Yes it is true, some early omni's had vw 1.7(?) in them (and many body
panles I suspect) very little actuall usable parts as they were/are bastard
children of poor linage (mixed with 80's chrysler technology) (carburation,
ign(really ugly),
I have seen some on a few occasions and IMHO are barely worth raising the
hood on.. (and I raise the hoods on anything)  I am not an expert in
chryslers and maybe not even VW's but I find the best parts and combinations
from "exploratory" walks thru U=pull-it yards.  I do not know what I
like/want till I see it.
 I have found many treasures ie
1. a small refrige unit for Toyota mini vans hooks to A/C circut to cool a
six pack-- which is getting mounted in my vanagon)
2. a kennedy adapter (rabbit)in a vanagon, now in my baja
3. conversion van rear heat/cool units.. made the way they outta be (lotsa
cool/hot air and quiet)
4. turbo intercoolers the size of radiators. cost the same as a radiator and
sells to Racing nutz for far more. :)
5. and I have never found anything of any use or worth in a 80's
chrysler...well maybe the wiper blades....nah not even