>  Another sign that the =
> paper composite tube is coming apart inside is when servicing the air =
> filter, bits & pieces of that tubing will be found on the air filter, =
> especially at the entry of the air filter box where the air is ducted =
> in.

Frank:

VW got it backwards.  If they had put the paper tube in the Syncro,
then the dust trap would have collected all those bits & pieces.  ;-)

When I re-did my Syncro air intake system, the VW plastic tube was
breaking up.  I bought some 2.5" tubing from vintageair:
http://www.vintageair.com/2012catalog/2012%20VintageAir%20Catalog%20Final%20WEB%20%28Page%2053%29.pdf
It goes from my dust trap up to the snorkel.  I think I kept the
round-to-oval adaptor between the new hose and the snorkel.

Anyway, this is quality duct hose.

Richard