Ben,

I hope you keep up with the good Subi-Vanagon stories!!  My '85 GL  with
a 1.9 L just turned 144,000 over the weekend, and is running as fine as
ever, but sure would like a little more power for those long runs.  The
only thing stopping me from doing the conversion is the $10,000 (not
equipped to do it myself), and it sure seems hard sometimes to justify
on a 22 year old car.  

But your stories are very inspiring and encouraging!!  I'll keep
dreaming for now.

Rich
'85 GL
San Diego

-----Original Message-----
From: Benny boy [mailto:huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA] 
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 7:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 10K km later (6300miles)

So i just came back from NS (IT WAS GREAT!), another 2000 (799 miles
yesterday in 13 hours non stop) miles or so. Since i  have rebuilt my
van,
put a Vanaru 2.5L and a great AA Transaxle trany... this van as been a
dream
one, so, i have to brag!!!

Yersterday, comming back on the hills of NS, NB and QC, with 3 on board,
fully loaded westy + a 1000 pound trailer in the back.. i was smiling.

The only time i open the rear hatch... is to show other people that
great
setup i have. Many will say, hey, is sold to Subi... working with Hans
and
stuff... believe me, if i had problems, you would all know... that is
how
honest i am!!! but sadly, none, nada, nothing... so yes, after all, i
may be
sold to Subi Engine... but i have to confess something... 170HP is not
enough for me anymore... ha ha ha, i want more, give me 250 and i think
i
will be happy... he he he. (my next secret project is an 2.5L XT)

On one leg i did more than 300 miles on one thank, i'm very impress...
on
one of the return leg, my worse millage was 260 miles (with 2 gallons
left
in the tank), BIG head wind, 3 peoples, fully loade camper + my
1000pound
trailer in the back... not so bad after all...

I have an amazing van, i wish you could have a taste of it!!! It feel so
right!

Cheers, Ben
http://www.benplace.com/novascotia_3.htm