa running a Oettinger  6 Cyl which I have driven.

   Very quick,very cool....:)

   However...
   I don't think the 6 is available new any more and when it was it was
   VERY expensive.

   The 6 is also prone to head cracking unless careful and running high octane
   fuel.When first installed,the thing pinged really badly and ran hot.
   Additional cooling fans were needed,running continuously to keep it
   at a satisfactory running temperature....otherwise it ran up near the
   red zone on the temp guage.

   First try at running a manual 5 sp gearbox was short lived.Unfortunately a
   auto was the only way to go to handle the power for any real length of time.

   Fuel economy wasn't too flash.Around 200kms per tank (!) when first
   installed.That improved with tweaking (and resisting the urge to plant the
   foot hard) but it's still a rather thirsty beast.

   Nowadays it runs well and is used to tow a boat as well as for publicity
   for their business.
   Performs both functions admirably...

   Cheers,
   Steve O
   NSW,Australia

   '92 Transporter WBX Kombi
   '00 Transporter Double Cab
   '03 Transporter Double Cab (work truck)