>I recently bought an 82 diesel westy with the transmission and engine
>removed.  The engine has a "16D" on it which I think means 1600cc diesel.
>It is rebuildable but I that by the time I buy all the necessary gaskets,
>rings, etc.  I might in the long run be better off putting a different
>engine in it.  I would like to keep the camper for a long time so I want to
>make the most economically sound decision that will pay off over the long
>run.  Ie performance, reliability, gas mileage, ease of swap.  Every time I
>ask someone in the know, I get a different opinion such as rebuildthe
>diesel, put a turbo diesel from jetta, put a 1800cc rabbit, suburu...Does

I put a 2.0 A3 crossflow Jetta engine in my diesel and so far I love it. I
also am happy knowing that the engine was brand new 4000 miles ago and
should last a long time.
I have many pictures of the swap at
http://www.evcl.com/strvan/strvan.html
but I havn't finished the text. I need to make a table for the wiring next.

I'm only getting 18 mpg at 70 mph, but the poor thing is revving at 5000
rpm, awaiting a different tranny. The tranny ought to give me at least a
couple mpg (and MPH :-)

HTH
 -Otmar-
72(front),73(rear),76,78,82,87(parts) Stretch bus
82 A3 GTI Westfalia turning into a hybrid electric Stretch
Several EVs (Electric Vehicles)
Have owned way too many VWs to list. :-)
http://www.evcl.com/strvan/strvan.html
http://www.evcl.com/Picprev.html
Electric Vehicle Components Ltd. (650) 494-9255