I'm not sure I agree that the drive train swap is easier than the pop-top
swap.  A quick look through messages on the subject that I've saved over
the last couple of years showed multiple people that reported doing the
pop-top swap (Bjorn Ratjen just recently, I think he's still on the list)
but nobody has reported swapping the drivetrain.  If it was just swapping
the drivetrain it wouldn't be so bad, but all the springs, spacers,
hangers, etc. would need to be swapped to accomodate the drivetrain. 
Still, if Steyr can do it, some of us could do it to.  As has often been
said, it's just a question of time and money.

Country Homes campers, unless they've stopped recently, will add a poptop
to any vanagon for about $4000.  It was a straight-up style, about 7' 6" 
tall from front to back.  Pricey, but so is a syncro Westy.

One things that deters many people from swapping either way is that the
resale value will be less than a "real" syncro Westy.  It's something you
do because you want the vehicle that results, not because you'll get money
back for your efforts.  Engine swaps are the same way.

Billt results, not because you'll get money back for your efforts.  Engine
swaps are the same way.

Bill