Bryan,
I suggest you start by signing up for the subaru/vanagon mailing list at:
   <http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/subaruvanagon/>

Many people there have done business with Small Car. They aren't cheap,
but they fill a specialty niche converting vanagons to subaru power and
have a good reputation for a quality job. I've not done business with them
personally, but lots of folks on the subauvanagon list have.

4-cylinder subaru conversion for the vanagon is very common and there
are quite a few 6 cylinder conversions out there now too....

I absolutely LOVE my 2.2L (EJ22) subaru conversion. MUCH better power
than the WBX, more torque at all RPM, and pulls strong to 6500 rpm.
Great 3rd gear acceleration to 80+ mph. (-:

Reliability is typically WAY better than the WBX.

I get an honest 18.2+ mpg with my '86 Westy (average over 10+ fill-ups)
and I drive it quite hard and often heavily loaded.

Here's a photo of my EJ22 freshly installed:
<http://www.weirdstuffwemake.com/automotive/vanagon/suburvan/installed/soobInstalled01.jpg>

Steve
'86 Westy / Subaru EJ22 power.

---------------------------------------------
At 07:14 PM 2/23/2004, you wrote:

>Hey there
>
>What does anyone know of the Tacoma WA "Small Car" VW engine conversion
>business? Their website (www.smallcar.com/vx.htm) offers an impressive 6
>cylinder subaru engine conversion for a wooping $9,000-$12,000.
>
>Where do they get off charging so much? Does anyone, or has anyone ever done
>business with them especially this 3.3L SVX engine conversion? Are they
>worth it? Why? How can someone face their friends and family after spending
>$10,000 on an engine. I want to, but why sould I?
>
>I have a hole in my 89 westy wasserboxer the size of a golfball, after only
>60,000 on a rebuilt. I've had it with the wasserboxer and want to put in a
>different engine. I want increased horsepower and improved gas mileage. Can
>you suggest a conversion. Perhaps one that doesn't cost $12,000.
>
>Thanks
>Bryan