Project Busonda w/Acura J32 S-type Swap into my 65 VW Bus

[A914Freak]

This thread will be dedicated to the complete build of my 65 Split window. Just picked up the motor this weekend, and will be starting the project next weekend. The goal is to make and sell a complete swap kit for the Honda J Series motor as an alternative to the Subaru swap. Vinny Esposito(fabricator) and Matt Steedle VW transmission builder. The J Series motors run between $250 to $500 Now we don't have a price on the swap kit yet however it will include the engine cradle and front trans mount but here is a breakdown of what is needed to do the swap.

J-Series motor-$250-$500 265HP 230 torque
Adapter plate from KEP $450
Wiring Harness with stock ECU $500 done by Tim Beadle on FB
Transmission (I am using a 3 Speed automatic out of a Vanagon) Matt Steedle Transmissions on FB
After the conversion is complete the Bus will be going to Cookers for body and paint work.

Stay tuned!

[velvetgreen]

wow will be interesting to watch. If you don't mind me asking how tall are you? Those are some serious tubs on there which as I am sure you know will cut in to (no pun intended) your headroom. Just curious

[A914Freak]

[edgood1]

cool. i'm interested in seeing how you swap the 010/090 transmission in.
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1987 Syncro Westfalia powered by Subaru
1963 Panel to Deluxe Bus project :::: (photo album)
'65 Westfalia

[mandraks]

[A914Freak]

It's Fegley....LOL sorry

[panel]

Always interested to see how the cooling is done in our buses when you get a chance.
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My '65-Subaru EJ20 Turbo conversion

[cdennisg]

I am in just for the voyeurism, but I have to ask why the slushbox? Would not a 5 speed gear box be more apropos?
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nothing

[A914Freak]

[A914Freak]

Progress update. Got the engine taken down to just what will be needed along with a 3 speed trans shell to use just for the mock up. One thing I wanted to mention is my bus will have full heating and air conditioning and it will all be done using Honda components. Sending out the wiring harness to be converted to work with the ECU that will allow a turnkey setup.

[panel]

Great stance , and love those side windows. Brand ?
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My '65-Subaru EJ20 Turbo conversion

[A914Freak]

Thanks, those are factory crankout windows by EZ-Camper. They were a company similar to Sundial that did camper conversions on bus panrl vans.

[A914Freak]

So we made some progress this week. Yesterday was just a cut and remove day. All of the sheet metal surrounding the engine bay and the shelf above the gas tank was removed along with the transmission horns. We then did a mock up fit just to see where the transmission axles were going to land when the motor was pushed back as far as we needed it. Now because the automatic transmission axle sit about 1.5" further back plus the adapter plate added another 3/8 so the axles would go into the wheel hub at an angle. We originally wanted the intake to be facing out the back but that required us to push the motor another 6" further back to clear the trunk lid and it would have made a very steep angle for the axles to line up with the hubs. So we ended up flipping the manifold around to face the front and it gave us the room we needed in the rear. Now with the back all opened up we started with some nice sheet metal work which will box everything in and create a very smooth and ultra clean look in the engine bay. With the back opened up this allows us easy access to start designing the air ride for the back as well. Now the original cross brace that supports the frame horns will be eventually be removed. This was kept in place to maintain structural integrity until we come up the design of the new engine cradle. Most of you are thinking wow the motor is up really high and it is. This was done so i can have full clearance on the underside when it is sitting on the ground in its lowest state.

[A914Freak]

Work progress so far.

Frame rails and C notches boxed in
Transmission mount fabricated and tacked in

Next is to fabricate engine cross brace and locate for proper engine mounting points

[A914Freak]

[A914Freak]

Final transmission mount design and front air beam being built

[A914Freak]

Here is a short video of the rear air suspension in action.


https://youtu.be/hOJ3huSj9r4

[A914Freak]

Working on the cooling system

[nineteensixtyfiveVG]

any update on this one?

[A914Freak]

in the process of building the 3 speed automatic. Had to wait for the custom half shafts as I will be using 930 axles, and the LSD by Peloquin. My hope is to have it in and running by spring. I will post pics of the trans build after the holidays.😍