Sorry to disagree, but the water cooled engines need a lot more
maintainance -- just follow the posts for a while.  I have an '81 Westy,
and I live at nearly 5000' of elevation in the mountainous areas of SE
Arizona.  We frequently drive at elevations exceeding 8000', and we can
also cruise at 70 on the Interstate with no problem.  As for heat, we have
plenty -- properly maintained and adjusted, our hearter will roast you out.
 Those who are about to say "sure, but you live in warm Arizona" are
ignorant of the effects of elevation.  It has been in the teens here almost
every night for the last month.  This isn't Phoenix at 1500' of elevation.
Experts say that every 1000' up is the same as going 400 miles north.

At 01:31 PM 12/22/99 -0800, Stuart MacMillan wrote:
>No!  The waterboxer was not ready for the introduction of the Vanagon so
>they stuck in the then current 2.0 air cooled van engine, despite being
>a bigger, heavier vehicle.
>The cheapest alternative is to sell your '82 to a flatlander (preferably
>in a warm climate since you have no heat either) and buy 83.5-85
>waterboxer.

Bill (SE Arizona) (Bill@freeholder.com) HTTP://www.freeholder.com
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