Hotrodding a VW van?

Factual Questions
1

I’m due to get a new (to me) car in another year or so. I’ve considered getting a pickup, because that’s what I need: room to haul people back to the start after hashes, and to carry lumber and other raw materials for various house projects.

But I love the old air-cooled Volkswagens; back in my salad days I owned a Baja Bug and then later a '74 Thing.

But, these beasts were notoriously underpowered (crawling up hills), poorly-heated in the winter (the heater cores sucked) and non-air-conditioned in the summer (but a/c is essential in Atlanta).

So I’m thinking I’ll buy a Type II, then replace the drive train with something more muscular. The Porsche Carrera engine comes to mind, but I know this can be done with other motors.

Could I do this (or have it done) for $15,000 or less? Do any of you know others who have done something similar? Is there a specific resource I should go to, either on the Web or IRL, for help?

2

There are two mags titled Hot VW and VW trends that could very well help you out. I’m no Vw expert but there are many
mods you could do that would give the power you want w/o having to change the engine as long as you purchase a fairly clean bus to begin with.

3

I had a 1975 Porsche 914S. When the FI computer crapped out, I went with twin DCOEs. Don’t overlook the TypeIV. Being bigger to start with than the TypeII, it has a lot of potential without getting too radical.

4

Do you mean "don’t overlook the Type IV engine, or the whole vehicle? What are its advantages over the Vanagon?