we took our '87 syncro 7-pass gl to aspen from boulder (colorado) this
weekend, "moderately" loaded (~200 lbs, plus two light people).  we took
it over independance pass and stayed at a national forest campground on
the aspen side of the pass.  i'm happy with my van, i know it's slow,
but if it can make that trip in four hours, that's good enough for me.
HOWEVER, on the way back, on 91 between leadville and copper mtn, i am
passed on a steep uphill grade by a 89-91 westy.  i'm doing 25 mph in
2nd gear, and this guy (ponytail dude, i gave you a thumbs up- are you
out there?) is at 40 mph at least.  i assume he's got a transplanted
engine, but maybe not?  i've only driven one vanagon in my life, and
assumed it's normal.  the compression is fine on it, it's had a tune-up
within a year, and it sounds and smells fine.  but maybe i'm suffereing
needlessly?  this is the stock motor, 95k miles.

another calibration point:  on i-70 east over eisenhower, i'm again in
2nd going 25 mph.  the temp needle gets higher then i've ever seen it (a
full needle-width above the led), so i pull over and cool off.  when we
start again, we have the heaters on and keep it below 3200 rpm and we
make it up, no problem.  air temp is ~75F.

so, is this right?  i've always assumed my van is healthy, but can a
front range local with a stock 2.1 confirm that eisenhower in 2nd is the
best i can hope for?  my van is noticeably stronger at 5300' elevation
then 11000', of course, and i'm willing to live with that until it's new
motor time.  but if i have the slowest van in the world, i'd like to
know.

thanks, all.  sorry for the colorado-specific ref points and long post.

aaron
'87 syncro gl