Christopher,

Since you are in the land on Vanagon plenty, I will call you sometime
tomorrow for less expensive alternatives.

You can get good used transmissions for a fraction of a rebuild. I don't hink
you fsctored in labor costs in your calculation of $1210.

There are some shops near you who can install a VW or Audi inline-4 for less
than the price of a Tiico inline-4 kit.  Of course you will get what you pay
for. The more money you spend, the newer the parts will be.

I am personally partial to the inline-4 versus rebuilding your 1.9. I believe
it will add to your potential resale value though not dollar for dollar. Some
folks will mention a certain Japanese engine swap. But then that's whole
'nother story.

BenT