In a message dated 3/10/05 1:27:24 AM, korkwood@WSHOST.NET writes:

<< That transaxle can handle lots of torque.

Driving like maniac will destroy any trans

Normal driving is not a problem >>

Leon,

I've spoken to three transaxle specialist who all said the same thing: over
time, the Vanagon transaxle tries to pound the intermediate shaft through the
case.  I've looked at the carnage inside a queefed out transaxle and I can say
that the experts weren't lying.

Maybe the internals of a Vanagon transaxle can handle far more torque than a
stock load.  Maybe the transaxles can survive high loading whenever the time
between rebuilds is measured in the number of quarter mile holeshots.  But, in
day-to-day use they beat themselves to death.  Double the torque pumped into
one?  Sure you can do that, but for how long?

Aside from that, of all the problems with a Subaru conversion the one that
keeps me from doing one is the oil sump.  I've toyed around with the design and
I've seen the various modified oil pans, but I've not found one which would
prevent pumping air during extended operation at extreme attitudes.  The
anecdotes I'm heard about oil pressure warning lights popping on at the most
inconvenient times ("When I reached the bottom of the grade, my oil light came on.  Do
you think my main bearings are still OK?") seem to validate my concern.

George