Amen, Warren.  I just want to support what you said about people not hanging
around on the list once their conversions are done.  I did my Subie
conversion in December '04 and have put roughly 50,000 miles on it.  I have
only been on the Subaru-Vanagon list once this year and it was related to a
crappy AC job, not the Subie engine.  I love my Subaru-Vanagon, but I don't
get on the list every week to proclaim it.

Thanks,
Maggie
'85 Subaru Vanagon "Anne Bonney"

Date:    Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:57:48 -0400
From:    Warren Chapman <vwsyncroguy@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: An engine transplant: ? (subie alterntaive) long post.

Just like to point out that THE PURPOSE of the SubaruVanagon Yahoo Group
is to provide a forum for DIYers...of widely varying abilities....and
using a variety of engines and conversion parts......to bring their
questions and problems to get help.

So the Group is all about solving problems...and that's what you see when
you first join the Group.  All the useful information, links, and photos
and other resources are not readily apparent until you dig around in the
Group....unfortunately this will be the case so long as it is a Yahoo
Group and we're stuck with their structure.

I strictly moderate the Group to keep the posts focused on questions and
answers that are helpful to the Group at large...today and for future
converters.  I discourage "chatting" between members and delete "fluff"
posts. Some object to this moderating style...but most do not.

Currently there are 4200 members of the SV Yahoo Group and I approve about
12-25 new members a week.....so, yes, it's an active Group.....and there
are a lot of conversions usually in progess at any given time...hence, a
lot of questions.

So I regard the number of questions asked as a reflection of the interest
and overall success of the conversion as a whole...and the ongoing success
of the Group as an aid to its members in their conversion process.

Perhaps one of the issues these days is that there is too much information
and too many conversion parts and choices for the converter to choose
from.  I see a trend lately of more people, having difficulty choosing,
and just wanting to "get everything in one place". One parts vendor has
responded with a "turnkey" kit and another vendor is now offering a
complete set of conversion parts.  Those wanting one-stop-shoping now have
choices.

There are approximately 300 conversions, worldwide, listed in our Registry
and, I'd guess, at least several hundred more that are not registered.
However, usually, after finishing their conversions, most converters are
out using and enjoying their Vanagons again...not hanging around the Group
gloating about how happy they are.

In a Group/Forum of this size, you will also run into a few who have more
than their share of issues...and a few who make it their mission in life
to never be satisfied....and to talk about it a lot.  However, I only know
of two or three cases...out of hundreds..... where someone was not able to
resolve their issues and remained unhappy.

The numbers and popularity of the conversion...I think.... speak for
themselves.  The Subaru conversion may not be the best choice for
everybody...but it's been a good choice for quite a few.

Warren Chapman
Founder/Moderator
SubaruVanagon Yahoo Group