Subaru Frankenmotor for the Westy

[skills@eurocarsplus]

i built one for my 70 bus. 2.5 block 2.2 heads. the heads were chambered to (i forget now) and i used cometic gaskets to keep things in check.

i also did a set of cams. here is my take:

it will pull like a mountain goat on meth. it doesn't have a torque curve, it has a torque line like this: /

i can't speak to all of the other stuff you mentioned but in stock form with the cams it's nice. i'd like to say it's the same as a 2.5 with cams but the torque profile is different....cams wake up a 2.5 real nice but the frankenmotor just has torque forever it seems.

you will have to run premium which isn't a huge deal for me as almost every car i own requires it from the factory anyway. just something to consider when you're pushing a box thru the wind.

odd observation in my bus....it seems to get about 24 mpg no matter how i drive it...like a church lady around town or like a coked up trucker hauling 80k lbs...always 24 mpg
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[Franklinstower]

Mine is still running perfect.
Now I got the subie 5 speed mated to it and all is great!

Currently getting paint and seems repaired.
Should be back on the road this summer.
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'89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug
YITB

[shagginwagon83]

How's the frankenmotors going?

I have an ej22 with unknown life on the head gaskets and timing belt.

Talked to a local builder and he wants to change out the block for an ej25, sti crank, and some other things.
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"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin

[bajaleo]

I am not sure that those plugs are a definitive way of telling that it's OBDII. They look very similar to the two grey plugs on my '93 OBDI EJ22.

[ALIKA T3]

Sounds exciting
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Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

[tjet]

Here's a couple of pics of my '95 EJ22 before I tear it down. Note connectors in rear, which help identity it as a '95 with an OBD II. I've read that the '90-'94 OBD I EJ22 engines do not have this connection point. This may be helpful if you need to I.D. a removed engine.

I found some details on the head gaskets needed for a Frankenmotor. Cometic makes a special "hybrid" gasket for putting 90-95 EJ22 heads on a 2.5 block.
p/n: H1631SPK051S

I plan on using an EJ257 STi block.

https://www.amazon.com/Cometic-Gasket-H1631SPK051S-Subaru-Hybrid/dp/B01BT7NUYU

VIN decode for 90-94 EJ22 junkyard hunting.

[levi]

If you have an old tire w/out the rim, that's how I've moved these.
Just set it right down in.
Physically its about the same dimensions as a wbx.

I know that folks have used the 257, my understanding is that it's a better option, but definitely get the complete info first.
_________________
One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way

https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40

[[email protected]]

Sweet. I can't answer your questions, but am looking for an in-depth how to post.

[tjet]

I just bought a '95 EJ22 (see below) & I have a couple of questions. I plan on getting a newer 2,5L block & use the EJ22 heads, intake & assys. I see that some of the builds use a EJ25D block. Will a EJ257 block work?

Also, on this EJ22, how big is it, say compared to a WBX? I need to go pick it up and put it in the trunk of my Jetta. I've transported a WBX in the trunk before. Looking at the pic, it looks like I will need to pull the pan and oil filter off.

Finally, just to confirm, do these "Frankenmotors" retain the non-interference feature of the '90-'96 SOHC EJ22? I will do the rebuild myself. I can get the new pistons relieved if necessary.

Thanks

[Van Quixote]

Will an ej22 (head, harness, ecu, sensors) from 1997 Legacy work with a 2002 ej25 block for a Frankenmotor?

I’d be mighty thankful for any/everyone’s input. I’m really trying to figure out the best way forward given my specific circumstances. And I am posting the below on Subaru and Frankenmotor specific message boards, but am trying to get wise as much as possible.

THE GOAL:
In the end, I intend on swapping out the 1.9L waterboxer engine currently in my 1984 VW Westfalia with whatever Subaru engine I can put together with the parts I have and the least amount of additional investment.

THE SPECIFICS:
I pulled a complete ej22 engine (w/ block, head, intake and all components) alongside the harness (w/ ecu & sensors) out of a 1997 Legacy with over 200,000 miles on it. My original plan was to rebuild this one down to the block and put it into the van. A ton of work, to be sure.

Then I came across a very affordable sohc ej25 block and head (it does have the timing components, but no intake or other top of engine miscellany) that was completely rebuilt. If I use this, it would obviously save me a ton of time and energy that I would have spent rebuilding the ej22. There is one kicker to the ej25 engine. It seems to need some valve work (according to PO) and lost compression after a few miles of driving it after the install on PO’s vehicle. At that point, the PO switched directions and sold the engine to me. I do not know the year or make of the vehicle the ej25 was pulled from, only that “it will work with a harness from a 2002.”

So that’s ALL the info. And here’s

THE CROSSROADS:

- Will the ej22 head, intake and harness from the 1997 Legacy work with this sohc ej25 block that I know nothing about besides “it will work with a harness from a 2002”?
- If so, should I rebuild the head and make a Frankenmotor?
- If the ej22 top end and harness will work with this ej25 block, this seems to be the most affordable way to go about it.

OR

- Go full ej25?
- Should I troubleshoot the valve issue on the ej25 and just try to finish this engine out?
- Would the ej22 intake, top of motor components, etc. work on the ej25?
- Would the ej22 harness from a 1997 Legacy work on this ej25 or do I need a new harness (sensors, ecu)?
- If I can’t use any of the ej22 components, might I be able to swap them (and the entire engine, for that matter) out with someone who has some ej25 parts to spare?

I know this is a very specific pickle, I’m in and I appreciate that there are people who LOVE solving these types of riddles. I have done a bunch of research but would love as much input as possible. I don’t want to end up doing unnecessary work. But I’m not afraid of work. I rebuilt the waterboxer currently in there and have done a ton of other work on the van. Thanks again!
-bob

PS. TL/DR haha
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"Van Quixote" (a.k.a. Cluster Truck)
1984 Westfalia 1.9L 4-speed manual

[chompy]

[remichivo]

Need help on reverse Intake Manifold what implication, except relocating the alternateur. Do i need to relocate any cables?
I what to fit a EJ22 on my 1977 bus after the end of my 2000cc injection.
I could use a Throttle Body Reverserbut the reverse intake is much more what i want to do .

[remichivo]

[shepherdsond]

Thanks
I ended up just getting the head fixed (2 bent valves) since l could not source a suitable 2.5 short block in time.[/b]
_________________
87 Syncro Hightop Camper
3 knobs + solid shaft
2.2 Phase II Subaru
Hi-Top build thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=534517

[Franklinstower]

[shepherdsond]

Thanks, i think that is the same head as mine. Is it an interference engine now?
_________________
87 Syncro Hightop Camper
3 knobs + solid shaft
2.2 Phase II Subaru
Hi-Top build thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=534517

[dgbeatty]

Last year I built and installed a Frankenmotor in our 87 Westy to replace a 96 2.2. It has a bit over 10k miles now and is performing very well.
I used a 2010 2.5 STI shortblock paired with 1997 2.2 heads. I wanted the STI crankcase for the oil cooled pistons and the nitrated crankshaft. The 1997 heads were the first year for solid lifters which I wanted for the lower friction drag. This was paired with a 2003 intake manifold and electronics so that I could modify the ECU maps and it also eliminated the MAF sensor.
Some would call this the ultimate California 2.5 as it appears to be a 2.2 after removal of the EJ22 casting and the installation of a dummy MAF sensor.
We get about 20-21 mpg in town and between 23-26 traveling on the highway in the 65mph range with a 094 five speed.
This year we are installing a Subaru transmission to improve the splits in ratios and to meet the somewhat silly California conversion requirements if those ever get to be a problem.

[shepherdsond]

I am thinking of doing this, and would welcome feedback.

My 2.2 SOHC (phase II from a 98 Impreza) dropped some valves in one head when the timing belt broke (failed tensioner) 2 weeks ago.

I have three options. I can repair the 2.2 head, I can put in a used 2.5 with new electrical harness and new header or I can fix the head and make up a hybrid with a new (from Subaru) 2.5 short block for about $1000 less than a used 2.5 conversion. I am not doing the work myself.

The cheapest option of course is to just fix the head but this is a good opportunity to pay a little more and improve performance and get an almost new engine (3 year warranty on the 2.5 short block), the Frankenmotor is appealing.

Some questions:
Seems from reading this thread that compression will be raised (or maybe not with thicker gasket?). Do I have to use premium or will the knock sensor protect me?

I am not sure about what model 2.5 short blocks are available, what should I look for?

Can anyone tell me if the Frankenmotor will be interference or not?

Any other factors I need to consider?

I want to end up with a more powerful but also reliable engine.

Many Thanks,
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87 Syncro Hightop Camper
3 knobs + solid shaft
2.2 Phase II Subaru
Hi-Top build thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=534517

[whynotvw]

Instead of asking basic questions that these forums already have, one phone call to the actual builder should answer most of your questions.

Here is one of the builders. He did a great job on mine, so I would recommend him and Steve the owner took the time to answer all my questions which was the same as yours

http://subaruperformanceengines.com/

1-619-445-5232 Steve

[Farfrumwork]

^^Just a straight SOHC EJ25, not a franken.

IMO - franken-motors are best for CA residents and people that already have 2.2l setups

BTW - my DOHC motor is a Ken Welter build too (ARP studs, Sti oil pump, etc...) His engines are bad ass!
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sold -> '85 Wolfsburg Syncro / 'Built' DOHC EJ25 (a great machine!)
'07 Legacy spec.B, road tuned stgII
'17 4x4 Sprinter, stone grey, SMB pop-top, on 33"s

"Blood stains, speed kills - Fast cars, cheap thrills - Rich girls, fine wine - I've lost my sense, I've lost control, I've lost my mind"