Tom,
  I have to agree with you and especially your mechanic.  My 87 Syncro suffered a horrible death when the #3 piston pin/connecting rod exited the top of the case.  Funny thing, it was the day after I subscribed to the SVXVanagon group and the Subaruvanagon group on yahoo.  Things that make you go Hmmmmm...Anyhow, I found the prices on the SVX motors to be from $500-3000 depending on mileage, condition, and how much the wrecking yard is trying to squeeze from customers.  I too cannot believe the rest of the conversion parts are several thousand dollars (motor not included) so it must be labor and profit.  I got no beef with that but I will not pay it!  I emailed Smallcar about a conversion "kit" but they never responded.  I also asked one of the guys on the SVXVanagon list that does conversions how much he spent and what he used but he never wrote back either.  I just can't see myself spending money on that 2.1 WBX with it's known problems, low power output and crappy gas mileage.
 Now that the motor is a REAL boat anchor I figure it's time to do a conversion.  Hell, if I get crappy gas mileage and have 200 horsepower you won't hear me crying at the pumps.

TJ

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