Woody,
Eskimos have about 250 words for snow. That's because it comes in so many
different textures, temperatures, moisture contents, and densities. What's
more it changes over time from new dry snow eventually to hard ice under the
right conditions.
Just as there is no one ski that is perfect for all snow conditions, there
is no one tire that is perfect for all snow conditions. The best way to
select a snow tire is to go to a tire dealer in the area you plan to be
encountering snow and ask him what works best for your van. If the guy has
been in business in the area for a few years he will have direct experience
and customer feedback of what works best.
Bill
90 Westy Syncro
Lake Tahoe
-----Original Message-----
From: Woody Halsey <WoodyHalsey@COMPUSERVE.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Friday, December 24, 1999 7:11 AM
Subject: traction, transmissions

Dear Great and Wise List,

Recently I have heard my mechanic say two things which do not seem to be
backed by either the List or Common Sense. I am curious to know our
thoughts.

1) He told another customer, "Narrow tires have better traction in snow
than wide tires with the same tread, because there is less surface to slip
on." Is that counterintuitive fact, or just plain wrong? This reminds me of
a friend in France who insisted that her little 2CV (Deux-chevaux) was
great in the snow because it was so *light.*  I never figured that out
either (always thoguht "heavy over the powered wheels" was what you
wanted), but I do know that my Beetle is pretty good and my Vanagon is
pretty bad when the snow flies.

2) He told me when my transmission gave up the ghost last year that VW
waterboxer transmissions were designed in such a way that they can NOT be
rebuilt. Yet I have seen references to rebuilt transmissions here. What is
the scoop? I now have two. One in the car, running OK, but thumping into
first every once and a while; and one that came out of the parts van and is
sitting in my basement. No idea what shape it is in inside, but I'd be
tempted to have it rebuilt if possible and put aside for the inevitable day
when the other one dies.

Thanks and Merry Christmas to all,

Woody