VW I-4 1.8L gas motor with Kennedy adapter plate.

2.0 motor from Audi 80 is better choice, but more expensive.

Motor -   $100-300
Adapter - $500

Get some motor mounts from an Audi 4000 or Quantum 4 cyl.
Use your existing WB cross bar to attach motor mounts to.

Mount at 15 degree angle to avoid oil pan/pickup tube/dipstick problems.  No
good for Westy bed, but you asked for cheap.
You could even set it up with a carb from a rabbit if you want to get really
cheap/lazy/enviro-unconscious.

The exhaust may be a problem unless your handy with a MIG.  Can get a cat
from Depot for $100 or probably your local FLAPS.  This is an area you can
get creative.  I really don't think a special EM is needed, probably a
rabbit or sirocco manifold would do just fine.

With my access to junkyard parts I could do this swap myself for $1000-1500
complete.  Problem is finding the time.
However, I seriously doubt you could find someone to do all the labor for
under $1500, so even this swap may be out of your $3000 budget.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of John Rodgers
> Sent: Saturday, December 18, 1999 11:52 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Cheapest engine conversion
>
>
> Ken, I have a tight budget on this rebuild.
>
> Given that the labor is hired, what would you suggest as the cheapest
> engine conversion that would get me out of  wasserboxer engines and into
> something that is bullet proof.
>
> Installed and running it has to come in under three grand even if it's
> only by a dollar.
>
> John Rodgers
> "88 GL owner
>