TheSamba.com :: View topic - My "vanny" thread w/ PICS Small Car Suby Swap

Sat Apr 16, 2011 9:11 pm

coolant mainfold and fuel line

Sun Apr 17, 2011 12:09 am

I looked at your pic with the arrow pointing HOT on the return pipe to radiator.I have this one connected to the thermostat housing (which is supply from radiator),but since I replaced the radiator too,I guess I must have connected them to the correct outlet on radiator on the other end of platic pipe,because so far,temperature of working is great :D

Keep up the good work 8)

Wrap your headers :?

Sun Apr 17, 2011 12:56 pm

Alika what did you use to wrap your headers? Does it help keep them in one piece?

Sun Apr 17, 2011 3:09 pm

I didn't do it yet,but I read that on the current subaru header post,it saves them apprently.

Mine have 3500 miles,I didn't know at that time,but I would have done it.

Now I can't afford it,that sucks!!!

Bye!

Wed Jun 29, 2011 6:02 pm

FINALLY..... nope not done yet but may be able to work on her on Sunday. Going to my buddies garage where it has been sitting for nearly 2 months untouched. I have 1 year old daughter and a disabled partner and have to get 2 babysitters. The plan of attack is to pull it in vw powered and out under suby power! 2 of us. 2 post lift. All tools and fluids. Any idea how long without major snags it may take? I don't expect to many headaches. She's pretty clean and tranny has been in and out in last year or so.

Saw a thread started here about a mistake with oil pressure and im one of those guys without a functioning oil Waring system on my WBX.... I know im a rebel. I did check it a year ago with a gauge and was fine and left well enough alone and have a habit of checking oil level before firing up to go. VW couldn't make the dipstick any easier to access so I took advantage.

Anyway I have decided to hook up the diagnostic gauge while cranking to make sure it builds oil pressure. I would like to hook the idiot vw warning system back up to the suby engine and have it function properly. Am I asking to much? How has it been done in the past? Any help would be great.

Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:23 pm

Got the WBX on the floor

Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:30 pm

Had to order a new Throttle Cable. Got it from ken @ vanagain.com will probably show up tommrow. Love getting van parts next day. Was wondering why the tranny would only go so low. Going to clean up the engine bay and coat it in some black rustoleum.

Do most people keep the heat shields that wrap around the engine bay?

Mine are in Ok shape and could be reused but would rather scrap them. Looks like I need to find some nice trim for the firewall what do most of you use?

Also been thinking about wrapping my SC header. I have the single port EJ22 anyone out there with single ports and cracks?

Wed Jul 06, 2011 4:34 am

I kept the tin in the engine compartment with our 2.5L Subaru install. You probably could run with out it but it will minimize dirt and water being splashed into the engine compartment with them in place.

Wed Jul 06, 2011 10:41 am

Franklinstower wrote: GrindGarage wrote: try to source some torker cams. Anyone know any good sources for after-market suby cams?

Yes, Delta Camshalf, also in Tacoma, can regring your cams. Call them and ask about their Torque Grind. It gives you more torque at lower rpms, and you will get more HP out of them. I am installing some in the spring.
http://deltacam.com/

it is about $80 per cam i think. Are you using a DOHC 2.5? if so make sure you swap out the head gaskets to the Cometic gasket.

you don't need to port or polish your heads, it will only give you a higher rpm range, which is not necessary in a vanagon!

Paul

I have the delta camshafts in my syncro with a 2004 impreza 2.5 SOHC. I wanted more low end torque for offroading. They have 3 differen't grinds to choose from. I am using the 1000 grind. I am very happy with them and no troubles.

Sun Sep 18, 2011 6:39 am

Been driving my swap for 2,500 worry free miles. Had 1 snag since it first fired up and that was on my way to Millville to see Ken at Vanagain. About 5 miles from his shop it started to misfire a little. Popped the engine cover and discovered that the #1 injector plug was not fully seated. My smallcar exhaust gaskets have failed (of course) and I am ordering up some factory. Other then that just enjoying the ride.

I do have some body work to do and still need to mount up the ECU. I also want toi switch sides on the factory intake snorkle and modify the subaru airbox to work with it.

Some Pics of the Swap:

Stock subaru intake with early air tube to 97 box:

Super long smallcar harness:

Power steering Bypass: (need correct fitting)

Smallcar Muffler:

3 months of oxidation:

Sun Sep 18, 2011 6:43 am

Next up mounting ECU. Some Ideas of how / where:

Using factory cover with ecu sticking out of bottom:

Wires hidden with OBD2 connector possible moiuting location:

Any info out there on what others before me have done?

Sun Sep 18, 2011 6:47 am

Next up bodywork. What gauge sheet metal is best for patch panels? I am strongly considering welding the worst of the seams instead of using adhesive.

I pulled all the body molding its gone forever. Allready have the POR15 ready to go just gotta get er done.

Sun Sep 18, 2011 2:03 pm

Hi!

where does that connector come from?The OBD2 you're holding?

Is it aftermarket that you connect to ECU wires?

Thanks 8)

Sun Sep 18, 2011 3:31 pm

It is part of the orginal harness remvoed from the donor