Hi all,

I got to meet Robert today, and ride in his Waterboxer upgrade Vanagon.  We had a very good time, and he answered all of my questions -- a wonderful example of all that is positive about this list.  The .70 5th gear and the engine modifications made for a very smooth, quiet ride.  At 70 mph on smooth asphalt, he was turning 3200 rpm.  The sound level was only 77 dBspl A, with the microphone 1 inch away and facing the center of the windshield.  You could actually carry on a conversation!  As he said, this is what VW should have done!  Now, if GM Bulley got in there and deadened the body panels, we might even get down to the sound level of a Lexus!  (Well, it is Friday . . .)

Michael 
townsend@rtp.ericsson.se

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