I have an 84 tintop with most of the Westie interior and a 5 sp manual
transmission, powered by an inline VW motor that's installed on the factory
inline deisel engine mounts.  I happened onto this rig on a whim... there's
not much "buzz" about this kinda Vanagon... though they are around and have
been done for years.
   I'm no expert, and I can't quote exact figures, VW numbers, current
costs, etc. but here's my take on this type of Vanagon.
  I think, for those who're using the Vanagon a lot, it's a great set up.
It is very simple and easily maintained, performs like a normal vehicle and
has very good gas mileage.   The increase in power from a stock WBX motor
is not so much as to  break things, and these inline VW motors are quite
robust.
  I like the way the inline conversion makes the Vanagon still a Vanagon..
Many other types of conversions seem to make these vans into something
else...
  I like to be able to get parts in small towns, if needed.  I like to be
able to fix it without a degree in computer science and a flatbed ride to
some dealership...
  It's a VW van... I've got now an ABA Jetta inline that my wife leaves
over tbe summer in the desert.  Her work car.  That one is super, too.
Great little simple cheap motors...very appropriate for a Vanagon,