Mark,What type 15"alloys are you using good points? bad? You're going this
is somewhat funky but I use two old CV housings on top of the rear springs
for that extra 2"  lift. Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Saturday, February 27, 1999 12:00 AM
Subject: 5 cyl engine clearance follow up, long

>For anyone still paying attention, a question arose a few days ago
>regarding the ground clearance of the 5 cylinder engine conversion in a
>Syncro. Helmut talked about his predictions for the final clearance and
>asked for measurements. He suggested that the clearance would be 5.2
>inches at the oil pan. Detlev has now measured this in my Syncro and the
>clearance at the cross member below the oil pan is in fact 9 1/2 inches.
>The oil pan is even higher than this but this measurement represents the
>practical low point of importance. The skid plate measurement depends on
>the mounting points being used and the design of the plate. One should
>probably be built in 2 pieces to allow the cross member to be the lowest
>overall point. This would give  9 1/2 inches of ground clearance in this
>area in my case, which is about the SAME as the clearance before the
>conversion.  See my note below for more info.
>
>Helmut Zeidler wrote:
>>.... The problem on ground clearance in not the
>> exhaust system. The problem is the oil pan back between the rear wheels.
>> The South African original with Syncro undercarriage (but 2WD) gives
>> a ground clearence of 19cm, my conversion lowered the engine by 3cm
>> because of cross member mountings. Detlev's conversion lowers the
>> engine additional by 3cm by removing the mounting pots for the
>> engine supports at the cross member. Total ground clearence on a
>> Syncro should be 13cm (5.2 inch) at a Syncro. Mark, please confirm this
>> by measuring your ground clearence at the oil pan.
>> ....
>
>> Helmut
>> '80 Vanagaudi
>
>Mark adds a note: This is a very subjective measurement in any case as
>there are a number of factors to be considered. The load on the rear
>suspension; the amount of sag if any, in the rear springs; the SIZE of
>TIRE being used,etc. These make it difficult to compare the measurements
>between different vehicles but I will state the facts as I know them in
>the case of my Syncro. 112k miles on the odometer. Originally a 7
>passenger model, now with a Westy interior and pop-top, since 89k miles.
>15" alloys with Michelin 215/75/15 XC LT tires, 40PSI or so. Original
>springs as far as I know, KYB rear shocks.
>
>blah,blah,blah
>Mark Drillock
>