>... why so many Vanagons have a rebuiklt engine.

My Westy now has 157K miles on original engine with original heads.  The
engine does not need it quite yet, but I have acquired used and complete
2.1L long block to eventually rebuilt and replace my 1.9L.

My '87 Jetta GLI (1.8L 16V) acquired over 200K miles before I sold it.  A
friend put over 225K on his Jetta.  Both cars ran very well, but required a
transmission replacement and several timing belt changes in their lifetime.

Keep this in mind:  The WBX works VERY hard in the Vanagon - much harder
than the I-4 that pulled my Jetta.  The added stress placed on the engine by
Vanagon's weight and aerodynamic inefficiency reduces life expectancy of any
engine you place under the rear lid.   Suddenly 150K does not seems like a
bad mileage for an engine rebuild.  I am sure the WBX would last much longer
in a lighter vehicle.

Chris,

'85 Westy.