At  3/6/2012 03:07 PM, Mr.mds wrote:
>Hello to all who read...
>
>My 81 is knocking badly.. And I am considering a conversion replacement.
>Was just wondering which way to go, I'm looking for the most cost
>effective (not cheaping out) solution..  Any advice would greatly be
>appreciated!
>
>Thanks for reading!
>
>MS

It depends on what you do with your van, getting it rebuilt before it
eats itself is a normal course of events but there are other alternatives.

This is not a recommendation, just a "in case you didn't know" .
A rebuilt for $1800 + shipping
http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=071100627  and I've
heard that an upright VW aircooled can be bolted in and will work.
The 1600 dual port was a great engine IMO.
As another example
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/2888652067.html is a rebuilt
1600 for $800.

You could always put water pipes & a radiator (in the radiator hole
that is already there) and a drop a Subie or a VW I-4 into it too.
There are a few places that could convert it to a diesel...

Lot's of options ....

Rob
becida@comcast.net