If fuel economy is the goal then an upgraded water boxer is not a favorable
option. Presently, VW is offering reman engines again. It appears that new
cases and new , non AMC heads are normal on these. 12 month/no mileage limit
warranty. List is ~$2,570. As for Subies, maybe a 5% improvement unless you
cans also do some gear changes and get lucky. Not likely with the auto.
Larger tires can help with the re-gearing. As for a Diesel, do you have an
emissions program where your are? Is a conversion legal? will it be later?
What will the payoff be?

Dennis

>From: Mark Hersh <markhersh@MSN.COM>
>Reply-To: Mark Hersh <markhersh@MSN.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Engine rebuild/swap in an AT
>Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 19:25:51 -0400
>
>It's time for us to think about that.  We have an 86 Weekender with 240K,
>2.1 WBX and an auto tranny.  I have been doing a bit of research into the
>Subie and also a diesel.  Just got done talking to a mechanic with lots of
>Vanagon experience and he says to consider the Subie along with a 2.2 or
>2.3 WBX rebuild.  He says the diesel with the AT would require a ring and
>pinion set that would increase the cost another 1500$, even on top of the
>AT rebuild we were planning at the same time(240K miles, after all).
>
>One of the main reasons we were considering both the Subie and the diesel
>was the increased mpg. From what I've read I think we can reasonably expect
>20-24 mpg from a 2.2 Subaru.
>
>But a WBX rebuild.... ?  Can anyone who has upgraded to a 2.2 or 2.3 L
>rebuild with an AT report their mpg (with driving style)?  We are not hot-
>rods, 65, 70 mph tops.
>
>We are here in Seattle and he recommends a rebuild from Wolfsburg
>Motorwerks.  I got a recommendation for KC Martin in Lynnwood for the AT
>work.  Any comments on those places?
>
>Thanks
>
>Mark
>86 Westfalia Weekender "Monty"