Vanagon (syncro) owner here for 20+ years.
Engine swaps: it's a BARN on wheels! Do you people really think that even doubling the HP is going to give you some sort of 911-like performance. Again - it is a BARN on wheels.
IMO, the stock motor is the way to go. Torquey, light and tough, and does not hang down to the ground and does not protrude up through the engine cover - like so many Diesel conversion$.
And I know that in my giving Denis advice, that he will do the opposite.
