I thought long and hard about an engine conversion and did lots of
homework over the last two years.  I finally decided that my
"Conversion" was going to be to a Boston Bob 2.1 for my '85 Westy.  In
fact, I've already ordered the engine.  The cost is probably about the
same as if I were to convert (and do my own work) to a Subaru engine.
My Westy has a working air conditioner and I certainly want that in my
finished product ... which would be an additional expense over what some
others have quoted if I had decided on another brand of engine.

I'm not changing engines due to any past reliability issues.  My 1.9
normally starts with a bump of the key and might only turn over twice
before starting when the temperature is -20� F.  It idles smoothly even
when cold and goes every time I ask it to without problems.  It's just
that it has 210,000 miles on it and it burns a quart of oil about every
500 miles.  In that we take long trips in it, it's probably time to
start with fresh components.  I just hope the replacement engine gets
"Decent" gas mileage as I'm now getting about 21 mpg at 63 mph.

Mike