I have the 5 cylinder conversion in my Syncro Camper. It now has over 5,000
miles with no problems or oil usage. 3,000 miles of this were loaded down and
towing a trailer with a small boat. Many 4000 foot climbs were done, mostly at
full throttle as fast as she would go. The temp gauge stays in the middle and
shows less swing than with the waterboxer engine when climbing mountains in
hot weather and in very slow stop and go.( like the 45 minutes it takes to go
1/2 mile when crossing the border from Mexico into the US). This is surely not
a sufficient track record to draw conclusions on, but it looks promising. The
difference when towing is HUGE. I can pass with confidence and keep up with
traffic most of the time. Syncro Campers are about  the slowest vanagons made
other than Diesel Westys. This makes them the most likely candidates for
expensive engine swaps IMHO.

Mark Drillock
87 Syncro Camper
2.2 Quantum 5 Cylinder

bmn wrote:

> Larry Hamm wrote:
> > Karl,
> > I think like most people, I'm considering this swap for several reasons.
> > First, I have a Westy, so the increase in power will be most welcome.
> > Secondly, the VW/Audi 5cyl has a reputation for being bulletproof.
>
> I've heard this a few times but still haven't found anyone with any
> miles on one nor seen anything in print.  I'd like to consider it but
> for me so far, it's a question of an unknown vs. a known.  If anyone has
> seen evidence anywhere, I'd appreciate any refs.
> --
> Please remove "faux." from my reply-to address above in order to send a
> reply.  I'll try anything to try and foil the junk email mutants.