In answer to some of the queries I received re: 84 vanagon engine rebuild for $2200:

I am in Portland, Oregon.  The guy who is doing it (not a VW dealer, more of a backyard enthusiast/mechanic) is using mainly purchased  rebuilt parts (Cylinder head, crank, cams etc.) I don't think he was going to put in new cylinders unless neccessary, just re-ring. He is offering a 12k/1year warranty. Price does not include clutch or water pump which are both relatively new.

One of the major VW shops here (Heckman & Thiemen) quoted me $3000 (and 2 weeks) for a rebuild and another quoted $2500 to put in a GEX rebuilt engine.  The other person I called quoted $3000 plus for a Canadian VW rebuilt engine (emphasis on the plus!). I don't suppose I will get the best rebuild but hopefully a reasonable compromise - I will keep my fingers crossed.  At this price I could not do it myself for much less and that would be using a GEX engine which several people have said are not that good.  At least this way when the heads leak someone else has to fix it!
David