They are dogs.  That engine was never intended for the Vanagon, but they couldn't get the waterboxer figured out in time for the new model introduction.  It's a disaster in a Westy.  No heat, no A/C, no power steering, no power period.  People do convert them to Zetec or WBX, but it's a lot of work and a lot of parts scrounging. 

Stuart
'85 Westy

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Harry Hoffman
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2012 12:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Thoughts on buying a 82 air-cooled westy?

Hi All,
Was wondering if there are any major gotchas with the 82 west that are worth knowing about?
 I'm thinking of upgrading to a westy b/c the family has grown.

Cheers,
 Harry