Love my Vanagon even before the Subi 2.5.  Nothing bad to say about  any
other engine choices but almost double the HP and torque of stock in a much
more modern engine was my choice and I would do it again.  The Subi fits  and
looks like it belongs I only wish the gas mileage was better.  Maybe
someday I'll put in a Subi diesel.  I paid 1500 for an 07 engine from a  rear
ended Imprezza with less than 36k  I then sold my rebuilt engine with  about
25k for the same 1500.  Sure I paid 300 for the entire harness  unplugged not
cut from the Subi and money to have it converted to plug and play  and
bought the exhaust and adapter plate.  I also had my trans rebuilt Be  sure to
renew the suspension parts and of course the cooling system with any new
engine.  I Upgraded my brakes before the engine since stopping is more
important than not stopping and I felt the stock brakes were a bit less than
adequate.  But I tow and load up. with big tires and rims.

My son and I both have a deposits for an  Elio.  Next  summer hopefully I
can stop using my Vanagon as a daily driver and save it for  camping,
festivals, road trips and when I have more than 2 people or my wifes  Saab
converible can hold.  My son is hoping to get my dads 91 Westy that is  stock and
ready to be upgraded.  He too will drive his Elio when the  extra space isn't
needed.

If it were Friday I would mention the 84 MPG, $6,800 price and anticipated
5 star crash rating of the Elio.  But since it is Monday I will only say if
 it sounds interesting or you have nothing better to do check out
eliomotors.com