I would consider installing a 2.0L inline Audi or VW engine.  This isn't V6
power, but it is keeping your VW a VW!  You could install a VR6 or an Audi
1.8L Turbo but this would blow your 2K budget [but it would be a lot of fun!]

This would be quite a simple swap as you already have all the mounting
hardware and exhaust system.

I typically sell complete [engine, fuel injection, ignition] 2.0L Audi 80
engines for about $1500 to $1700 CAD depending on the condition they are
in.  I very sure you can pull off the same sort of deal locally too.

This will make your project significantly less then 2K US!

At 09:10 29/05/1999 -0700, Jim Snyder wrote:
>Hi
>
>Having put up with my excellent running '82 diesel Vanagon for about 4
>months now, I am now about ready to explore other engine options. I am
>tiring of numerous finger gestures and people passing me in double lined
>roads. People in California seem to be in such a hurry with little patience
>for following a diesel Vanagon going a little under the speed limit. I don't
>drive over 65 mph.
>
>What is the most economical non VW engine replacement considering fuel
>mileage, cost for the swap, and reliability? I hate to admit this, but I am
>leaning toward a V-6 GM engine. Second choice would be a small Ford V-6.
>Rebuilt GM units around here are about $800 average, about half that of a
>rebuilt 1.9 diesel. This may average out about the same considering new
>engine mounting/adapters and other things I haven't thought of yet.
>
>I am a true VW fan having owned 30 in various models and years and would
>ordinarily never consider such a swap. However, I truly love the ride and
>handling of my Vanagon and need reliable power especially for travelling in
>the mountains. I would gladly give up a few mpg for more power. My wife
>likes to call me Tim when I bring this up. I would gladly put in a TDI
>engine as in my new Jetta but this could be over $4000 by the time I finish.
>I would like to spend about $2000 total.
>
>What other things do I need to consider with a swap such as this? What
>issues regarding clutch/transmission modifications need to be addressed? Has
>anyone done a similar swap and can report success in the long term?
>
>Many thanks in advance!
>
>Jim
>
>

--   David Marshall - Vanagon List Admin - Quesnel, BC, Canada   --
--    78 VW Rabbit, 80 VW Caddy, 84 VW Westie, 85 VW Cabriolet   --
--       87 Audi 5000 Quattro, 88 2.0L VW Syncro Double Cab      --
-- David's Volkswagen Home Page        http://www.volkswagen.org --
-- Fast Forward Autobahn Sport Tuning  http://www.fastforward.ca --
-- david@volkswagen.org (pmail) or vanagon@volkswagen.org (list) --