Chris, I did a conversion of my tin top Syncro to a electronic 1Z  1.9 TDI
in 2001. Did the first level upgrade chip to the ECU and re-geared 3rd and
4th gears, 4th to .7. I loved that setup, great improvement in power and
economy. On interstate hills where the 2.1 would only maintain 50 to 55 in
3rd gear the TDI would maintain the 65 speed limit in 4th and still had
power left. I got 27-28 mpg, a 40% increase. My son converted his tin top
with an ALH and got 33 mpg. In '08 I lost my Syncro to a fire caused by the
starter stuck engaged, I never determined what caused it. I salvaged the
engine and entire syncro system and have it in storage. I have a Westy,
without the camper interior, that I plan to install this system into but
"life" hasn't allowed it to happen yet.

Ray

'89 Blue Star auto 2.1 on-the-road
'87 Westy, waiting for restore
'96 Passat TDI Wagon
'97 Passat TDI sedan (Wife's)