Bj�rn wrote:

> I am not sure about the GTI conversion, because of the weight of the van. I
> am looking for power from the bottom up and the GTI engine certainly does
> not have the torque at lower revs.

I disagree, my little engine hauls, it's only an 8v from an 86' GTI. Has
plenty of torque. It would be cool to put in a TDI but I can't justify
spending $3500 on an engine, that's crazy! People give away these 1.8L
gas motors. Plus I don't think a TDI would have any more power than my
current setup. Anyone want to race :)

Gas mileage issues.... I get a solid 24mpg in city driving. Highway is a
bit better. If I drive 15000 miles a year I'll use 625 gallons of fuel.
Say a TDI in a westy gets 40mpg (hardly), it would use 375 gallons a
year. You'll save $250 bucks a year. Not enough in my book to pick a
$3500 engine. Also I can get over 350 miles on a tank, so range isn't to
bad, but I like to get out and stretch my legs anyway.

Don't get me wrong, I like diesels, engine conversions, TDI's and such.
Just adding my 2cents :)

Maybe I can get Mark Thoma to race me in his intercooled 1.6L TD
non-westy. We can broadcast it live on my website :)
--
_______________________
Erik O        Akron, Oh
82 GTI Westfalia
http://ebyte.com/gl
http://ebyte.com/wow