<even with these loads, these mileages are too low. Something is wrong. Is it a syncro?>

No, it isn't a Syncro ( I wish!). But, 16.5 isn't that far off from what I've seen people post here on the list for a Westfalia. I didn't mention that I'm running a 2.1 with the "Hi-Po" ECU. In addition, the temps here last Friday were in the mid-90's, so I was cruising with the windows down which adds to the drag. Still, I was thrilled with 16.5 versus 10.     Jeff