I decided at the last minute to abort the trip to the Northwest from the
Maryland, as there are still a few worries to work out with the old trusty
Syncro, and I don't feel as confident in it as I'd like to on a 3000 miler.
Anyone care to add their 2 cents? The biggest problem I need to deal with is
vibration!! The drivetrain itself is fine, and I have repositioned the
engine support mounts, nothing else is touching where it shouldn't. There is
a strong harmonic vibration that comes and goes, but is massive at 55 mph
(no tach yet, 3000 rpm?) and shakes the whole van. Fairly smooth right at
60~65 mph, though. The only thing I can think of that could be transferring
this much vibration is the transmission mount. (as some of you know, the
Syncro trans mount is pretty stiff and unforgiving). Does this sound like
the culprit? Would there be any harm in removing the 'hard' mounts and
replacing them with some more 'cushy' units? There has to be a way to quiet
this vibration, before it drives me (and my dog) crazy!
  This was the first time I've really had a full road-trip load in the van
since the engine change. The TD still pulls MUCH better on hills than the
waterboxer, and extremely well into head-winds!! However, it still leaves me
wishing for just a bit more......hmmm.....maybe a 5-cyl.TD would be
enough....The fuel mileage - now that I am driving more sensibly, in trip
mode, the fuel mileage is still only a paltry 20 mpg, of course that's still
in the mountains a lot. I think 22 will be tops.  All of the pieces I
designed or modified are working well, the 2 1/2" exhaust included, now that
it is held by the stock rubber mounts.
  I am still in search of a tachometer from any VW diesel, if anyone has one
lying around. That's all for now, folks!

Karl
'87 Syncro Westy 1.9TD