It's a very good idea, but that engine won't last either without the effective coolant support.
Good place to go to inquire where very serious conversion discussion/experience is happening is here:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/subaruvanagon/
 
Bob> > Ever since a problem-free Europe trip in a 1982 Joker with the kids we have been eyeing getting a Westy. Last February we did and have had some short but good adventures?and replaced nearly the?entire cooling system (thermo, pump, rad-thermo and heads), along the way. Alas, while heading out to Assateague Island July 4 a hose split, she overheated and blew her new heads out 1200 miles after they were rebuilt by an experienced shop. We're basically looking for advice on whether to have the heads re-done within a month or park her for?the?9?months until we save enough cabbage to put a subie in (we could transfer a 2.2 from our other car). Altho we do minor jobs, we're not mechanically-inclined. Thoughts?> > ~ Steve> 1983.jive "Manggo"
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