>  Also does a 1.6l diesel
> from a vw rabbit or pick-up work if the unique parts from the vanagon are
> used in addition to the rabbit engine.

Yes, a 1.6 diesel Rabbit, Jetta, or Pickup
longblock bolts right in if you already have all
the Vanagon-specific parts.  Don't forget the
pilot shaft bearing in the end of the crankshaft.
The transverse-mounted engines do not have these,
although their crankshafts are already machined to
accept the bearing.

Mike Catlin
Davis, Calif.