The engine swap idea has been discussed on this list many
times, and several people have actually done it.  It's
always been an idea in the back of my head to do the same.
Originally I wanted to use a Porsche 911 engine in an
aircooled Vanagon, but after owning and rebuilding a 1972
911-T, I discovered how quickly a 911 engine can lighten
one's wallet.  The Subaru engine sounds intriguing, but do
they have the necessary torque to push that big box against
the wind.  I have also been interested in the possibility of
using a light-pressure turbo with the 1.9 liter waterboxer.
I have experience with turbos on Saabs and find them quite
wonderful and reliable when the pressure is kept to a
reasonable limit.

The big question in my mind is that, regardless of which
route one goes to make the Vanagon quicker, gas mileage is
going to suffer in one way or another.  I figure that the
stock engine displacement vs. gearing was designed to get
the best mileage, and in my case with a 1.9 liter, is about
20 mpg.  In my mind, 20 mpg is about as low as I'd want to
go.
How much fuel is that Subaru engine going to suck when it
has to push that Vanagon at cruising speed while revving at
4,000 rpm?

I'm looking for real answers here.  I would like to hear
from those individuals who have actually done a swap.

So here is my request:

To any listmembers who have either done an engine swap, or
has direct experience with a swap situation, please let us
wannabees know what gas mileage you get in real life
driving, around town and on the road.

Thanks,
Bill