> It's something I've considered doing too. Making my Westy a DD. Can't
> imagine. Even with a "more reliable" engine installed, it would be a
> brave move.

I've been driving my non-GL under heavy load as a work van (30mi
commute + 20-40 miles city driving each day) for a few months now, and
it was a daily commuter for a couple years before that. Easily as
reliable as my wife's Honda Civic, at this point. I did put about $10K
in engine, tranny, and other parts into it 6 months after I got it
after the original engine snapped a head stud. It's remarkable how
reliable machines are when you start from a known, good condition
baseline and then maintain them accordingly.  All it has needed has
been fluid and wear part changes since. My coworkers laugh at me for
driving such a weird vehicle, but they're all driving giant domestic
trucks and vans that get 10-12 MPG. At 38 cents a mile reimbursement,
who's laughing now...

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Lastwagen"
'90 Vanagon GL - "Wiesel"