Engine swap?

[tforturton]

In my search for a van, I've been offered a sound tin-top for very little, but it has no engine. It did have a diesel in it, but just out of interest, is it a nightmare to put something else in? I'm thinking it's probably easier to find an Aircooled engine than a replacement diesel. Not worth doing? If this is a no-no (due to cost/time/practicalities) can anyone point me towards an engine supplier?

[R0B]

http://www.elitevw.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

can anyone point me towards an engine supplier?

[tinman]

If it was previously a diesel, there are quite a few engines that could go in without too much trouble, a popular chioce is the AAZ which I believe is from a mk3 golf, passat or jetta?
If your pockets are deep and you want a fast van then a subaru would be the way to go (Like me ) or the golf gti engine is also becoming a popular less expensive option.
However if you do a good search on this site and its forums you will find most of the answers.

[tforturton]

I forgot all about this van I mentioned (okay, i didn't, I can see it from my kitchen window) But today I went to have another look at it. It's a tin-top diesel RHD with an old style (wooden) camper interior in the back (covered with junk). The roof has got that faded paint patina some people love. The engine is there, and the gearbox, so it's clearly had something terminal happen to it, I think. But the owners weren't in anyway, so I couldn't ask. It looks pretty sound, though it's been stood there for at least a year - do you think it's worth pursuing, or do I buy it, look for a syncro caravelle, and then swap the interiors around?