In a message dated 9/5/2004 9:41:46 PM Pacific Standard Time, jahsurf@aol.com
writes:
Ok so here's the lowdown on my 2.3L Waterboxer from Unique Imports in Mission
Viejo Calif. I had it put into Veronica Fraga's badass Syncro that I bought
this summer and drove across the US with.
<snip>
The motor thus far has moved my 87 Adventurewagen hi-topped Syncro Westy
about 10K miles. Westy has custom gears and 15 inch wheels with TAKO' BFG's.
Runs around 3600 RPMS at 72 MPH.
<snip>
It got only around 17-18 mpg. This was cured by advancing the timing. <snip>
Now 19-21 easy.

Power: Exceptional. Gobs at mid range RPMs. Pulled my heavily laden, bull
bumpered AW Westy with 15 inch wheels up every CA, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming
interstate grade at no less than 50-55 MPH in 3rd gear. Pulled many in 4th.
Even with AC on, I was able to motor with traffic   along i-10from Phoenix to OC
in 100 degree weather without worry generally at 70 to 75MPH. That is UNTIL I
hit Palm Springs at 105 degrees with a 30 MPH headwind going up the rise out
of
Palm Sprs with AC, it sunk down to 55-60 MPH. As another example for
SoCalifornians: there is a rise on 1-5 south in San Clemente from Pico to
Palizada. In my previous 86 stock, poptop Syncro Westy, if I floored it coming
into this
hill, I could maintain 55-60. With this motor, if I do the same thing, I can
maintain 70-73--easy.

<snip>

Oil Consumption. Around 1/4 to 1/3 a quart every 3K miles.

Chris,
I'm glad to hear your success with your new engine.  For all your speed,
distance,and mileage figures above did you correct for the larger size of your 15"
tires?  If so what correction factor did you use between stock tires and your
new size?

Regards,
Jim Davis