I can offer no input on the Subaru option, so you are fully welcome to
ignore this letter entirely.

Your power requirements are entirely up to you.  Make sure your  waterboxer
is running correctly before you make this expensive decision.

There have Ben times when mine has run like sh*t, and if I thought that was
all the power it could muster, I'd be looking for a change, too.  When
running correctly, they do get down the road sufficiently, even thought they
will not pass much.

So far as head leaks, I have had three leaks in over 400,000 miles, one of
which was entirely my own fault for running straight water instead of
antifreeze (long time ago - no flames, please).  I consider the waterboxer
to be a well thought out and very reliable engine.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Huskins <lostranger@MINDSPRING.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, September 02, 1999 11:29 AM
Subject: Subaru Swap

> I'm interested in reading more discussion about the Subaru engine swap. So
> far the negative opinions I've seen are from people who have not actually
> done the deed. The few I've had contact with who actually own a Vanagon
with
> a Subaru motor are enthusiastically in favor. I especially want to know
more
> about the torque curve/transmission ratio situation.
>
> I clearly hear the concerns about the wiring difficulty, but constantly
> leaking heads and inadequate (for me) power are nightmares also, and they
> are (apparently) interminable.
>
> I'd like an email address for the guy who has six grand in a Subaru swap.
> That seems impossible. And I've looked into the VW inline swaps--they're
> none too cheap in the final tally, and I don't want a hump in the bed of
my
> Westfalia.
>
> Anyone who has an opinion--especially an experienced one--I would welcome
> it.
>
> This list is the best thing that's happened to my Vanagons lately.
>
> Ranger Jim
> Chapel Hill, NC