Leon,
The last conversion I actually saw, was completed with a Golf engine,
and the gentleman who performed the swap, and owned the 87 Vanagon
stated to me that he shut it off at 115 mph, for fear of becoming
airborne.
Looked like a clean, relatively simple conversion.
Lots of remaining room in the engine compartment.

I don't think it's a purest thing, I just believe that it is personal
preference, that's all.

What you have stated about the Harley's is so true---
The suspension,( front as well as rear) gauges, wheels, and most of the
electrical component's are all Japanese.
That is why there isn't ant  "Made in America" stickers on them any
longer.

Most of the vehicles out there today, are a conglomerate, of world wide
manufacturing, so I don't think there is anything wrong with the Subie
transplant, it's just what trips your trigger.

It has to be one hell of large improvement over the Wasserboxer.

And I don't see anything wrong with that.

Later,

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Terry 85 GL