Greetings from Seattle:

        My wife just returned from a 300 mile trip in our 82 Westy diesel.  She had a
great time camping but complained about chugging along with the 4 way flashers
at 30 mph in the mountains hauling our daughter, two other adults, water and
50# of Zodiac and 40# of outboard motor.  I remarked about how enjoyable it
was to be able to really appreciate the scenery but she insisted I ask the
lists about anyone who has ACTUALLY completed a 1.9ltr normal or turbo
conversion.

        I am really interested in this conversion and would like to begin it soon if
engine, mounts and instructions are available.  I'd like to speak on the phone
with someone who has done it and discuss the realities of the project.
Finally, it would be preferable to have it done, or work with someone (in the
Seattle or Northwest), and of course, costs must be reasonable.

        Also, has anyone on the lists considered how to carry a folded up Zodiac and
outboard motor?   Carrying the  boat in the cabin takes up a lot of room but
it can be carried safely on the rear deck, over the engine.  The outboard in
the cabin seems unsafe in any way; it would become a deadly missile in the
case of a roll-over or collision.  How about one of those shelf's that
attaches to a trailer hitch?  The motor could be secured to the shelf, locked
under a tarp.  But that would mean getting a hitch, moving the license plate,
and limit access to the hatch- a problem in case of engine trouble.  Perhaps a
shelf or cradle could be rigged to the front bumper- would that cause
overheating due to disturbing airflow to the radiator?  Comments, suggestions?

         I asked the Vanagon list about this before and got a couple of good
suggestions but no comments from any one who actually used the ideas.  Maybe
someone has tried something by now.  Please reply direct- I've had to leave
the Vanagon list due to mail volume.

TIA

Edward Lowe
82 Westy Diesel
85 Golf Diesel
92 Cabrio