Stuart MacMillan wrote:
>
 I have no interest in Chevy, Subaru, or any other wild
> ideas.

Stuart,

What's so "wild" about swapping to a Subaru engine? It's a four cylinder
waterboxer, just like what you have now. Except it's (Legacy) 2.2
liters, doesn't have leaky head problems, has a counterbalanced crank,
four valves per cylinder, port injection, hot wire airflow meter, 130HP,
137ft/lbs, and a great reputation for dependability. And, it comes in
turbo form if you're so inclined. It's the engine VW should have made.

Furthermore, KEP (Kennedy Engineered Products) makes a complete swap kit
for them, about $1500 less engine, and is smogged in CA. These engines
in good used condition are typically around $1000, and can be found in
most salvage yards.
The only "wild idea" I see is trying to bump the VW engine up to a
satisfactory power level and then trying to keep it from grenading. For
around $2500 you can have power, dependability, a "modern" engine, and
$2500 left over for your favorite beverage!

See KEP's website for more info:
http://www.kennedyeng.com//index.htm
click on "Vanagon"

Usual disclaimers, although maybe I should set up shop doing
conversions! (With a heavy Japanese accent!)  (Friday humor!)

Good luck, whatever you do.
Larry