My approximate conversion costs (air to water cooled):
https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/15degreeengineconversion
(heater core price is old and low. Fair warning!)

For obvious reasons, I listed cooling system parts cost. But IMO, even
if starting with a WBX, one should assess their cooling system parts
and budget accordingly.

Granted my MO usually leans too far toward "while I'm in there"
thinking, and I tend to see through eyes of a "DIY" attitude,
but......

Unless one is certain their cooling system parts will be good for some
time, replacing them during the engine swap process is likely a good
investment.

Neil.

PS. Come to think of it, my swap could easily "run until a meltdown".
   I wonder if an OBD1 ECU typically has the means to shut down an
engine if it senses coolant temps too high?

On Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 8:34 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

> ....... If a support system such as the cooling
> system fails, fan not turning on, thermostat not opening, loos of coolant
> what is the response? For the loss of coolant there is going to be an engine
> trauma not matter what but in the Vanagon you can run until a meltdown.
> Modern engines may shut down go into reduced power or some will do
> alternating cylinder shutdowns to keep the engine running without the
> meltdown.

--
Neil n

65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp

'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines