> Lots of people say the heat is what kills the auto tranny and
> heat is what kills the engine

Well.... sort of. It's actually EXCESSIVE heat that kills mechanical
systems. In the case of the wasserboxer and its corresponding auto
transmission unit, they're actually intended to be operated at 87degC.
You could reasonably go down to 80degC (180degF) for a little extra
margin, but operating consistently below that could actually be
considered detrimental. Hard to say how detrimental, though.  I have a
180degF T-stat and an oil cooler with a 180degF shunt on my work van,
so I'm right there with you on the crazy cooling capacity idea. I'm
just not so keen on the scoop thing. It reduces gas mileage by adding
drag, plus it brings the system temperature down below nominal
operating temps because it has no thermostatic control--- it's just a
scoop. Probably no harm will come of having it, though. I just think
it's a badly thought out product designed by a guy with lots of
technical skill but precious little engineering knowledge.

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