when i had a van many years ago i put together a motor that got 4 of us and equipment up and down the whistler hwy every weekend for years
with lots of torque and very little maintance and excellent drivability
it was based on a stock 1600 dp
upgraded with -90.5 cima pistons and cylinders,oilpump/filter combo, slightly modified heads with dual springs, a 1st stage old bugpack cam, 1.25 rockers , heater boxes with a header
009 dist and im thinking dual kadrons and possibley changed to dual dellorto 40's
this is something you could easily do without breaking the bank and when i look at your phot use everthing pictured that isnt listed .
Darren would be one to talk to about such a combo and since you have a good running core to work with its a excellent start
GCVW show coming up great time to hunt for parts