In a message dated 1/4/01 6:12:21 PM Pacific Standard Time, Rich@PROPSOM.NET
writes:

<< Advantages I see:
 1. readily available in a variety of sizes and hp.
 2. have integral transaxle which is sized to engine, eliminating some
 vanagon transmission concerns.
 3. would move weight nearly directly over rear wheels. >>

Why I don't see these as advantages:

1- They are just as readily available to be bolted onto the Vanagon
transmission.
2- The FWD transverse transaxle may be sized to the engine but not to the
weight of a Vanagon.
3- You would reduce interior space and increase the brake load to the front
wheels which are already overwhelmed. Space behind the engine is not
practical for anything other than cargo. Space in the present configuration
can be utilized for cargo or people.

I have often thought about transplanting a Cadillac Northstar V8 drivetrain
under a Vanagon. Kits are already available with removable cradles for
Pontiac Fieros. However, once the expense are tallied for such a conversion,
even plugging in a Porsche 3.2 Carrera engine starts to sound like a more
practical solution.

BenT
San Francisco