Ben I have been a lurker on the Vanagon list for over 10 years more closer
to 15 years.  During that time I have seen many people come and go on his
list.  Nearly all of them have been very decent and helpful individuals who
hare a great love of our buses.  Others have been some of the most self
opinionated boorish people I have ever come across.  I guess that's life.

I live in Australia.  And while I do not post very often I always read all
my Vanagon.com mail daily.  I have come to appreciate every post you submit
and have bookmarked your website which I find thoroughly enjoying.  You have
given a great deal of insight into our wonderful even it somewhat
temperamental Vans and I commend you on your great work.

As for me; well I have the Subaru 2.7 flat 6 cylinder fitted into my Van.  I
had the conversion done just over nine years ago.  In the intervening years
I have enjoyed my Vanagon immensely.  My wife and I have traveled around
Australia in our Van even though it not a Camper version.  I have always
said the VW engineers were out for a beer and bratwurst lunch while they
were supposed to be developing a watercooled motor for the Vanagon.  The
Subaru is the most logical choice.  Hell VW even licensed Subaru to use a
flat four motor in their range of vehicles.  Typically the Japanese
perfected the flat motor and left the German engineers floundering in their
wake.

A few of the long time listmembers have driven my vehicle whilst here on
holidays and they appreciated the willingness of the motor when compared to
the water boxer.  Steve O lives near me and has also driven my Van.  I am
willing to bet that Stephen will some day replace his 2.1 with a Subaru when
his 300000 waterboxer finally dies

Just keep up your good work.  I know I appreciate every post and all the
graphic photo's you submit.

P.S.  Here in Australia we don't use salt on our roads.  Hence our vehicles
tend to last longer.

Ray Hunnam

Penrith Australia