Andrew, I disagree.

I have been running the same 1.8 liter I4 in my Vanagon since 1994. Still
haven't changed the stock diesel transmission. Engine still going strong.

The engine seems to enjoy running. Mind you this is only one data point, not
a proper survey. Can you tell me the source of your statement "...NONE of
these engines are designed to run at very high rpm's (4500+) for long
periods..."?

Alistair

--
'82 Westy -> diesel converted to gas in '94
albell@uvic.ca
http://members.shaw.ca/albell

on 7/4/04 10:14 am, Andrew Fox wrote:

>> How does one gain an advantage by replacing my 1.9L or 2.0L with a 1.8L?
>
> If you want to go fast in a vanagon you need very high rpms.  These
> smaller engines are CAPABLE of running at higher rpms with more horsepower
> than the wasserboxer.  However, one of the reasons i would never consider
> a vanagon engine conversion is that NONE of these engines are designed to
> run at very high rpm's (4500+) for long periods like they will be when
> connected to a vanagon transmission and driven on the freeway at 65+ mph.
> Of special concern are the TDI's.  The diesels are really made for low end
> torque and the transmissions that use them are geared appropriatly.  I
> asked overland parts who used to offer a TDI conversion for the vanagon
> and they confirmed that the TDI in a vanagon with stock transmission is'nt
> going to make you go any faster.
>
> Andrew Fox