I am currently doing a Eurospec/Overland TD conversion into an 85 Vanagon.
Things are going pretty smoothly, but I wanted some input from other folks
about a few things.

One is the transmission.  Right now the plan is to use the stock waterboxer
4 speed transmission with the TD engine.  I know folks usually regear the
trans to deal with the lower rpms of the diesel engine, but has anyone
tried to use the stock transmission and what are the down sides?

Battery relocation.  I am thinking about moving the battery into the engine
compartment like they had the stock diesel.  This should give me nicer
cranking, with a small gauge wire.  Any real need to do this?  I know the
84-85 vans have a hot slow crank problem anyway because of the small
diameter wire that someone at VW thought was a good idea back in the day.
Thankfully they learned their lesson and went up to welding cable for the
later vans.

Any input you can give would be helpful.  I have been posting pictures on
my facebook page if you are interested in taking a look.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Van-Again/296406512340

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com