kent

Sorry, brain fart. Hawkins, the 2.2 is a great engine but you might find it just barely adequate for a syncro. I have a 2.2 in my (lighter) 2WD Vanagon. It does fine but if you like a lot of acceleration you'd probably think it's a little wimpy. I'm looking for a 2000-2004 SOHC 2.5 for my second conversion. Nice torquey engine--ideal for a syncro, I would think. I will go to slightly larger tires, too. The six-cylinder is spendy but many guys are doing them.

I don't think so, the diesel uses a different bellhousing than the gas models. However, there are plenty of gas bellhousings out there, then you bolt up the Kennedy adapter and the Subaru. BTW, folks are looking for those diesel parts to go the other way. However, if I had a diesel vanagon, I would look at a TDI conversion or some of the other diesel upgrades. There are websites devoted to that.

Lots on this site about putting Subarus in the buses, this thread for instance http://www.vwkd.co.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?t=638 -Kent

You need more than just the engine. You need the correct ECU, complete wiring harness, ignitor, main and fuel pump relays and more. The best place to start is by reviewing all the files in the Subaru/Vanagon yahoogroup and this site http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/ The '90 engine is an OBDII engine, a little more work with the wiring harness. I have a 2.2L Vanaru Weekender. It runs great but I hear that for the Synchro, especially a Westy, the extra HP of the SOHC 2.5 is preferable. However, the 2.2 is a great little engine. If it indeed only has 85K miles, that is right in the sweet spot. -Kent Concord, NC