In a message dated 1/28/2011 10:18:39 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
mcneely4@COX.NET writes:

If you  must climb 1000 feet in an aircooled Vanagon, is it better for
> the  life of the engine to take the long and gradual route? Or to
> downshift  and climb over on the short but steep route?
>
> Mark
> 1982  Westy

wee have just this type of thing outside of Roanoke Va going to
christiansburg .   interstate I81 is about 15 miles of climbing ,  truck lane plus 2
regular lanes. climbs just at 1000 ft, 3rd gear  hill.   Old rt 11 does the
same climb but in a mile , 2 nd gear  hill.  I preferr the old rt 11 mostly
cause the hill gets over with quicker  and no big trucks  later  mark d