I have a 1981 Vanagon Westy I rescued from the crusher 3 yrs ago, two yrs up
on blocks, while I attempted to rebuild the engine. I ended up taking it in
for rebuild (block only) but did all the teardown and put all the FI/exhaust
etc... back together myself.

It is trouble free. The only thing that annoys me the most is highway speed
noise levels. I think that because I did not use a balanced crank and I have
lots of noise generated by vibration/resonance (???). This is just my guess.
It just may be that the engine is noisy period ! However I also tore out the
entire interior aft the drivers seat. Then insulated the van floor and
sidewalls with noise dampener and regular auto insulation. I think this has
cut down on some noise but cant be sure because I had nothing to compare to
previously.

I am now going to restore a 1987 Syncro but have looked at the prices of
motors and will be putting in a late model/low mileage Subie 2.5 l engine.
the cost is the almost the same and IMHO I am getting a better (more modern)
engine (ZZZZIIIP, flame suit on).

Sean Garrett
1981 Westy (his)
1995 Eurovan Camper (hers)
1987 Syncro project (Subie 2.5)
sean.garrett@asu.edu