EE20 Subaru Diesel Engine owners

'88MoneyPit · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 1:06 pm Post subject: EE20 Subaru Diesel Engine owners

I am currently evaluating all of the options for engine conversion. Could anyone in California with the EE20 conversion please response with their thoughts of the conversion. I am particularly interested to see one running and if the owner is so kind let me drive it.

Thank you

Stephen

furrylittleotter · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 1:52 pm Post subject:

I am very curious about the development of this conversion as well.

First of all, I applaud everyone's effort in this development. They are extremely impressive.

That being said, I find it very odd that between the two conversions I am aware of, there are only 2 or 3 youtube videos demonstrating the vans in very small amounts and the engine sounds like is is being babied in the videos with the vans.

As far as FACTS go: Greg throws out (manufacturer provided) hp and torque numbers from the DONOR vehicle with the Original engine management system.

In my experience Manufacturer numbers are a bit optimistic to begin with…

Are those numbers compatible with what is being realized in the conversion configuration?

To my knowledge no one has dynoed the engine with the aftermarket engine management system, and his 15 minute Pike's Peak run in a stripped down Impreza with said engine is not awe inspiring.

Was that with a "Race Tune"?

Greg has certainly developed some beautiful looking parts to complement the swap, of that there is no doubt.

So, like I said, I would love to hear some more facts concerning this swap. I think it is a motor with a lot of potential, but I have yet to see any of that proven in the conversion mode.

'88MoneyPit · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:05 pm Post subject:

furrylittleotter, I agree completely and with a price tag around $20k for a full swap + tranny work I want to get a more complete picture. Greg told me that there are 4 vans in California with this engine and there are 2 I think with Small Car's design so I would hope that one of them is "near" me. I love that this is a "current" production engine that fits under the deck lid and should (given the stock numbers) produce enough HP & torque to do a decent job of moving a brick shaped westy around. Plus I like the idea of not having to ever go through SMOG... That being said... I would love to see one running.

Stephen

240Gordy · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:08 pm Post subject:

Oh furry one,
Can you explain how the conversion would change the engine performance?
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syncrodoka · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:27 pm Post subject:

I recently heard about someone that was removing one and going to a different motor on the yahoo syncro group. Didn't sound so good.

flomulgator · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:34 pm Post subject:

I don't think anyone, anywhere is pushing the performance envelope much with these. I think Greg's performance products are more to get rid of the efficiency limitations that come with some of the modern emissions equipment. And really who want's to be the first to blow their heads by upping the boost?

The thing makes about the same ponies as an old 2.5 and more torque than an H6. It will pull the van really nicely I imagine and has a variable geometry turbo so it should have no turbo lag. I think a comparison, cost analysis and mileage numbers between the EE20 and a VW electronic 1.9 turbodiesel would be very helpful.
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flomulgator · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:42 pm Post subject:

SyncroDoka,
Just hunted that down and read that. Very little info, but it appears all of that owner's issues boil down to a bad tune.

Tuning is a solvable problem, just not by me Smile

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syncrodoka · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:47 pm Post subject:

Isn't the tune part of the conversion by the vendor?

?Waldo? · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:55 pm Post subject:

flomulgator · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 3:07 pm Post subject:

syncrodoka · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 5:13 pm Post subject:

IIRC they aren't using the stock ECU system so something would have to be put in.

D Clymer · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 6:16 pm Post subject:

I was given a demo ride in the second one that Smallcar converted. It was a very nice runner. The engine was impressively smooth, had an aggressive throb to it, and pulled the tall gears in the 4 speed transmission very well.

I think the biggest disadvantage to this conversion is the price of the engine itself. Hopefully as the supply of used ones from other markets gets more plentiful, it will be possible to get one of these engines for less money.

David

flomulgator · Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 6:22 pm Post subject:

EE20 plus Clymer subie transmission? I swoon at the thought!
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0cean · Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:50 am Post subject:

I was seriously considering an EE-20 conversion, yet the black smoke from the tail pipe in the videos, and the cost of diesel these days was enough to drop the idea. Instead, sticking with a 2.2 and ordered a subarugears trans for it was the decision.

If the EE-20 was a little cleaner out the tail pipe and I could save a couple of bucks with a self install, then I would have gone for it most likely. Even as this is being written, I'm still wishing the EE-20 would have worked out.

Just a consumers thoughts.
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JeffRobenolt · Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 1:42 pm Post subject:

?Waldo? · Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 2:07 pm Post subject:

I would also add that black smoke from a diesel is not nearly as harmful as black smoke from a gasoline engine. From a diesel the black smoke is just a higher amount of particulate carbon. From a gas engine, the particulate carbon is accompanied by vast amounts of hydrocarbons.

hans j · Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 2:28 pm Post subject:

I'm a fan of the diesel engine too! Mine only smokes when I accelerate hard offroad to get over an obstacle and can barely see my exhaust at night with headlights following me.

I really like the idea of an easy fitting installation under the decklid, but my VW brand ALH TDI is everywhere in the United States and worldwide parts are also available. Although there should be no work needed to a new diesel like the EE20, what if it does need work? Subaru never imported that engine, but you can always get parts shipped from Japan though!

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Jon_slider · Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 2:36 pm Post subject:

here is the minimal discussion on yahoo syncro.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/syncro/conversations/topics/54323

Here is the SmallCar site
http://www.smallcar.com/index.php?dispatch=pages.view&page_id=61

Here is Greg's site
http://boxeer.com

I think it would be great if this thread collects some First Hand EE20 owners reviews.
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JeffRobenolt · Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 2:51 pm Post subject:

Since there is only 5 at most that have a van driving with the EE20 at this time, all we have for info is from David. I think his opinion holds a lot of value.

0cean · Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:04 pm Post subject:


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