In a message dated 4/6/04 10:01:23 AM, gull@GULL.US writes:

<< Heck, I saw an adapter plate once to put a Volvo engine in a Vanagon.
I've never seen pictures of one actually installed, though.  I don't think
I'd recommend it.  While the Volvo B230 is extremely durable, and its
torque curve feels pretty similar to a VW boxer engine, it's one of the
most thrashy, coarse, and unrefined engines I've ever seen.  And at 114
horsepower it's not exactly a fire breather. ;) >>

I like thrashy and course myself.  I think of it as tactile feedback.  I
would like nothing better than to have a Volvo 4 banger plugging away in the back
of my Vanagon.  But, the Volvo engine is a long, tall and heavy lump and I
have never felt comfortable with hanging its extra mass in the worst place of
all, behind the rear axle.  If I knew for certain that the van's handling would
not suffer, I'd be making my moves to transplant a Volvo I-4 tomorrow morning.

Apparently, the Volagon is not unheard of in the far north:

http://www.smt.nu/default.asp?Expand=2&Display=1

If you're a Swede, feel free to translate.

George