Jesse asks:Can you swap an engine from a 4 speed vanagon to a auto
vanagon? Do you
just remove the clutch and bolt up the auto instead?
There is no difference between the engine itself right?

Jesse, you're right in believing that the engine is pretty much the
same.  If the engine is coming from a manual transmission van, first
check the endplay of the crankshaft of the engine, then just remove the
pressure plate and flywheel and bolt on a drive plate to match up with
the torque convertor. Re-check the endplay of the crankshaft at this
stage.  This --should-- stay the same, but make sure that it is within
tolerance.  The Bently manual gives this figure.  Right now mine is in a
cold cold garage, and I'm in a nice warm house, so I'll leave getting
that figure up to you.

The other thing is the two lower studs at the front of the engine which
mate with the transmission are different between manual and automatic
transmission engines.  Switch the studs as needed.

Chuck Hill