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SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations
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coqcitywesty
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2021 9:41 am    Post subject: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

I have a 2003 EJ25 SOHC that I am planning to install in my 1991 Westy this winter and while I have perused many of the threads and used the search function to see if this topic has been covered previously, I am not having much success.

In short, what I am looking for is a recommendation or at the very least, reflections from those that have undertaken a Subaru installation using either the SmallCar or the RMW swap kit and whether they/you are happy with the choice of swap kits and rationale for choosing one over the other.

Currently, I am leaning towards RMW for the completeness of the kit and the fact that there appears to be minimal negative feedback on it - mostly positives. The SmallCar kit would be easier for me to source (minor benefit) and offers more of an 'a la carte' offering with respect to components, but some of the negative feedback is making me question this as a 'better' option. What I am seeking is the kit that offers the most complete, cleanest and most straightforward installation.

Any/all insights are greatly welcomed - thx in advance.
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1991 Westfalia EJ251, 1972 Volvo 1800 ES
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squeegee_boy
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2021 10:59 am    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

I'm in Langley, if you'd like to come over and see an RMW install, completed about a year ago.

Robyn
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1984 FrankenSyncro Westy. EJ25 RMW kit
1971 Super Beetle with an EJ22. Oh yes. Daily driver
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redriverhill
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2021 12:22 pm    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

Im in east van and did a small car mount with RJES bellhousing and input shaft.
If you want to check it out Pm me.

River Hill
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pbrown
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2021 7:32 pm    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

I installed a 2003 Suby 2.5 last year. I created by own kit based on what I thought was the best from each vendor.


    RJES bellhousing <== highly recommended
    Small Car engine mount <== this works great
    Small Car coolant crossover manifold <== not my first choice but it works
    Burley oil pan <== modified suby pan
    RMW intake <== use the one without the cone filter
    Stan's header <== works great but I would not recommend for Syncros
    Small Car harness mods <== not first choice but was what was available at the time

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Patrick Brown

1986 Westy Syncro EJ25
Flickr --> https://flic.kr/s/aHsmQNUXEF
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coqcitywesty
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 9:09 am    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

Thx for the invites and insights to-date - greatly appreciated. I am hopefully touring Robyn's rig on Sunday and will continue to explore options.

Any insights on shipping RJES parts into North America is also welcomed.

Lastly, for reference as to plans, I will be retaining the automatic trans in my 1991, having it rebuilt and adding in a Peloquin LSD. Again, thanks.
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hardway
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 10:55 am    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

The RJES bellhousing is for the VW manual transmission. It is not applicable to the automatic .
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Sodo
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 24, 2021 6:37 pm    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

I’ve heard that RMW exhaust is vulnerable if you go off-road.
I do know that with the RMW mount on a Syncro you have to delete the Skid bars, thus the oilpan is vulnerable.
I realize OP has an automatic but this info is mostly for others following this thread.
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'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb
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coqcitywesty
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 26, 2021 9:51 am    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

Thx Sodo - appreciate the insights - no plans for off-road travel with my rig - forest service roads at worst. Auto will likely be rebuilt as part of the swap and my driving habits are such that I am not anticipating hard stop-light launches that will strain the rest of the drive train - I have other vehicles to relieve that passion, lol.
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dobryan
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 26, 2021 1:52 pm    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

When you get the auto rebuilt have a Peloquin put in.

It is a torque biasing differential and will make your one rear wheel drive a true two wheel drive.... game changer on loose surfaces/bad weather.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
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Crankey
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 8:38 am    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

Maybe take a look at the Vanaru install pictures on his site and the samba gallery.
His kit isn't for sale to DIY customers but you can at least use some of his pictures for reference and...well food for thought at least.
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shagginwagon83
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 8:00 pm    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

pbrown wrote:
I installed a 2003 Suby 2.5 last year. I created by own kit based on what I thought was the best from each vendor.



I too created my kit - mainly thanks to pbrown. I am very happy with it! I regret going with the RJES reversed coolant manifold due to lack of temp sensor slot (for the VW one).


    RJES bellhousing <== highly recommended
    Small Car engine mount <== this works great
    Outfront Motorsports oil pan <== modified suby pan
    Stan's header
    AutoVentures harness mods

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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan
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coqcitywesty
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 9:42 am    Post subject: Re: SmallCar VS RMW VS ?- Subie Swap Kit Recommendations Reply with quote

Thx for the continued insights - greatly appreciated.

Robyn (squeegee_boy) was kind enough to give me a tour of his impressive install in his Syncro this past weekend, which continues to have me leaning towards RMW. If 'skills' was located in the PNW, I would likely have him custom fab the install as his is the cleanest I have seen, but alas.....

Stay tuned...
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