I almost bought a Vanagon on eBay described as an 85 GL. Once I inspected the
thing, I discovered it was a Mark VII conversion. That was not the worst
part. I opened the engine lid and there was this awful looking air-cooled
motor with a carburetor on it. The guy swore up and down that it was an 86
engine. He claims that it comes with a smog compliance certificate. This
happened six months ago. His smog certificate was dated 1997. Who was he
kidding?

Since this happened in California, the chances of getting this thing smog
legal "as-is" was next to impossible. At least I know that it can work. I
drove this thing around the block and immediately decided that in should BE
on blocks.

Javier, I don't know how the local authorities in your community would treat
the conversion that you are contemplating. Here in California, it's a no go.

BenT
San Francisco