I just returned from the first 1000 mile trip with my newly-powered project,
traveling via I-81 / I-181 and US Rte. 23 to Asheville, NC. The good (or
great?) news is that for the first time in my ownership of this Westy, I was
able to not only keep up with the trucks on the long hills of southern Va.,
but pass all of them at speeds of 75 +/- uphill !! The bad news is that my
lead-footed average for the trip was only in the 18 to 19 MPG range. I feel
that if I ease up and drive a bit more slowly, 20~23 MPG should be
attainable. Yeah, still not great, but a helluva lot more torque than the
old WBX ! The only failure was a cracked exhaust mount, that I mounted
solidly to the engine mount-arm, but really needs some flex ala
factory-style rubber mts. Today, I was able to put the van to a real test,
picking up a stranded friend in a freak snowstorm here. With the tall
Blizzaks and the torquey diesel at my disposal, I weaved my way around many
stalled, slipping, slow SUV's, trucks, making me wonder aloud 'who really
has the SUV here?' My friend replied "How disgusted these SUV drivers must
feel to be passed by a lowly old VW bus!" An experience to remember. Next? A
6000 mile journey to Oregon and Montana for some snowboarding, in the next
month. Wish me luck, and if there are any list-members in that area that
want to talk Vanagons or just have a great NW beer, give me a yell!

Karl