Here, I can help you.

Either engine will probably work fine. The Subaru engine is vastly
superior to the Wasser-leaker. Will last longer without the problems
of the WBX.

That Golf engine is WAY over priced. You should be able to get a
90-up 2.0 liter with wiring and computer for under $500 (I've seen
them go for $300 with moderate miles on them). But the engine will be
fine, you won't really notice any power problems, and the 2.0 liter
has it all, torque and power.

The real Q is who is installing the engine, and where will you go for
help if you need it? At least with a VW engine, you can find
mechanics that are good with the engines no matter what they're in.
Aslo, there are a ton of after market new and used parts for the
Golf/jetta engines.

With the Subarus....I dont' know. IF you could get your hands on a
Turo Subaru, that's a different story! ;)

And, of course a G60 supercharged Corrado engine..... ;)

Go with the the conversion with that has the most available parts, so
you can actually FINISH the project. Sounds like the Subaru is it.

James

>so i have a dead vanagon, formerly a 1.9 wbx that i want to convert. i can
>buy a 70k mile subaru motor with all parts for 650.00. or i can buy a 86 golf
>with a 1.8 litre 4 cyl for around the same money. the choices are drivinng me
>nuts! the only reason i consider the subaru is that it is a balanced flat 4
>and revs high. my van cruises 65 mph @ 3600 rpm. this is the subies peak
>torque range. the 1.8 peaks at about 3200 and isnt balanced so it will be a
>rougher ride( more vibrations?) i just dont know...... purists dont take
>offense> the conversion will be cheaper for me to do, since my core is
>totally wasted. sorry if ive been rambling- too much tequilla