>> Now, its time to start doing my homework. Can anyone tell me of a
>> publication that describes and gives specifications of the various
>> Vanagon models since, say, 1985?
>
>Yes.
>When I was getting a Peter Russek Manual for the watercooled Transporter
>from VW Books, I asked the bookshop if they had anything else interesting
>and they mentioned 'Volkswagen Bus-Camper-Van 1979-1989' by Brooklands 
>Road Test Books.  It is a chronological set of articles about the 
>Transporter from numerous publications around the world, compiled by R.M. 
>Clarke. There are 100 A4-sized pages from 29 articles dating from 1979 to 
>1989. Two or three by Road and Track I have seen in the archives. Other 
>publications include Car, Autocar, Car & Driver and VW Motoring. I would 
>recommend this book to all Transporter enthusiasts and upgraders. I got 
>mine from VW Books in Leicester, UK, Tel: 0044 116 286 6686. 

I'll second that recommendation.  Very informative and interesting book.   
I read it cover to cover.  It's available in the US from Rocky Mountain 
Motorworks, among others. (By the way, what's a Peter Russek Manual?)
-Ron Salmon