Love our T3. Over 7000kms of trouble free holiday cruising this year in it. But with 3 kids and all the camp gear ... the 'old 2.1 motor is working real hard most of the time especially with the air running. Not that it's a dog, happy to do 100/110 all day long up and down hills.

But ... the lack of 0-100 sprint, makes take off a bit hairy, as you're never quite sure how the auto box is going to deliver or when. So we've become adept at choosing the right moment to pull out etc.,

So what engine swaps/mods have people done ... at what cost ... and with what hp benefits?

Read the US Vanagon stuff, but then that's not Australia. We like to get on the dirt for camping, not 4WD stuff, but the ride height of the T3 does allow us to get most places...we just need to climb hills like Mt White at not have the pedal flat chewing gas. The T3 is reasonable on fuel, unless you start hitting the gas to climb hills...so figure there will be a fuel benefit to be had.

I know I should just live with it, but we really like the ride, the space and the height of the bus for camping etc., so think it needs more umph...

look at this site here to see what your expats over the briny are doing
http://194.242.159.246/brickyard/forum/default.asp

a friend's v6 bus

my ej20t bus

thanks, guess I just got my new project.

i'd say contact Richard Holzl at Vforce he knows abit about them IIRC, ECU upgrade, 1.4:1 rockers etc will bring the old girl to life.