Since I had the idea of getting an old VW and putting an American V8 in it; although I'm almost sold on using a Ford Racing Powerplant, I want to do this right and put in the best engine despite my preferences.
I've been doing a bit of research online and the engines of both seem to even each other out.
I'm not a mechanic, so I cannot say which one is better, although I know a few good mechanics who swear that GM engines are better because they are simpler in design and more reliable. A few others that I spoke to say that the Ford engines are actually better since they don't use up as much oil and even though are little more complex, are just as reliable and are more potent in terms of power....

I know that those who build hot-rods like to use Ford bodies because they are much nicer looking, but use GM powerplants because they are easier to work on (supposedly)...

Anyone out there with a simple explanation as to what the actual differences are and which is better???

I vote GM....i have 2 454's and they are very easy to work on when i have to...i know they dont make the 454 any more but the Vortec 350 motor is pretty good block....either brand should make that VW scream.

My best Ive owned not in order of likes,most fun my 66 gto 389.but I like ford 302 and chevy 350,283.

Simple choice IMO - GM. Get a 350 and call it a day. There are millions of them, parts are plentiful, if it blows up go to Walmart and get another (thats how plentiful they are), easy to work on and upgrade. GM all day long.

Chevy is cheap and plentiful, that's what makes them popular, but I don't care who you are, the Fords hold together and last longer, I've ran both, and have had better luck with Ford, friends too.

I am going to be Brutally honest with you.,,,,
I really DO NOT CARE how much or how many hours you spent researching about American made vans and engines.Even if you can decied on what drive line to use.Being located where you are will have a major out come on what it would cost you to build ANY type of project.Not have mechanical experience and having to depend on a paid wrench can really complicate things more than likely for the worse, money wise the out come of any of your proposed projects.

Sorry it is almost senseless trying to explane wich engine combo is better just for the simple fact that you just don't have the access to the wide variety of American made engines that we have over here......

Reading you posts you have went from building an A Team clone to a VW van with V8 power........WTF?????

The one fact I will let you in on is Street Rodders use Chevy drive lines for one real reason INTERCHANGEABILITY.
For example
Unlike Fords engines and transmissions.Chevy's can be swapped out from the inline 6 to the V6 to the small block to the big block the bolt pattern on all of the Chevy engines are the same.
There is a boat load of other parts will interchange, staying with the same type of block

.......Wookee

GM RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is so easy I cann't believe nobodys said it yet.....
PUT A HEMI IN IT !!!

http://carmensbugs.proboards.com/index.cgi#general

sorta the Vannin.com of the v8 bug world hope it helps

There were kits back in the day where you flipped the transaxle 180 degrees and a plate allowed you to bolt a SBC 350/400 Chev to it...was fairly simple and just need a sub frame to bolt the engine to..