[Vwdiesel] Pan? splash guard? aerodynamic addition? What is it for?

[B & R Decker]

Hi Folks:
	On a 1980 Dasher station wagon parts car I got a couple of weeks ago
there is a two pan setup. One bolts onto the sub-frame under the tranny and
the other bolts under the engine compartment. I don't know why VW put them
on. I'm hopping that they will improve the aerodynamics by smoothing the
airflow under the car. My 1981 Dasher 1.6 N/A with 5 spd that I'm just
finishing resurrecting is getting great mileage. This car has averaged over
52 mpg for the first 2000 miles I have driven it but perhaps there is more
to be had. I am installing an Audio-Vox cruise control tomorrow and perhaps
that along with the sub-pans will up the mileage on the long highway runs. I
think the Dasher station wagon must be better aerodynamically than the
Rabbit car or pickup because I have always gotten my best mileage on the 1.6
VW diesels with a Dasher wagon. I will be taking a 450 mile round trip up
the freeway to Abbotsford BC a week from today and we will see what she can
do.
Brian Decker
Curtis WA