I have to say the Bostig was the most interesting for me. I have seen subies and 55 degree diesels many times, but this was my first in the flesh Bostig. Much to admire about the install; clean, lots of room, easy access to things. Some things to wonder about (apart from power considerations); clearance under sump (did not measure and also wondering if the syncro install is much different), the heat from the exh. manifold and muffler (there was a heat shield on manifold and on the engine hatch).

The engine sound is nice. And it must have the shortest exh. run of any Vanagon engine candidate.

One thing we did all have fun with were the speed bumps in the parking lot. Sharp little buggers and we all had the feeling that the van must bounce and shake when going over them at some speed. Well that was what it felt like, but watching the vans drive over (and comparing to other cars at the time) we were all surprised at how tidy they handled them.

alistair

PS we got positive comments by onlookers. One older couple out for a run cheerily proclaimed the "bulli meet".

On 2011-11-20, at 3:52 PM, Robert Stevens wrote:

> On Nov 20, 2011, at 3:46 PM, Alistair Bell wrote:
> 
>> Well, a few hardy souls made it :)
>> 
>> pics here
>> 
>> http://shufti.wordpress.com/2011/11/20/vanagon-local-meet-november-2011/
> 
> Thanks Alistair. Love the "symptoms" of the vans with the engine conversions ...
> the hatch is open, engine lid on the ground or leaning on the van and a crowd
> of "us" gawking.
> b