​RE: Engine Replacements

Got to throw this into the mix here.
I know nothing about the 2.1L rebuilds in that Craig's List ad.
But I do know that the NWCR 2.3L that I put into my '90 Westy just a year
ago is great!  a lot more power than the stock 2.1L.
Did it cost money to do it and do it 'right'?  Yes!  I spent as much having
the tranny and differential gone through by a good shop and replacing every
plastic part that had a metal replacement and new stainless long coolant
lines and new radiator and a bunch more including a GW stainless exhaust
system (sounds great!) as I did on the engine itself.  BUT still a lot less
than the quotes I have seen for Subie conversions.  And I did NOT end up
with a 'Frankenvan' that no one but the few specialty shops around the
country will be willing to work on.
All that extra power from a Subie?  Ask Matt at AATransaxle or the guys at
German Transaxle who their best and repeat customers are!
I know this is a rant and that many will not agree.  Even though I no
longer do my own 'wrench turning' and never have been a total gear head
(kept a lot of cars running over the years just never got into severe mods)
I have been driving a Vanagon (two of them) for well over 20 years now.
And hanging out on the various online lists for about 14 of those years.
Little bits of information kind of stack up in ones mind that way.  ABA and
inline conversions seem to be one way to go that makes sense IF it is a DIY
project for those with the knowledge, tools and skill.  Short of that I'll
stick with the WBX, not near as bad an engine as some would try to tell
you.  Taken care of and kept in proper tune the original (yes, original)
2.1L WBX in my '90 Westy had just 10 miles short of 190,000 on it when it
came out.  And I hope I live long enough to put that may miles on my 2.3L
WBX!