> Pricey, yeah, but after several dead rebuilts in a near or so, 
> seemed like a decent deal, and at the time, cheaper than an
> adapter and TDI starter (with no suitable core).

We sell the TDI starter and adapter, and we accept your stock Vanagon core in return.  That makes it significantly cheaper than the GoWesty starter ($219 vs $300).  About 40% of that cost is a one-time investment in the adapter plate; once you have it, the TDI starter can be replaced down the road without having to buy another adapter. (And since you'll already have a TDI starter to return as a core, you can pick a starter up locally if need be.) By comparison, GW's configuration with the mounting adapter built into a proprietary starter means that if it fails you have to shell out the whole $300 again (and wait for it to be shipped). Also of note to some owners is that the GW starter's warranty is void if you have an engine conversion, whereas the TDI starter warranty has no such exclusion. 

See:  <http://www.busdepot.com/sr0408xor>

Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot, Inc.
www.busdepot.com