> But what engine upgrades make the most sense for the stock
> trannie??? I have an automatic but I'd like as much power as possible so I
> have as much acceleration as I can get.

I believe that the NF (or other 136hp) engines are the best choice because
they are a good compromise between power and (manual) tranny reliability.
Helmut, what do you think? You are a bit more enlightened with 5-cyl.
conversions.

The Vanagon automatic trannies are the same than the Audi-trannies except
the different diff and its housing. But the "tranny itself" is just like one
from an Audi. That means, the tranny is not the weak point for these
conversions (Oettinger used an automatic in its 6-cyl.WBX conversion, but
some people say, it is still strengthened).

On manual trannies not the diff is the weakest point, but the gears. Since
this problem is non-existent in automatics, their only problem MAY be the
diff.
Summary: In my opinion an automatic Vanagon can stand higher power
conversions than a manual.

Please correct me if i am totally wrong...
Raimund