I would hazard a guess that there are more qualified, knowledgeable
subaru-oriented mechanics (not automotive technicians) than q,k,
Vanagaon-oriented mechanics out there.  Our beloved/cursed vanagons are now
'high maintenance ladies'.

I for one tend to avoid "technicians" in favor of "mechanics".  I have found
that the experienced mechanic is able to troubleshoot and repair better than
the 'one horse' specialist.

At the pinnacle of such ability is the farmer.  He can fix just about
anything he owns because he HAS to.  Most south of the border mechanics are
minor magicians when it comes to mechanical repairs.  In fact here on the
left coast the quality of the 'mechanic' seems to increase as you move down
the coast from say, Tacoma to say, Torrance, Oceanside or National City.

So if you're concerned that your local cherman car specialist will tilt his
nose when you say you have a dohc flat twin where the WBX used to be, find
someone who is a little less picky.

After all, the fuel pump doesn't know about the subaru or TIICO, neither
does the transmission or the cv joints or the heater hose or the steering
rack or the cracked dash  or the front shock absorber or ....

Using the molecular analysis technique will help illuminate the point.  The
first order molecules are those that directly interact with the molecule in
question, the second order molecules directly interact only with the first
order molecules etc.  So replacing the window crank rarely involves detailed
knowledge of the subaru / TiiCo ECU in spite of what your 'one horse'
technician might tell you.

Odometer gears don't know you have SA wheels or Rancho Shocks.

Q.E.D.

Pick a motor whose performance characteristics best fit the mass and drag of
the vanagon modified by your driving expectations.  Expect to fix things.
Expect to anticipate failures based on rump technology.  Learn how things
work.  It's part of the deal.

Or pony up for a sprinter camper, sportsmobile, 1973 dodge tradesman or
such.

p