This is a great subject!

I once considered putting a V-8 in my MGB (my son still wants to do
this) but after reading a book on the subject I realized that virtually
every piece of the running gear along with the support systems had to be
extensively modified or replaced!  Along with the engine you needed a
transmission, shortened drive shaft, new differential and shortened
axle(!), new suspension, brakes, radiator, body modifications, ad
nauseum.

It was not hard to see this was a project for the enthusiast with a lot
of time and lots of tools.  The Vanagon conversions are much simpler but
will still take a lot of time, running around, and hard work, as well as
specialized maintenance and repair only the owner can do.

My '84 Westy is the highest mileage car I have ever owned, and with 200k
and two head replacements on it I really can't complain about it.  My
friends with BMWs, Volvos and Saabs that are much younger than my Westy
have spent much more on repairs and maintenance than I have in the 15
years I have owned my van, and will continue to do so.

Not having that much time anymore for projects like this I think I'll
stick with stock, or maybe slightly modified stock!

Stuart MacMillan
'84 Westy
'65 MGB
'73 MGB GT