[Vwdiesel] What engine would you want?

[Dave Cook]

First, sorry for those of you who get this in more than one group, but I figured the varied groups would yield varied results and thoughts.

Anyway...

A few years ago, buddy and I attempted to drive my '78 bus to Alaska after graduating from college.  After a couple breakdowns, we ended up turning around and coming home, vowing to do it again sometime.

Well, we both are currently looking for work, and the conversation has gone back to the idea of another trip, and to do it right this time.  For the past couple years or so, we've talked about the Pan-American Highway, going deep into South America.

The bus does still have the stock, 2-liter, fuel injected engine.  That runs pretty well (assuming I figure out why it currently won't start...) though I'm sure it is probably pretty worn.

So, an engine conversion isn't out of the question.  The question would be, what engine?  I would prefer it to be something out of a VW, mostly because I'm pretty familiar with many different VW engines, and have all sorts of manuals.

Things to consider (that I've thought of so far) would be:
*Reliability!
*Ease of repair, and finding parts in South America if necessary
*Ability to limp along for awhile if necessary
*Fuel availability
*Power and Economy
*Other considerations I haven't considered?

Also, we were talking about selling sponsorships/ad space on the side of the bus.  Of course, there will be a blog with lots of pics, including pics of the bus.  If anyone has any leads here, that would be much appreciated!

Thoughts?

If nothing else, hopefully this will spur on some conversations in some otherwise quiet groups.

Dave Cook