I have been considering some of the modificatins, the gas tank is out of my price range, and yes, i have been concerned about the difficulty of a subaru conversion.

  What types of modifications on a 2.1 liter 86 motor can be done, and still remain smog passable? (and not a budget blower either!)

  I have seen Go Westy web site, and they have some interesting performance increases on their rebuilds.  Anyone with expeince from them, or others?  My WBX is 172000 miles old, and is beginning to die.

  
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Robert Lilley 
  To: 'David Menche' 
  Cc: 'Vanagon Mailing List' 
  Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 10:40 PM
  Subject: Re: What is the worst design part in the Vanagon WAS-Re: OEM Popseals Top Seals

  >>>1.  needs a bigger fuel tank, cruising range is too low.

  IF you do 2 and 3 you get more from what you have.  Plus there is an aftermarket tank for @22 gallons for $600

  >>>2.  needs more power

  You can transplant and go through the hassles 

  (YOU have got to wonder WHY the transplanted Vanagons are NOW for sale???)

  OR you can do a few changes to the WBX and have some more power to a LOT more power.

  >>>3.  needs a five speed (OD top gear) to get the rpms closer to 3000 at 70

  mph rather than 4000+.

   

  Weddle sells South African .457's for $2K, drops the rpms by @~600 rpm, or rebuild and add a .457 ring and pinion to drop the RPMS BUT ADD SOME POWER!!!

   

  >>>4.  Needs a better ventalation 

  Yes, The noise is annoying.

   

   

  Speed costs MONEY, how much do you want to spend???