Don't be fooled by Porsche.
Porsche has it's problems too.
How about $24.00 valve cover gaskets instead of $2.00 - $4.00 a set like VW.
Valves than need adjusting every 10,000 -20,000 miles and require 4 hours
for the procedure.
Installing a new clutch? Figure 20 hours labor. That's calculated with
professional mechanics with the proper lifts and tools.
With a 84/89 up Porsche you have a Montronic Engine Control and it's DME
system is supposed to be one of the best (better than CIS and some others).
To run a triptronic you have to find a way to control the transmission,
other models with CIS  will require similar modifications.
Search on Montronic to get onto the blogs that discuss the mods required.
You can also search on Digital Motor Electronics and get some information.

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Cardo" <rrecardo@WEBTV.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2005 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: Tiptronic

> <<Say, other than the cost>>
> << Ridiculously expensive>>
>
> Two key phases here John.
>
> Inherently the depth of the pocket book is real short in Vanagonland and
> I really don't think many would go to the expense of experimenting with
> a bar of gold to get taller gearing.
>
>
> Don't get me wrong.
> Great idea, and I think something like this would work great.