TD,
Thanks for the blower motor tip. I'll try having someone kick it tomorrow to see what happens. If it is my motor, is there a way to fix it without replacing the motor? It's not terribly expensive, a few hundred dollars on FastLane, so I could probably swing it, but cheaper is always better right? Well, ok, it's only better if it doesn't compromise longevity.

Regarding my trans., I guess I'd call it a flaring? It only happens when I go soft on the accelerator. If I keep firm acceleration, the shift is nice and crisp. So, to prevent the flaring I just avoid reducing acceleration and it seems to work ok. Maybe this is a vacuum thing. I haven't tried tampering with the modulator valve yet (where is that again?). Thanks again!

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside