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mhoffperson
Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2009
Posts: 39
Location: South Bay
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 Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2020 1:07 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| So I am in California and I was given an old Kennedy conversion kit so I am now looking into a C.A.R.B. compliant Subie 2.2 swap. I keep reading that I need a 1990-94 2.2 donor car but the E.O. states that a 1995 works as well. Am I missing something? Will a 1995 work as well? |
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wesitarz
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 1778
Location: Victoria,B.C.Canada
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SinkTip
Samba Member
Joined: November 08, 2020
Posts: 13
Location: Toronto, ON
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 9:58 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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Thanks, that’s exactly the info I was looking for. I found a clean 03 Legacy 5 speed wagon with a rebuilt motor for cheap. Was thinking of picking it up, but the vehicle has higher miles: about 300,000km (186,000 miles).
If in fact the motor has had a full rebuild milage shouldn’t matter much, but one persons rebuild is another’s reseal and head gasket. |
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Heli-mech
Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2008
Posts: 44
Location: Halifax, N.S.
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2020 6:24 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| SinkTip wrote: |
Todd mentioned in an earlier post that the 2000-2004 SOHC 2.5 is the best bang for the buck. This is exactly the info I am looking for. I'm looking for a winter beater to replace my old winter beater. My intention is to buy a car that I can get to know well and sort the engine on, then do use it as a donor for my T3. Which Subaru cars should I be looking at with the intention of eventually using the engine for the Vanagon swap?
If it matters, I have a 1987 Westfalia with an automatic transmission. |
I like the early 2000-2002 EJ25 SOHC legacy/outback/forester/Impreza for donors. They can be found without EGR and have a few less wires and redundant CEL's then the late 03-04 models.
BUSARU has great videos on how to convert the harness.
Since you are in BC and rust won't be an issue try to find the lowest km or best maintained one you can for cheap. It can be a manual or an automatic Subaru donor … into a manual or automatic vanagon doesn't really make a difference. |
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SinkTip
Samba Member
Joined: November 08, 2020
Posts: 13
Location: Toronto, ON
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| Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 6:53 pm Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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Todd mentioned in an earlier post that the 2000-2004 SOHC 2.5 is the best bang for the buck. This is exactly the info I am looking for. I'm looking for a winter beater to replace my old winter beater. My intention is to buy a car that I can get to know well and sort the engine on, then do use it as a donor for my T3. Which Subaru cars should I be looking at with the intention of eventually using the engine for the Vanagon swap?
If it matters, I have a 1987 Westfalia with an automatic transmission. |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17944
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 8:31 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| kguarnotta wrote: |
stupid question here - on this subject.
I have an '86 syncro that a previous owner installed a subaru legacy 2.2 motor with a kennedy conversion.
All is good and fine. But I always like to think of the future. If I ever had an extreme issue with this motor - will I need to get another 2.2 subaru to replace it? Or can I get any subaru motor - or rather what year/type motors can I use without having to replace the whole conversion kit? |
you can run a SOHC 2.5 with the same 2.2 management, but there are a few things to consider such as PCV changes...some had the valve in the block, others had it on the intake. you also need to watch the tooth count on the cam and crank triggers.
I also use the 2.5 DOHC injectors with my build. see below
as long as it's not a AVCS engine it should work just fine. I built a frankenmotor for my bus. it's a bit of a mash up of parts but I really won't suggest it just due to the fact there are custom head gaskets etc...kind of blows the simplicity factor out of the water. fun engine, makes gobs of power but a healthy 2.5 and a set of cams is almost as good.
the reality is these engines are pretty stout. you could stockpile 1 or 2 spare engines for future rebuilds and probably never need them. in terms of the JDM stuff...do some reading. many have had really bad luck
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 19093
Location: Retired South Florida
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 8:08 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| AVM wrote: |
Hey friends!
So I'm working on trying to get my hands on a Subaru engine so that I can convert my '85 for my move from Oregon to Colorado in mid October. I want to put in something reliable because this will also be my daily driver once I get out there. I've tried in vain to track down the elusive 2.2. I have a guy out here that's willing to help me get a nice, shiny 2.0 from Japan, but I've popped around on the forums for anything about 2.0 conversions, and I'm not really coming up with anything.
Thoughts for a conversion project newbie? |
You know that's a month away? That's a short time table. The JDM engines I've seen are junk. Haven't seen a Subaru engine, but an engine program that wasn't sold in the US is a flawed program if you can't get parts for them at a later date. |
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joetiger 
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5274
Location: denver
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 7:46 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| kguarnotta wrote: |
stupid question here - on this subject.
I have an '86 syncro that a previous owner installed a subaru legacy 2.2 motor with a kennedy conversion.
All is good and fine. But I always like to think of the future. If I ever had an extreme issue with this motor - will I need to get another 2.2 subaru to replace it? Or can I get any subaru motor - or rather what year/type motors can I use without having to replace the whole conversion kit? |
My 2.2 was getting a bit long in the tooth in my Westy, and I had RMW take it out and re-seal it (cam seals, belt, gaskets, etc.) That was four years ago and it's still humming along nicely for the new owner.
_________________
Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'91 Wolfsburg Carat "Barchetta"
'02 Baja-ish Beetle "Bubbles"
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Justice for Megan: https://linktr.ee/justiceformegantrussell |
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kguarnotta
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2004
Posts: 1207
Location: Woodstock, NH
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2020 6:52 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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stupid question here - on this subject.
I have an '86 syncro that a previous owner installed a subaru legacy 2.2 motor with a kennedy conversion.
All is good and fine. But I always like to think of the future. If I ever had an extreme issue with this motor - will I need to get another 2.2 subaru to replace it? Or can I get any subaru motor - or rather what year/type motors can I use without having to replace the whole conversion kit?
_________________
-Kevin
Lincoln, MA
2001 Eurovan
'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper |
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tschroeder0
Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2008
Posts: 2098
Location: Boulder CO
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:29 pm Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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Just finished my second conversion a few days ago , first was my 85 weekender now in my 90 syncro...my 2 cents.
Find a 2000-2004 SOHC 2.5, moderate miles are fine. Pull the heads have them redone, put in new pistons and rings, head gaskets, water pump etc...None of that is at all that hard to do, no special tools needed, just basic skills and patience.
Get a harness made from Jeff at AutoVentures, they are the absolute best out there, truly plug and play. Period.
IMO the RMW kit is still the way to go for simplicity and quality, also Alex at RMW who handles orders is a great guy to help you order and sort out any issues along the way.
There are many,many years and types of Suby engines that can be used but the SOHC and the years I listed are tough as hell, easy to work on and find parts for, and the wiring harness is one of the easier to make up or have made, not to mention all of the info here on troubleshooting those years.
Good Luck, Todd |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17944
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 7:58 pm Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| Captain Pike wrote: |
I have used JDM engines on both my Xterras. Never an issue. |
your Xterra isn't a Subaru, so there's that
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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AVM
Samba Member
Joined: August 01, 2020
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 6:03 pm Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| bobbyblack wrote: |
This guy is awesome.
http://www.benplace.com/vanaru_eng.htm
There are literally dozens of engines that can work. The pool dries a bit after 2003 or around there, but the EJ25x series all work. Colorado doesn't have an issue with what engine you put in, that is California.
Plenty of info on vanaru.com or busaru.com too.
Good luck.
I got he Kennedy kit, it fits well.
-bobby |
I've considered going with the 2.5. But I'm really worried about having to deal with blown headers. Which was a big reason why I wanted to try to get an Ej22. I know there's been talk about installing newer headers to prevent that issue, even so, I'm still hearing mixed reviews on how effective that really is. |
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Captain Pike
Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2003
Posts: 3456
Location: Talos IV, Piedmont Arizona
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:59 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| danfromsyr wrote: |
Don may not get in the vanagon forum too often..
but here's his take on JDM engines from a post last week.. I'll assume he'd say the same thing this week.
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| Rugvan wrote: |
jdm engine with 50k miles on it, included is the turbo and harness I would have to source the computer.. |
bullshit, bullshit, bullshit....
any JDM I have ever seen has been a pile of junk. don't do it.
DO NOT fall for the JDM garbage...because that is what it is. I am in the Subaru swappers circle if you will and not one of my counterparts will touch ANYTHING JDM.
parts are NOT interchangeable from JDM and USDM units. everything is just different enough to be a total ass ache and the electronics are Japan/Asian market only. I have watched too many suffer thru this only to be let down. I strongly suggest you find a car built for the US market.
people have had little to no luck with the wiring diagrams for the JDM stuff and have let the magic smoke out of the ECU more than once. |
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I have used JDM engines on both my Xterras. Never an issue.
_________________
LEARN TO SELF RESCUE
59 Panel bus, 1966 Single cab. 73' 181. 73 Westy. 91' H6 Vanagon 3.3L.
....Bad Sneakers.... |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15410
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 10:14 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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Don may not get in the vanagon forum too often..
but here's his take on JDM engines from a post last week.. I'll assume he'd say the same thing this week.
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| Rugvan wrote: |
jdm engine with 50k miles on it, included is the turbo and harness I would have to source the computer.. |
bullshit, bullshit, bullshit....
any JDM I have ever seen has been a pile of junk. don't do it.
DO NOT fall for the JDM garbage...because that is what it is. I am in the Subaru swappers circle if you will and not one of my counterparts will touch ANYTHING JDM.
parts are NOT interchangeable from JDM and USDM units. everything is just different enough to be a total ass ache and the electronics are Japan/Asian market only. I have watched too many suffer thru this only to be let down. I strongly suggest you find a car built for the US market.
people have had little to no luck with the wiring diagrams for the JDM stuff and have let the magic smoke out of the ECU more than once. |
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hogan029
Samba Member
Joined: October 12, 2014
Posts: 407
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 9:55 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| AVM wrote: |
Hey friends!
So I'm working on trying to get my hands on a Subaru engine so that I can convert my '85 for my move from Oregon to Colorado in mid October. I want to put in something reliable because this will also be my daily driver once I get out there. I've tried in vain to track down the elusive 2.2. I have a guy out here that's willing to help me get a nice, shiny 2.0 from Japan, but I've popped around on the forums for anything about 2.0 conversions, and I'm not really coming up with anything.
Thoughts for a conversion project newbie? |
I am in the process of doing a EJ20 from Japan (JDM) it seems like the same other than the wiring harness which I have been able to find diagrams online.
jdmfsm.info for reference. |
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Jake de Villiers
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007
Posts: 5938
Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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| Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2020 8:37 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| wesitarz wrote: |
You are better off to get a whole running car so you can salvage the engine,harness and ECU altogether.
John Lemley if he's still in business is in your area http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/ |
I got my 2.5 Subaru engine from John - they pulled the engine and harness for me at a very fair price. Its still running strong.
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7.5 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
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wesitarz
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 1778
Location: Victoria,B.C.Canada
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| Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2020 6:13 pm Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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| wesitarz wrote: |
You are better off to get a whole running car so you can salvage the engine,harness and ECU altogether.
John Lemley if he's still in business is in your area http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/ |
click links |
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wesitarz
Samba Member
Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 1778
Location: Victoria,B.C.Canada
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| Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2020 4:31 pm Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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You are better off to get a whole running car so you can salvage the engine,harness and ECU altogether.
John Lemley if he's still in business is in your area http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/ |
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4699
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:13 pm Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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This guy is awesome.
http://www.benplace.com/vanaru_eng.htm
There are literally dozens of engines that can work. The pool dries a bit after 2003 or around there, but the EJ25x series all work. Colorado doesn't have an issue with what engine you put in, that is California.
Plenty of info on vanaru.com or busaru.com too.
Good luck.
I got he Kennedy kit, it fits well.
-bobby
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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AVM
Samba Member
Joined: August 01, 2020
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:04 am Post subject: Re: what subaru engines are available for conversions? |
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Hey friends!
So I'm working on trying to get my hands on a Subaru engine so that I can convert my '85 for my move from Oregon to Colorado in mid October. I want to put in something reliable because this will also be my daily driver once I get out there. I've tried in vain to track down the elusive 2.2. I have a guy out here that's willing to help me get a nice, shiny 2.0 from Japan, but I've popped around on the forums for anything about 2.0 conversions, and I'm not really coming up with anything.
Thoughts for a conversion project newbie? |
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