I've got to ask, even though I know this may sound strange.  Has anyone
repowered a Vanagon with a complete front wheel drive auto's motor and
transaxle by just making it a mid engine installation?  That way, nothing gets
turned from the factory power train's original design.  It wouldn't know it's
driving rear wheels instead of front wheels.  Why not just reverse the body's
orientation compared to the engine/transaxle package instead of redesigning
the power delivery system?

When I look at the space under the rear seat, it appears to be suitable for an
engine mounted there.  How far forward would it intrude into the floor space?
Maybe this is workable.

Thoughts of a 140 hp Audi A6 TDI with 6 speed transaxle, mounted where a
Westy's recently blown gas motor and automatic sit, loom large in my head.  I
know it would no longer be able to go 129 mph as it can in the A6.  I also
know the 0 - 60 in 9.8 seconds that it does in the A6 would be a thing of the
past because the A6 weights about 225 pounds less than a Caravelle, but it
should still be a respectable 10 second figure.  I also know it could no
longer yield 44.4 mpg at 74.4 mph (5.3liters/100km @ 120 k/hr) as it does in
the A6, but with slightly taller Westy tires, that former 33.0 mph/1000 rpm
that it gives in the A6 might drop  from 2275 rpm at 75 mph to more like 1900
where it still has plenty of power but has a slightly lower BSFC and even
lower smoke level.

Or, for a lower deck height, a front wheel drive 110 hp diesel TDI motor with
5 speed transaxle could go there for a lot less cash and without importing the
drive train from a european salvage yard.

Talk to me.  What do you see as the costs and benefits to this kind of
approach?  Would it screw up the interior too much?
John

Audi A6, 3219 pound curb weight, 140 hp. TDI 6 speed test in
Diesel Car April 1995 shows these 6th gear acceleration times:
30 - 50 mph = 18.1 seconds  (starting from 900 rpm)
50 - 70 mph = 12.1 seconds  (starting from 1500 rpm)