Leave off the cooler, the 1.9 doesn't need it.  Otherwise you'll have to convert to the 2.1 exhaust system or rig a remote filter/cooler set up.   Not worth the effort IMHO, I did that when I put a 2.1 into my '84 way back when.

As you'll also see the water pump is different and the cooling system is plumbed differently.  Someone else can advise on either plugging the no longer used coolant lines or hooking them together, as I have no idea which is best.

Stuart 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of TJ Hemrick
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2014 11:33 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Engine swap: stopped by oil filter

I can't believe you guys didn't tell me this.  Amazing....  You all let me swap an early model 1.9 into my 87 that blew a head gasket and after a massive struggle to swap out the oil cooler adapter on the filter boss, I find the exhaust is blocking the filter because it has a different exhaust and doesn't use/have an oil cooler sandwich adapter like late models do....  Guys, guys, guys...  Is this some kind of sick joke?  Second only by the moronic engineers who use 400 miles if rubber hoses molded with different size ends. ;)

Okay, do they make a "shorty" filter for idiots like me?

I screwed on a, may the gods strike me down, a Honda filter to keep the funk out and oil in.  Any issues running that to fire it up the first
time.   I was so looking forward to my knew MANN filter but that is, sadly,
not to be.   I'll be happy if it starts and runs.  Rental car is killing me.

Thanks,

TJ
87 Wolfsburg Auto