Yep. I've seen it done several times. It's a good upgrade from the VW 6-cylinder diesel engine.

Use all the parts from your '81, such as motor and tranny mounts, exhaust pipes, and so on. Don't forget to clean the diesel fuel from the tank. And keep in mind that you'll need to use the gas fuel pump.

The one item the might need some attention is the driveshaft -- I don't know if the tranny companion flange is the same from diesel automatic to your standard tranny.

BTW -- the vehicle year should be on the white decal on the top of the left fender, inner, under the hood.