I would at least have a 650 cca battery in the beast.  I just got a 850 cca
battery from Wal-Mart for $40 yesterday.  Your old motor might have turned
over easier because the compression was so low.  Or it is just a coincidence
that your starter was going bad any way and just decided now was the time.  I
have an aircooled automatic Vanagon starter in stock if you need one.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
Van-Again
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Office: (856)-765-1583
Fax: (856)-327-2242