Mark,

Reading graphs and charts will never tell the story that the seat of your
pants will.   Driving is the real proof.

I have a Syncro Westy that usually weighs in at well over 5000 lbs with
gear.  I wanted a pleasurable driving experience with good strong
midrange pull and the ability to cruise at freeway speed with the rest of
the traffic and climb in the mountains at the speed limit.    I like to go
offroad to find good fishing spots but offroad obstacle courses are not
my hobby.

I got everything I wanted  with a Subaru 2.2L, except I wouldn't mind a
little more power still.  Recently at Hollister I was easily able to pull
most of the trails rated "difficult" with no problems.  I didn't try the true
obstacle courses.

The big questions is......what kind of van do you have and how do you
intend to use it.   Then put yourself in a postion to try a van with the
conversions you are interested in.  I drove an inline four, two fice
cylinders and two Subarus before deciding.

Warren Chapman