Vanagon/911 power

[pkp4911]

I have an 82 Westy pop top camper and have just about used up the motor. I've always wanted to:
A.) Keep it-have owned since new--love the space utilization/comfort
B.) Have more power/torque--early air-cooleds barely can get out of own way with all the weight
C.) Possibly use it as a tow vehicle for lightweight 911 racer
Does anyone have experience with a "turnkey" swap whereby say a 3.0 CIS or carbed motor was fitted? I believe I can keep the trans and suspension but realize cooling remains critical. I think this vehicle would be fine with a conservative 200 hp or so.
Would I be better off going to a built 4 cyl. focusing on mucho torque? (2.4 or2.5L, with cams set for low end pwr.)
What about towing? Would this vehicle be good with all weight in back?
Does anyone know of someone who has a vehicle to sell?

------------------
Patrick

[Patrick]

Its definitely possible but there is no such thing as turn-key with this kind of conversion. You have a lot of the same issues that 914 guys run into when converting from 4 to 6 like oil tank mounting, engine sheet metal, etc. Big bucks but a lot of fun when its done. John Larson, a frequent poster on the 914 list, has a 911 6 cyl. in his bus. I don't remember if it was a Vanagon or a later 70's type 2, though. I'll see if I can dig up his email address.

[ViolentBlue]

there are a number of engine swaps that are possible for a vanagon. while searching for info on possible engine swaps for my type3 I've seen a lot of info on the net for your kinda swap.
a VR6 will swap in fairly easily, I'm told it'll almost bolt right up.
a Turbocharged Subaru will fit nicely using a kenedy adaptor, lots of power to boot.
or you could go with a built up 2.8L type4 engine ( http://www.markstephenshp.com )
or a wasserboxer with dual turbos. theres a miriad of options, its just a question of how much money you have to play with.
I personally would stay away from 911 power, I think that you'd have problems with the cooling system/clearance issues. type4/914 power is a better Idea I think, but thats my opinion.
I was thinking of putting a VR6 into my type3 but though it might be a little overkill, but in a van the conversion would be perfect.

VB