I wish.
That would be the valve cover gasket, timing chain service (guides, tensioner, etc). I called two other shops and the pricing was similar. Looking around the web it doesn't seem like my experience is anything extraordinary.
I know if you tally up the individual prices to do a full rebuild, you are not far off from a new engine - but there is no way that should cost that much. I suggest that you call around and get timing chain quotes by telling them you have a 2003 GTI instead. Sounds like another case of somebody wanting to rip off a naive eurovan owner.
I'm just wondering if doing a swap is a bad idea.
EDIT: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7844593-2001-Eurovan-engine-swap
This is my thread - and based on the reply it makes me think this is impossible.
If EricD says it can't be done - you'd best believe it. I don't really understand your rational behind this swap anyhow. Do you think that paying a bit more for an off the board swap is going to save you from paying for major engine service or is this meant as performance enhancement? Either way, I'm pretty sure whatever engine you put in there will need service as well -- and so you're just digging a bigger hole.
The VR6 is a great engine -- other than going to a tdi, or to a 1.8t with a manual transmission -- I really don't see much reason to change it out.