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Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:26 pm

hey guys,
i was wondering i there was a place where it was possible to get a subaru conversion close to calgary and how much it was to get the job done?
they're asking me 3 gran for a head replacement...so i was wondering if it would be cheaper to get a conversion instead.
thanks
dave

Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:37 pm

It's $400 for the adapter kit from Kennedey Engineered Products. Plus the Subaru engine and adaptation.

Kennedy says only the old engine will fit, the new one will fit if you relocate the throttle body.

There are a few threads on this topic if you do a search.

Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:32 am

Rusty O'Toole wrote: It's $400 for the adapter kit from Kennedey Engineered Products. Plus the Subaru engine and adaptation.

Kennedy says only the old engine will fit, the new one will fit if you relocate the throttle body.

There are a few threads on this topic if you do a search.

The adapter kit is only the first expense. Do some research before you commit to the conversion. Not saying that the conversion is impractical, but it is quite a project compared to repairing the original parts. You're going to be fabricating a cooling system, engine mounts, wiring harness, and throttle cabling, as well as a cabin heater if you want heat.

You can get some conversion parts from outfits like Kennedy and Small Car, but they are rather vanagon-oriented.

Kennedy's info is rather old. The later Subaru engines will fit into a Bay if you reverse the manifold or use a throttle body inverter.

A lot of the experience in Bay conversions are in Australia since they didn't get many Vanagons. check out this site:

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewforum.php?fid=59

Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:43 am

GeorgeL wrote: Rusty O'Toole wrote: It's $400 for the adapter kit from Kennedey Engineered Products. Plus the Subaru engine and adaptation.

Kennedy says only the old engine will fit, the new one will fit if you relocate the throttle body.

There are a few threads on this topic if you do a search.

The adapter kit is only the first expense. Do some research before you commit to the conversion. Not saying that the conversion is impractical, but it is quite a project compared to repairing the original parts. You're going to be fabricating a cooling system, engine mounts, wiring harness, and throttle cabling, as well as a cabin heater if you want heat.

You can get some conversion parts from outfits like Kennedy and Small Car, but they are rather vanagon-oriented.

Kennedy's info is rather old. The later Subaru engines will fit into a Bay if you reverse the manifold or use a throttle body inverter.

A lot of the experience in Bay conversions are in Australia since they didn't get many Vanagons. check out this site:

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewforum.php?fid=59

George you speak the truth. I have not a Subaru conversion but a Volkswagen watercooled, with the Kennedy adapter(its NOT a"kit"!).
I have spent countless hours doing the things described above, and I am quite happy with my results.

BUT... I do not think any shop could do that much work and still expect you to pay the bill, it is a LOT of work; mostly trial and error, because I had no Samba nor Aussieveedubbers websites at that time ( an excellent site, BTW).
Don't get me wrong, I love my Bus now, but these conversions are definitely NOT for everyone.
But it sure is cool when someone looks twice after seeing the radiator, under my floor! 8)

Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:58 am

cornestache wrote: hey guys,
i was wondering i there was a place where it was possible to get a subaru conversion close to calgary and how much it was to get the job done?
they're asking me 3 gran for a head replacement...so i was wondering if it would be cheaper to get a conversion instead.
thanks
dave

Three grand for a head replacement is out of line unless they are planning on buying new AMC heads and then doing a complete upgrade on them. If they are just going to be doing the minimum head work to get it going again paying $3000 would be a total waste.

To pay someone to do a Subaru conversion into an air cooled would be costly. Maybe in the $10000 range and that wouldn't include getting heat to the defroster. To do this kind of conversion you either need to be very rich or willing to do it all yourself.

Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:52 am

I agree, no shop is going to be able to get a swap done right for $3k in labor alone, add the parts and it's impossible. And if someone did I'd be really suspicious.
$3K for heads is also way out of line, you may be better off sourcing heads from elsewhere and having them installed.
Calgary is a big town, there has to be more than one ACVW mechanic around, have you checked the AIRS list or airriders.ca?

Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:36 pm

ok thanks guys,
so it's not a conversion for me!! ahah
hum i'm a member of airrider.ca and the vee dub club so i'll find a good place to get the job done.
thanks for your answer
dave

Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:03 am

Use the money and build a real nice "new" engine for your bus. I just built one and it was a lot of fun and I was able to learn a TON! Highly recommended. I am in Lethbridge so less than 2 hours from Calgary!

Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:25 pm

it's too far for my van :( i'm not sure if my van can handle it :S
cause my 4th cylinder is dying...

Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:01 pm

Is this still because you are stuck in Calgary with head problems?

I assumed you fixed your problem and were now looking to "upgrade", if you are stuck still please send me a pm.

Also please post the exact problem you are having, is the BUS driveable? Low power? Compression readings? Head temp readings if you are driving if possible. The guys here will let you know if you can limp it 2 hours. Or worst case get AMA and tow it :?

If you can limp the bus here we can help. I have a spare engine that I took out of my bus two weeks ago to replace with my camper special. Also have tools and place to work.