> If the engine is on it's last legs, what's the price of a junk yard
> replacement (I should think most any of the Audi inline 5's can be used as a
> replacement for the 2.5i, even the 2.3.) You'd have to pull the tranny at a
> minimum to do the clutch anyway. Having the bellhousing and engine mounting
> points already just about makes this a decent buy, I'd guess. Is the exhaust
> in good shape? That too might be a factor in the decision as the 5
> cylinder's exhaust is unique (for vanagons)  on the SA vans.

The exhaust is supposedly good. I suppose I might be able to sell the
whole setup to a vanagonaut.

> If you had a mind to, the 5cyl TDI would mate up physically but not have the
> ideal torque curve for the transmission gearing.

If I can come up with the money to buy it, the Subaru six and Porsche
trans will have found a third home.

--
Regards
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin, New Zealand
Fossil preparator
Mollusc, Toyota & VW van nut