First off, any engine, including a stock rebuild, is only as good/bad as
its installer.  Ben, Bostig, GoWesty, Boston Bob are right now saying AMEN!!!!!
   We have "fixed" 3 Subaru conversions at our shop.  All three would have
been towed away from any other shop.  I am sure the same can be said for
many conversions, in any other car.  A 86 Jetta VR6 conversion just sat in
the shop next to us for a  week.  8 hours later, including mine, it started
and ran.
   Holding an individual company  liable for all conversions done of that
type is ludicrous.
   As a vanagon lover the most important thing is to make the jump to
lightspeed and get rid of the WBXer. Vanagon owners own them because they
like driving them, DESPITE the #$@%!engine.  Upgrade that, and you will find
reasons to go for a drive, Subaru,Zetec, or whatever powered.

John
East Coast Vanagon