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chompy Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2014 Posts: 400 Location: Cascade Locks
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Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 7:52 pm Post subject: EJ22 into Aircooled Vanagon 2.0L to Subaru 2.2L Conversion |
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So I finally broke down and bought a 92 Legacy to swap into my 81 Westfalia. My engine still runs great and I've taken multiple long trips this year but I just want the dependability that the EJ22 has to offer. I've been looking at Subarus for a very long time, and am always keeping my eye out for the special deal on craigslist. I had originally planned on just going to the Pick n Pull to strip the engine and harness, but that would put me in a time crunch, and a very uncomfortable place to work on the car. What I found, and had even hoped for, was a 92 Legacy with a slipping transmission. What's funny is the transmission never slipped on me, it just had a tragic swooshing sound that is hard to describe. I was flying down the freeway home, so it wasn't that big of a problem, I don't need the transmission anyways...
With the car in my driveway, I can now slowly tear it down and hopefully part out a bit to help with the conversion. I'm already making a list of items I'll be stripping to add to my collection of hoarded parts from past vehicles. There is a nice cache of wire, body plugs and grommets, various cable holders, tube brackets, and metric bolts throughout this car, and I'm going to take as much as I can.
Anyways, here's the first shots of the engine. I had started to pull parts off before remembering that I should take some pictures throughout the process.
And the sad beast I'll be shredding to bits.
Hopefully I can get a tow company to give me a few dollars for the body and trans.
There will be updates throughout the process, although it will be slow. I'm in no rush. My only regret is walking away from the aircooled world, even if it's for the short term, I don't want to forget anything I've learned!
Links:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=528610
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=596858
http://www.eastwestyexperiment.blogspot.com/
http://shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=136053
http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/
http://www.boxerswaps.com
Subaru FSMs/Chiltons/Haynes:
These are scans of FSM pages for a 1992 Legacy:
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/subaru_manual_scans/FSM_Scans/
Multiple FSMs for different years and the fairly useless Haynes/Chiltons:
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/subaru_manual_scans/
This is the actual .zip file of the entire FSM. There's an index in .doc format as well:
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/subaru_manual_scans/1992_FSM_%28Engine_&_Electrical%29/
Edit: adding links that I've used throughout the process.[/u][/b] _________________ '81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission
Last edited by chompy on Wed Dec 09, 2015 6:10 pm; edited 8 times in total |
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Syncro Jael Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2013 Posts: 2204 Location: Utah
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Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 8:56 pm Post subject: |
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I love my EJ22. A reliable, dependable, bullet proof engine with a little more horsepower than stock. You will enjoy the van even more.
Out with the old that has been driven for 14 years
And in with a total rebuild for many more years of fun
_________________ 1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat) |
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insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
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Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:01 pm Post subject: |
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Sooo many aircooled vans getting water cooled conversions.
Really cool stuff
There is another new thread with an AC Westy getting an EG33 H6
That sucker is going to fly. |
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15144 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 7:14 am Post subject: |
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from another 'formerly' air cooled van.
with the 2.2 I'd even say you don't need to open the lower radiator grill opening.
just make sure there are plastic/board air dams to funnel all the upper air into the radiator like oem.
at idle/in traffic the fan easily pulls in all the air it needs from above. _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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VWinVT Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2013 Posts: 1541 Location: North East Kingdom
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Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 8:29 am Post subject: |
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_________________ 1981 Westfalia with a 2001 Cabrio ABA
Small wheel turns by the firing rod,
Big wheel turns by the grace of God.
Every time that wheel turns 'round,
You're bound to cover just a little more ground. |
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chompy Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2014 Posts: 400 Location: Cascade Locks
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Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 9:09 am Post subject: |
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danfromsyr wrote: |
from another 'formerly' air cooled van.
with the 2.2 I'd even say you don't need to open the lower radiator grill opening.
just make sure there are plastic/board air dams to funnel all the upper air into the radiator like oem.
at idle/in traffic the fan easily pulls in all the air it needs from above. |
I was going to try holding off on cutting the grill. I like the look of the van without it. Was planning on using some scrap ABS plastic or cutting some ducting to create the air dams. I was also toying with the idea of the front fill radiator, although it might be overkill... I've heard if the system is properly plumbed, burping shouldn't be a problem.
Suggestions or ideas are always welcome! _________________ '81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10379 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2015 10:29 am Post subject: |
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I would think that with proper prep, one could cut a lower grill hole after rad is installed; there must be at least 1.5" clearance between rad and sheet metal.
I cut the hole. No regrets.
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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chompy Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2014 Posts: 400 Location: Cascade Locks
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 8:14 pm Post subject: |
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Just a bit of progress after work the last couple days. I removed the power steering since I won't be using it, and have the air conditioning compressor unbolted and ready to remove. I was originally going to pull the entire air conditioning out to make it easier to remove the engine, but I think the hoses are flexible enough to push to the side. We'll see when I get closer to that part. I switched out the brake vacuum line to the other side of the manifold as well. It's much easier to crank on those little plugs when the manifold is attached.
Remove the brake master inlet on the manifold on this side, and replace it with a brass plug or the plug you remove on the other side(mine was a bit mangled and I wanted to use a new one).
Here it is moved to the other side of the manifold. It is now in the perfect place to hook up to the van's vacuum line.
I did some work on the interior as well. Pulled the front seats, which I'll be using in the van. I've seen some good examples of installing them. I'll do my best to document the result. I also removed most of the bolts and screws holding the dash on. I can almost lift the entire thing out in one piece. I just need to disconnect some pieces before this happens.
_________________ '81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission |
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ScottShelley Samba Member
Joined: October 15, 2012 Posts: 596 Location: California
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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I did a conversion on an 82 Aircooled. I used a radiator from a Kia Sportage, with a Spal puller fan mounted the back side of it, using the Sportage fan shroud. I used sheetmetal to baffle the front of the radiator and direct air flow. I used a 180 degree switch on the radiator inlet. I never cut the lower grill and had no problems on long summer road trips. I also set up a heater under the rear seat, plumbed into the existing heat pipe coming to the front and through the face of the seat. |
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chompy Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2014 Posts: 400 Location: Cascade Locks
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 8:47 pm Post subject: |
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ScottShelley wrote: |
I did a conversion on an 82 Aircooled. I used a radiator from a Kia Sportage, with a Spal puller fan mounted the back side of it, using the Sportage fan shroud. I used sheetmetal to baffle the front of the radiator and direct air flow. I used a 180 degree switch on the radiator inlet. I never cut the lower grill and had no problems on long summer road trips. I also set up a heater under the rear seat, plumbed into the existing heat pipe coming to the front and through the face of the seat. |
Do you remember what size fan you used? _________________ '81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission |
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ScottShelley Samba Member
Joined: October 15, 2012 Posts: 596 Location: California
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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 8:52 pm Post subject: |
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I used a 16" fan. |
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chompy Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2014 Posts: 400 Location: Cascade Locks
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Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2015 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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OK, some more work today!
I forgot to mention I had removed the driver's side quarter panel earlier. Its only a bunch of 10mm nuts and a few screws to remove, and it opens up to a big bundle of harness...
Anyways, today I started by removing all of the hidden bolts and screws in the dash that I didn't get the first time around. It's amazing how many I missed the first pass through. I also removed all of the grounds that the dash is connected to. There are about 4 that I think I can remember off the top of my head, and they are another easy miss.
Next I removed the steering wheel, stereo, cig tray and anything else that might be a barrier in any way for removing the dash. I might have been able to squeeze the dash board out, but it would probably take more time than it's worth. I did end up using a pvc saw to cut some parts of the dash to facilitate ease of removal. Just cut that sh!t apart if it has no use or resale value to you. I've kept items that I think could have any value in hopes of recouping money, but the dash isn't one of these pieces. I'm not sure if it's completely necessary, but I also removed the bracket that holds the steering column in place. It opens things up a bit, and it would end up getting in the way of the wiring removal.
You can remove the two nuts that hold the ECU on, and you can label the connections. I'm not going to go into detail on some of these parts, because I will eventually show links at the top of the entire post with the posts and blogs I've used which go into much better detail than I could retell.
There really aren't a ton of connections on these engines. This is a 92, so there are only two gray engine plugs at the front of the engine that need unplugging. The igniter and MAF need to be disconnected, as well as the oxygen sensor(only 1 in my case) and the rear engine plugs. Hopefully at this point you have already removed your battery and disconnected the alternator. It's easier to just remove the alternator since it can get in the way of removing that small part of the harness. It's not worth the hassle keeping it on... You also need to remove all of the plugs to the fuse box in the engine bay and pull the relay block out of the rear of the fuse box once it's remove. I opted to keep this connected as well, so I have a lot of harness to work with when I mount it in the engine bay.
Now it's time to go go back to the interior and work on the heater core.
You now need to remove the heater core so you can pull the wiring through the front fire wall from the engine.
I opted to cut as little as I could at the beginning to be sure I didn't make a mistake, and it really didn't take too long. Anything that needs to come out can be unplugged from a connection. This leaves lots of room to cut wiring instead of regretting it later when you've realized you chopped something out and have nothing to solder onto.
I ended up pulling the entire wiring harness out in two complete sections with the only major cut being at the junction where the wiring goes to the passenger side of the vehicle, which is unnecessary.
In the end, I have two sections of wiring which I have been labeling throughout this process. I can't tell you how much it helps to label each part before you remove it, it saves you so much trouble. I still have some labeling to do, but there is much less if its done throughout the removal process.
_________________ '81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission |
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VWinVT Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2013 Posts: 1541 Location: North East Kingdom
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Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 8:24 am Post subject: |
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Thank you for creating this thread! Puts a mind at ease seeing someone else navigate the very process others are contemplating. _________________ 1981 Westfalia with a 2001 Cabrio ABA
Small wheel turns by the firing rod,
Big wheel turns by the grace of God.
Every time that wheel turns 'round,
You're bound to cover just a little more ground. |
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chompy Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2014 Posts: 400 Location: Cascade Locks
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Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:08 pm Post subject: |
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VWinVT wrote: |
Thank you for creating this thread! Puts a mind at ease seeing someone else navigate the very process others are contemplating. |
If I think of the entire project as a whole, it freaks me out... haha! I'm just trying to break it down into steps so it doesn't seem as daunting. I'll also walk away if something starts to really get to me before the rage seeps in. _________________ '81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission |
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RaraBlacksheep Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2014 Posts: 191 Location: Portland
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Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 3:21 pm Post subject: |
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Sooo what are you gonna do with all your old, gutless, useless, unreliable air cooled garbage afterwards..? Just, you know, curious. _________________ '82 Westy - Shark Weak |
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chompy Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2014 Posts: 400 Location: Cascade Locks
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Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:11 pm Post subject: |
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RaraBlacksheep wrote: |
Sooo what are you gonna do with all your old, gutless, useless, unreliable air cooled garbage afterwards..? Just, you know, curious. |
I thought it might make a good anchor...
I'm actually going to take a video of it running and sell it here on the samba when I'm nearing the time to actually make the switch. I'll let it be known in this thread before I pull the engine in case you, or anyone else wants to stop by to see it run. I bought the EFI setup not too long after I bought the van because it had a progressive weber on it and I'm going to sell them separately unless someone is interested in the whole shebang.
On a side note, has anyone paid for the boxerswaps subscription, and would they say it was worth it when they were going through the conversion? He has a specific section on switching the aircooled vans over, so it's really tempting, especially at only $5.00 a month. I'm a penny pincher, so even $5 means something to my cheapass... _________________ '81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission |
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RaraBlacksheep Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2014 Posts: 191 Location: Portland
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Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:21 pm Post subject: |
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Sounds like a plan. On a side note, if you're feeling like you could use a spare set of hands, shoot me a note, I wouldn't mind seeing something like this in progress! _________________ '82 Westy - Shark Weak |
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chompy Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2014 Posts: 400 Location: Cascade Locks
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Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:25 pm Post subject: |
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RaraBlacksheep wrote: |
Sounds like a plan. On a side note, if you're feeling like you could use a spare set of hands, shoot me a note, I wouldn't mind seeing something like this in progress! |
Thanks for the offer! _________________ '81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission |
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VWinVT Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2013 Posts: 1541 Location: North East Kingdom
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Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 5:16 pm Post subject: |
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I have subscribed to boxerswaps, just to read up on the process. It is more than worth the token $5 charge for a month. When it my turn, I will pay $25 for the year...it will take me more than a month... _________________ 1981 Westfalia with a 2001 Cabrio ABA
Small wheel turns by the firing rod,
Big wheel turns by the grace of God.
Every time that wheel turns 'round,
You're bound to cover just a little more ground. |
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chompy Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2014 Posts: 400 Location: Cascade Locks
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Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 10:14 pm Post subject: |
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VWinVT wrote: |
I have subscribed to boxerswaps, just to read up on the process. It is more than worth the token $5 charge for a month. When it my turn, I will pay $25 for the year...it will take me more than a month... |
It's definitely going to be taking me more than a month too... I'm already paying for a wiring guide, but I wasn't sure on how in depth the boxerswap's guides were. When I get a little deeper I might just pay for a month or two...
At the moment, I'm still able to get by on information from the samba, the yahoo group and shoptalkforums. The baja guys have been doing this forever... _________________ '81 Westfalia Subaru EJ22
Manual Transmission |
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