I have thought this myself from time to time.  I would love to see the early
'60's vintage Oldsmobile 215 cu inch aluminum V-8 (I think it kicked out
around 190-230 hp depending on state of tune) in a Vanagon if it would fit.
I put one in a Chevy Vega back in the 1980's and it was a GREAT engine, and
actually lighter weight than the iron block I-4 that it replaced (and three
times the horsepower!)   I think I got the complete engine out of a wrecked
'61 Olds for about $200 complete.

This motor was sold to Rover in 1964 and is still in use today as the 3500
cc v-8 that they use.  It was also used in the TR8 AFAIK.  I would love to
drive one of those!  (After knowing the HP and torque of that engine)  :-)

The ultimate problem would be the transaxle - as Sudhir has reported with
his Buick V-6, the Vanagon transaxle is not up to the task of standing
behind a 200+ hp engine for very long....

-Brent

>From: Marshall <mjruskin@SHAW.CA>
>Reply-To: Marshall <mjruskin@SHAW.CA>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Using American engines for Vanagon swap - why the heck not?
>Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 21:47:55 -0600
>
>Hi Volks:
>
>My question is, other than possible height issues (too tall for the engine
>lid) - why are American engines not used more widely in swaps?
>
>American engines have so much power, and are so cheap. Big engines for $350
>available in every state and community.
>
>I know that Kennedy Engineering makes transmition adapter plates for them -
>so at least they can be linked into the drivetrain.

_________________________________________________________________
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com