<<Color me seriously ignorant as I came up in the "there is no replacement
for displacement" years. How does one gain an advantage by replacing my
1.9L or 2.0L with a 1.8L?>>

This question has multiple answers. The displacement isn't the only factor
that determines hp.

If you go to Fast Forward's engine conversion page you will find engine code
charts.

These enable you to determine your hp, torque etc.

Some 1.8 engines are rated at 85 hp, for example, while others are rated at
105.

The cam, rods timing all control the final hp and torque output.

So though your 2.1 WBX may be rated at 95 hp,
my 2.0 Golf motor (ABA code rated at 115 hp. ) has more because of the FI
system, valves, rods and belt -driven camshaft, as opposed to pushrods.

The inline four can rev higher thus producing more hp-look at the figures
for the 1.8 turbo.

More hp can be squeezed out of the factory more by changing cams, head
porting, headers, turbocharging, chipping, etc.

For my Vanagon the stock 2.0 inline provides reasonable power and economy. I
can mod it to get 130 hp, but my economy will suffer .

It's a camper after all- and have you seen the gas price in California?
$2.25 for regular?

In Washington regular is $1.73.

Robert K

1982 Westfalia

_________________________________________________________________
Get rid of annoying pop-up ads with the new MSN Toolbar � FREE!
http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200414ave/direct/01/