Pretty gutless torque-wise, better to use a 2.0 16V if you were to go to
all that trouble.

"Joke' head gaskets? C'mon, Scott. ;-) Just like other cars, some hold
up well, some don't (especially ones that received no maintenance). I've
serviced plenty of Vanagons without gasket issues, up to as high as 250K
  and no leaks. For the relatively low compression they hold up as long
as they aren't abused or subjected to lack of maintenance.

Karl

Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
> of the 1.8 jetta gas engines I've seen in vanagons .......
> I did one, and have worked on and driven some others.
> power is 'ok'............the engine is smooth .......
> but ...............an 8 valve 1.8 does not have significantly more power
> than a waterboxer, as far as I know.
>
> it does have a more bullet proof block and head though.  No head gasket
> issues.
>
> I picked up an 87 Jetta 16 valve  DOHC 1.8 .
> 123 hp at 5,800 rpm.
> I'd sell this engine package - 'the whole thing' , the entire fuel
> system etc.
> $ 600 today ...........
> located in southern Oregon.