55 in 2nd would be well out of the green zone on a wbx...

i'd put bigger tires/wheels on it, and maybe a new regeared trans
(especially if it still has the orig trans with 172k mi).

aaron
'87 syncro gl

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Bob Stevens
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 1:21 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: faster syncro ebay

"i'm also curious about how strong it is compared to the sub 2.5.
eisenhower tunnel at 60 mph is my goal."

I've come up that pitch at 55 in 2nd in my current ride. I had
225/70-16's that are 28.4" tall (diameter) so that changed the gearing
so much, that was the prime factor, not the motor (TIICO). Interested to
see how my current Nokian's at 27" will affect such ascents. Just my
guess: the 2.5 or TIICO-type engine will pull those kinds of grades
quicker than the "boxer"
but that will depend greatly on the "other factors" such as wheel/tire
size changes if you make any.

Bob Stevens
'87 Westy Syncro TIICO
"Passion Fruit"