Probably the best engine is the EJ22 available in the 1990-1994 Subaru
Legacy, with the ODB-1 system. The same engine came in the 1995 Legacy,
but was upgraded to ODB-2.

The reason I'm saying this is your best choice is that it's transplant
into a Vanagon is extremely well documented on the Yahoo group
"SUBARUVANAGON" (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/subaruvanagon/).
This list has 935 members, and many "experts".

I've done this conversion myself, and cannot be more pleased. Moved from
82 to 135 Horsepower, Gas milage increased from 19/highway to about
21-22/highway....and my headlights are even brighter.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Jeffrey Schwaia
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 2:30 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: What Year Subaru is best for Conversion

Can any of the Subaru aficionados offer any advise as to which
years/models of Subaru's are best for a Vanagon engine conversion?

A pertinacious acquaintance of mine is adamant about converting his
Westy to a Subaru.  Any information concerning differences between years
and models of 4 cylinder Subaru's would be greatly appreciated.

FYI: We will be purchasing a complete Subaru (albeit a severely dented
one) as the donor for the transmogrification.

Please pardon my propensity for sesquipedalianism.

Cheers,

Jeff