TheSamba.com :: View topic - Something Truly Idiotic: Subaru install!!!

Wed Jan 17, 2007 10:14 pm

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:

Building the header:

Wiring hell..The label maker is my friend:

Adapting the speed sensor:

Shortened oil pan:

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.

Wed Jan 17, 2007 10:49 pm

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

Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:06 pm

you've got my attention! looks great!

Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:16 pm

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

Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:20 pm

i need to see more photos!!!!!

funny i was just reading about the new sti forester

Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:06 am

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!

Thu Jan 18, 2007 5:17 am

that is great . nice job

when will you start making a kit ? for the rest of us :wink:

Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:19 am

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

Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:39 am

nice fabrication work, and I really dig those headers. How much left to get it on the road??

Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:18 am

I'm not worthy...

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

NICE JOB!

Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:30 am

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.

Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:34 pm

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

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! :P 8)

Good luck Loogy!

Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:48 am

wow, that's incredibly impressive Chris ! can't wait to see it happen !

Fri Jan 19, 2007 8:43 am

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 :D :D :D

Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:17 am

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

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! :P 8)

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..

Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:20 am

Quote: Race Eric in his Tristar.
:lol: :lol: :lol:

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

Fri Jan 19, 2007 10:01 am

loogy,

You have my respect! Excellent work!
--
Rich

Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:41 pm

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

Bryan
'85 weekender with '03 wrx motor

Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:46 pm

BRAVO.... excellent work..

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

and will you open a Conversion Shop soon? let us know ... :D

dan

Fri Jan 19, 2007 6:22 pm

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

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 :) I'm still stock but I'd love to check out peoples work