1) - I removed it on my front windshield and side windows. Got leakage
in the bottom corners on the windshield, and the right rear window.
Others have done it and been more successful with no leakage at all. So
I would say it's a 50-50 probability factor. -- maybe it will leak,
maybe it won't.

2) Mileage increases on engine swaps are an "iffy" proposition. Newer
engines of comparable HP would be expected to give better mileage
performance simply because of improved technology. However, there is a
gearing factor that very well could knock that down. Vanagons are geared
relatively low for the small WBX engine, and when you put a passenger
car type engine- but of greater HP - in the van - an engine that comes
from an automobile that is geared to give good mileage - you had best
expect something less stellar than the mileage the automobile
installation got.

You can increase the MPG by installing taller gears in your tranny, but
you will lose some power on the bottom end. It's a compromise any way
you cut it.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

R & R wrote:
> 1) Can I remove the old cracked window trim (spreader), or will water
> get in around the rubber and cause rust?
>
> 2) I'm planning to convert my 87 Syncro to an early 90's Subaru WRX. I
> understand that my mileage will increase to about 26 MPG. Here's the
> question part...Is there a "modern" power plant conversion that will
> give me the "advertised" 45 MPG fuel economy of a Pontiac Vibe / Toyota
> Matrix?
>
> Shawn
>
>