Call your local transmission builder and see what their warranty is on Syncro Trans with a Tdi behind it. 
      I honestly think the Diesel ship has sailed. Save your frustration and put a tried and true 2.2 Subaru in it. 
        There is a reason that most conversions you see are Subaru. Reasonably priced and super dependable.

                                     My .02 

                                               Stacy

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 10, 2017, at 11:09 AM, Michael D. Werner <michael.d.werner@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Seeking experienced TDI users or converters on your vanagons...
> 
> Before I consider the potential of a TDI conversion on my syncro, would
> anyone be willing to share their story with me over the phone? Im
> interested in hearing about your experience either way (eg issues, install
> experience and set up, fuel economy, maintenance schedule, power/torque,
> tuning, lessons learned)
> 
> I am considering a TDI as a potential option and would need all of the
> emissions controls. Im especially interested to speak with you if you 1.
> Live in California and 2. Converted an 86-91 to diesel and got it approved
> by a referee.
> 
> Cheers
> Mike