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Something Truly Idiotic: Subaru install!!!
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Christopher Schimke
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Joined: August 03, 2005
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Location: PNW
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 10:14 pm    Post subject: Something Truly Idiotic: Subaru install!!! Reply with quote

So last spring I developed this hair brained scheme to install a Subaru STI motor into my Vanagon. I had no idea what kind of adventure awaited me. Even though it isn't done yet, this has been one of the most challenging projects that I have EVER taken on. I'm usually one who is not shy about typing lengthy stories but I think that I will just keep my mouth closed and let the pictures tell the story this time.

Bringing the engine home:

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Building the header:

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Wiring hell..The label maker is my friend:

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Adapting the speed sensor:

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Shortened oil pan:

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So that's all I have done for now. Things I still have left to do include:

    Mount the WRX instrument cluster and make it look pretty.
    Build the exhaust after the turbo.
    Build the engine mount.
    Install the damn thing.
    Do smokey burnouts.
    Buy new rear tires.
    Race Eric in his Tristar.
    Pay speeding tickets.



I'm going to have Daryl at AA Transaxle build the tranny with a taller fourth and a torque biasing differential.

That's it for now.
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D Clymer
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 10:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice work! Looks like you're no stranger to metal fabrication. The header looks particularly good. I haven't seen anyone shorten an oilpan the way you did. Usually, people just cut off the bottom and weld a steel plate to it. You actually sectioned it and welded back the same base, didn't you? What are you going to do for an electronic throttle pedal?

David
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Cat and Walter
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

you've got my attention! looks great!
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M_atthewanderson
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Loogy,

DAMN!!!!

your mods are just awsome. when i saw those headers my jaw droped. when i saw that oil pan i had to take a cold shower. I will expect to see you blow by me on the 5. for your hardest project you make it look so good in those photos.

matthew
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M_atthewanderson
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

i need to see more photos!!!!!

funny i was just reading about the new sti forester
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klucz
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

WOW...That is just too cool. That header looks sick. Nice work, man.

Was wondering, how come you decided on the TB diff?

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the STI is in the building."

I live not too far off the interstate and I can always pick out the STI's at night. That's some serious power. Congrats!
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CF
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 5:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

that is great . nice job









when will you start making a kit ? for the rest of us Wink
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Volksaholic
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Very nice work indeed! As others have stated, the header system and oil pan look very professional. The wiring harness looks clean as well... that's the kind of thing it seems most folks make a nightmare for all subsequent owners/mechanics!

Paul
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Raynor Shine
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

nice fabrication work, and I really dig those headers. How much left to get it on the road??
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tikibus
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm not worthy...

Any time your in WNY, many cold beers await you.

NICE JOB!
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Christopher Schimke
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well thanks guys! I just wish I was further along on the project. You know, it's one of those things where you estimate X number of hours to finish a particular task and it ends up taking three times as long as you anticipated. Oh well, it's getting closer to install time with every completed task.

To answer some questions:
David,
Yes, I sectioned the oil pan and welded the original base back on including the relocated oil drain plug. I wanted the pan to look as stock as possible.

The DBW throttle will be the original STI assembly. It will mount on the front bulkhead and function exactly as it did in the Subaru.

Matt,
Trips to Portland and BC should seem much shorter now. But to be honest, I don't really like to drive all that fast on the freeway. I much prefer to tear up the back roads and twisties. I will add more pictures as complete more things.

8419p27,
The stock Vanagon differential is a horrible "one wheeler peeler" if you know what I mean. I suppose that it could be shimmed to tighten up the spider gears some but the TB differential seems like a better way to go. Maybe I'm wrong about that though.

Paul,
The wiring was very important for me to get "right". I wanted it to be as clean and OE like as possible. I tried to mimic the way that Subaru did everything. Future owners (or archaeologists) should have no problem decifering what I did or trouble shooting if necessary.

Raynor Shine,
I would like to start the actual installation of the motor in about a month but with as unpredictable as the weather has been (read that, the kids are out of school a lot and no power), we'll just have wait to see if that is realistic or not.

Tikibus,
Thanks for the offer, you'll be the first to know if I'm in town.
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)

*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
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vwjedi
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey congrats on the commitment to your Vanagon costomization, it looks like you will definatly complete the job with great results! Very Happy

I love custom Dubz, not over the top lambo door crap but well engineered original projects. Have you seen this guy's WRX powered Vanagon befor?

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/543989



[GVideo]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1048229366952451146&q=steam+castle[/GVideo]

[GVideo]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2405882361924750398&q=steam+castle[/GVideo]

These Subaru projects get me amped up to complete the SVX conversion I have planned for this summer. It should be cake compared to WRX power, I long for the day I will be a pulling a boat to the Gulf and passing in the left lane! Razz Cool

Good luck Loogy!
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Crankey
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

wow, that's incredibly impressive Chris ! can't wait to see it happen !
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doppelganger2
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 8:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

we need more pics vids everything ,that work is awesome .and i see scooby conversions all day.i have a t25 pickup with the ej22 that has done a 16.1 qtrand a caravelle with a 2.2 but gonna be leggy turbo later this yr Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
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ChesterKV
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

vwjedi wrote:
Hey congrats on the commitment to your Vanagon costomization, it looks like you will definatly complete the job with great results! Very Happy

I love custom Dubz, not over the top lambo door crap but well engineered original projects. Have you seen this guy's WRX powered Vanagon befor?

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/543989



[GVideo]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1048229366952451146&q=steam+castle[/GVideo]

[GVideo]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2405882361924750398&q=steam+castle[/GVideo]

These Subaru projects get me amped up to complete the SVX conversion I have planned for this summer. It should be cake compared to WRX power, I long for the day I will be a pulling a boat to the Gulf and passing in the left lane! Razz Cool

Good luck Loogy!


Is that white car a tricked-out Corrado ? I know someone who would be PISSED to see a Vanagon/Transporter beating a Corrado..
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Tristar Eric
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Race Eric in his Tristar.
Laughing Laughing Laughing

I've ben following your progress very closely and everything looks fantastic! Nice job on the pan.

It looks like we're going to have to put a "Turbo Vanagon" type of get together in the PNW soon. Since we have the most in the country!

A friend of mine recently said that once completed, you're Tristar is going to be the "swiss army knife of vehicles".

This is the year! (to finish these STI swaps)

Eric
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RichBenn
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 10:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

loogy,

You have my respect! Excellent work!
--
Rich
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WRX_weekender
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Still love that header! Sounds like the hard stuffs all done.

Bryan
'85 weekender with '03 wrx motor
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0to60in6min
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BRAVO.... excellent work..

nice header.. will you powder-caoted it..?

and will you open a Conversion Shop soon? let us know ... Very Happy

dan
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Crankey
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 6:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Eric Didier wrote:
Quote:
Race Eric in his Tristar.
Laughing Laughing Laughing

I've ben following your progress very closely and everything looks fantastic! Nice job on the pan.

It looks like we're going to have to put a "Turbo Vanagon" type of get together in the PNW soon. Since we have the most in the country!

A friend of mine recently said that once completed, you're Tristar is going to be the "swiss army knife of vehicles".

This is the year! (to finish these STI swaps)

Eric


that'd be cool Smile I'm still stock but I'd love to check out peoples work
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