decent diesel engine choices are....
( forget stock 1.6 NA , btw .........not really viable or safe on the
highway )

1.6 TD ....that can be pretty vialb.e
better though .........................a 1.9 NA is a near 'fitter' and good
power for the cost and low complexity.

a very good engine  is the ..........AAZ 1.9 TD.
that gives a nicely running non-electronic convetional turbo diesel engine.
Not bad at all, for a diesel.

and before I forget ..
if you have the stock ultra-low geared DK tran..
you MUST get rid of that an install a DK from any air-cooled vanagon, 80 to
83 .
it's a bolt-in after swapping over two parts ..
and gives decent gearing., like can cruise at 65.

going up from there are TDI engines.
a whole other dimenstion of performance, cost, complexity ..and electronics
..
though an m-tdi is possible. ( mechanical injection pump )

I suspect  your current engine uses CIS fuel injection..
not the nicest to deal with if there is a problem..
other than that ..
a 1.8 gas inline four can be a very smooth, long-liffed decent engine in a
vanago ..
capable of 23ish mpg ...
and reasonable power.
if your current engine runs well..............and .they are a 'light' around
100hp engine ..
the performance of a 1.9 TD with a decently geared 4 speed will be about the
same.

that's the short answer so far.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "zzyzx" <zzyzx9@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:36 AM
Subject: Diesel Engine Upgrade

>I am the new proud owner of an 82 diesel pass. van.
> Currently it has a gas 1.8L 87 GTI.
> What are some suggestions on the best diesel transplant without
> involving adapters to the trans.
> With your suggestions I would hope it includes the make model and year
> of the donor
> I'm told it do have all the diesel components like oil pan etc.
>
> Thoughts are appreciated
>
> Steve