5 Speed Bus Kit Install - SubaruGears transmission

[dlb154]

SubiWorks shipped the transmission back to me and I was able to get it installed yesterday... They, along with SubaruGears, took care of everything. Haven't driven more than a few miles yet but everything appears to be good now.
Thank you Julio at SubiWorks and thank you Todd from SubaruGears for your cooperation getting my transmission issues corrected.

[11BC2]

What was the issue?
Also, what final drive ratio are you using?
I'm debating with using a 3.90 on my upcoming turbo ej205 swap.

[JDub113]

I’m glad to hear it. Let’s go for a drive!
_________________
84 Wolfsburg Edition Westy

[dlb154]

[bajaleo]

Off topic to be sure, but I couldn't find any info anywhere else.

Is there a reason nobody puts a Subaru AUTOMATIC transmission in as part of a Subaru engine conversion?

Thanks, Leo
_________________
Leo in San Juan Capistrano
1984 Wolfie Westy, Subaru EJ22 powered.

[Crooked Designer]

Very much looking into getting this done to my '85 full camper with an EJ25 as my original transmission is pretty much toast after a 4,000 mile road trip this summer. I've been emailing with Dave and Julio and this seems like the way to go.

dlb154 thanks a bunch for all of the detail you put into this post. Any updates on the new new Subiworks transmission or any other parts after using this summer? Anything unusual (beyond what you've already outlined) to lookout for on the install?

Also, you mentioned the gear ratio 4.44:1 came from recommendations. You still happy with this decision?

Thanks in advance
_________________
'85 Westy full camper, Subaru 2.5L, 5 speed SubiGears + 5speedbus shifter kit

[Franklinstower]

[dlb154]

[Crooked Designer]

[Crooked Designer]

Looking into which conversion kit PO used for the original swap, but has anyone doing an install of a SubiWorks transmission encountered this problem? (also replacing the bushing with powerflex, but waiting on the part)

Mount is from Dave Clymer's 5 speed bus kit. Van is '85 westy, full camper. Engine is EJ25.

Thanks!

_________________
'85 Westy full camper, Subaru 2.5L, 5 speed SubiGears + 5speedbus shifter kit

[dlb154]

If your Subaru was previously installed and used an adapter plate, once the Subaru Gears transmission is installed (and adapter plate removed), you'll find the engine needs to move toward the transmission the thickness of the adapter plate...
I pulled my already installed Subaru engine from the Vanagon, mated it to the transmission (transmission mount and bushing already installed on the transmission), and then raised into place. I bolted the transmission mount to the frame and then drilled new mounting holes to the frame at the mustache bar (Vanaru kit is very similar to the Small Car kit).
If I recall correctly, measuring from Dave Clymer's mount (bolt through power flex bushing) to the face of the Subaru Gears transmission (where it mates to the engine) was identical to the stock transmission setup.
Hope that makes sense...

[Crooked Designer]

Awesome. Thanks for explaining. Will probably need to wait for the bushing to arrive. Thanks for your continued help on this. Hopefully we get it all sorted out this week.

*edit. also sorting out moving, or most likely putting a 90 degree fitting in the existing propex heater exhaust line which is inconveniently right in the path of the shift linkage rod.
_________________
'85 Westy full camper, Subaru 2.5L, 5 speed SubiGears + 5speedbus shifter kit

[D Clymer]

Hi Dan,

If your van has a Smallcar engine mount, the mustache bar needs to be unbolted and the engine moved forward slightly. The transmission mount dictates where the engine is positioned, and I chose this positioning so that there was sufficient space for the intake pipe at the throttle body, service room for the rear shift linkage rod to be connected to the transmission, and so that the drive axles had a minimum of rearward angle.

Let me know if it's not a Smallcar mount, and I can give some more advice if needed.

[Crooked Designer]

Thanks Dave! I have a call into the shop that did the install for the PO to find out what type of mount was used in the conversion. Will definitely follow up if not small car.
_________________
'85 Westy full camper, Subaru 2.5L, 5 speed SubiGears + 5speedbus shifter kit

[FrankenSubySyncro]

[Crooked Designer]

Apparently the shop figured it out..

I though they were done for the night when I started posting last night, but they were still working on it. I appreciate the help and will definitely get the scoop on how they solved it and post here. I'll also be posting what the final build looks like. Probably a good time to ID the mount for those doing this in the future.

Thanks again!
_________________
'85 Westy full camper, Subaru 2.5L, 5 speed SubiGears + 5speedbus shifter kit

[D Clymer]

[Franklinstower]

DLB154,
My Subimount doesn't sit flush with the tabs on the mount to the Subaru gears nose cone. Did you notice this also on your build?

Thanks,
Paul
_________________
'89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug

[dlb154]

There was a little bit of play getting the mount installed. I didn't tighten everything up until I had all bolts started. Your mount looks to have come from SubaruGears, not 5 Speed Bus.
I assume they are a very similar design. Are you going to fabricate your own linkage or use Clymer's kit? Dave's kit includes his mount.

[Franklinstower]