I am doing that right now, checking a tank or two for gas mileage.  When I
first got the Vanagon before I "induced" the headgasket leaking,  my mileage
was right at 25.5-26,, consistently.  We drove two 3000 mile round trips
across the western high desert, with camping gear,  at that fuel consumption
rate...running at about 70mph.  Of course, headwinds diminished the mileage
somewhat, as did upping my speed to 75-80..70 mph seems about right..
  After I noticed the head was leaking..slowly losing coolant, getting
cooling system air lock, etc..my fuel mileage had dropped to around 22-23..
  Hopefully it will climb back to around 25 now.  I have had plenty of hot
rod motors, and this one doesn't have  that 'cammy' feel to  it at all,
despite the change.  I, too, wanted the economy of the I-4.   I really love
going 300 miles, then starting to look for a gas station, to put in only
about 12 gallons of fuel...
  As opposed to my Ford pickup/camper where 300 miles causes me to add 30+
gallons of fuel..    BIG Savings!.  Of course, pulling anything with the
Vanagon is out, but ya can't have everything.
  Don Hanson

VW---6000 miles at 25mpg = $720
F-250 diesel 6000 miles at 10mpg = $1800  (using last weeks fuel prices of
around $3/gal.)

>
> Date:    Mon, 7 May 2007 07:17:48 -0400
> From:    --------------------- <VW4X4@VERIZON.NET>
> Subject: Re: New camshaft in an Inline four Vanagon
>
> Don,
>     How about running a tank of gas and reporting
> to us your fuel mileage?
>      This was the entire reason for my swap, and its paying
> for itself at $3.00 /  gal.
>                                              Joe. W
>
> Don Hanson wrote:
>
> >Hi, not on topic, but since I had to remove the head from my Cabriolet
1.8 liter motor(in an 84 van), I went with a different cam.  The VW car guys
all like this cam as a street cam, and I gather that some of the forced
induction cars use it, too.  It came from Auto Tech at just $129 and
shipping.  The rap on the VW tuner sites is that it gives about 10-15 hp,
mainly at mid range, shaded up the rpm scale.  With a mild duration of 270
degrees, it is not very radical and has just a little increase in valve
lift, which made special springs optional...
> >
> >  So, I can't tell the difference in the way the car idles.  Starts just
a little different..maybe half a rotation more before it fires.  Has more
power.  I now have just enough...rather than just almost enough...I get up
hills that used to cause a backshift from 5th to 4th...without dropping
below about 65..For the money, a great improvement.  Could have done the
whole cam swap in probably 2-3 hours..
> >
> >  Now I am thinking...Subie..or maybe just a supercharger or a used turbo
for this little 4 banger..If I get the urge to keep tinkering on this
van...of course, I should probably have two, right?  One of em a Syncro...?
> >
> >  Don Hanson
>