It seems to me that the ideal vanagon (light truck) motor would have a
broad, smooth torque curve with more than 100lbs-ft available
throughout the workable RPM range.  I find it difficult to imagine a
WBX-based motor that will reliably operate at 6500RPM as a previous
poster mentioned.  However more modern motors, Subaru and Ford
included, installed instead of a modified pushrod WBX, do fit the
bill.  (sometimes a large bill)

However there is no free lunch.  Extra push will require extra energy,
either by efficiency increases or fuel, perhaps even premium fuel.
These ladies we adore near to their dotage are high maintanence divas
and should be considered as such.

Bessie, the charolais camper, is turning 230Kmiles.