Best Subaru for buggy 2.5l N/A

[sagebug]

Hello! Long time lurker, first post.
I want to start gathering parts for a subi swap for my sandcar and am a little confused on the offerings out there.
Why does a 2006 EJ25 cost more than a 2015 EJ25? (talking used motors here)
Is it harder to make the newer motor a "stand-alone" motor package for sandcars/buggies?
Is there a particular motor that is above all others? EJ255? EJ257? etc..
I guess long story, short.
What is the preferable 2.5l naturally aspirated subi motor of choice?

Last question.
Is there a topic around here that shows stripping down the motor to the bare minimum? Leaving only accessories and sensors for what is needed for offroad use?
Appreciate any input!

[pullstart]

Hey there... I say the best Subi you can get is the one you can get for a reasonable price! My 2000 EJ25 had a recent head gasket job and timing belt, then I picked up the whole car after it got in a light wreck. I'd suggest if you have the room to keep an entire car, or if you have the chance to pull the harness yourself... do that. I just recently documented a lot of the swap, read up on my build thread if you'd like.

Hands down, the best thing I've done for the buggy yet. If I were to do it again, I'd incorporate a 10° mount into the build... food for thought!
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4 seater Appletree buggy, road legal with 002 IRS, 3x3 Appletree kit, 6" over Dan's beam with 10" towers and Fox 2.0 shocks, '00 Subaru EJ25 with KEP stage 3 clutch and KEP adapter plate.

my build page: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662104&start=0

[sagebug]

Thanks PS, I'll def. look into your thread!

I just don't understand why I can get a 2014 2.5l with 17k miles for 800, but a 100k early 2000 commands well over 1200..

[pullstart]

No clue. I gave $400 for the complete (lightly damaged but drivable) car. A little elbow grease and it was well worth it!
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4 seater Appletree buggy, road legal with 002 IRS, 3x3 Appletree kit, 6" over Dan's beam with 10" towers and Fox 2.0 shocks, '00 Subaru EJ25 with KEP stage 3 clutch and KEP adapter plate.

my build page: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662104&start=0

[sagebug]

[Axitech]

Piqued my interest. Posting to stay in the loop.
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He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Luke 22:36


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[It's a play thing]

The 10 degree kit helps get the Subaru oil pan up higher for better ground clearance
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It's not the size of your shop, it's what comes out of it that counts.

I've been playing with my thing ever since I got it...

[stooge57]

The later subarus (2006 and later ?) are CAN-bus and are much harder to get running with the stock ECU because several modules need to talk to each other. Most people use an after market ECU which could cost another $1K to 2K. Certainly a good reason to use an earlier motor.

[pullstart]

[danielzink]

You have lots of things to consider...

Radiator placement/exhaust/wiring/engine support/gas tank/fuel pump/etc. etc.

Plan carefully - as they say - "measure twice cut once"



Here's my EJ22 powered buggy.

Smallcar oil pan and VSS.

Header from Outfront with a custom stinger.

Kennedy Adapter plate

Wiring harness by Jeff at Autoventures: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1434254

Dan
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1965 Notchback 2300cc Type4
Subaru Powered Rail
1915 Rail

www.danielzink.com

[Tremelune]

You can find an absurd amount of info on Subaru motors on this forum:

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/

That's where I would put questions specific to the EJ25. The "best" motor gets into serious minutiae, because there's some EJ207 with wicked power from a one-year, Japan-only STi, etc etc...

[Tremelune]

Also just stumbled on this:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12EQhkLs2out6_UEfyKPzLI_6JWs5NGavP0su82M4jCY/edit

[sagebug]

Appreciate the responses. Links were very helpful..
Makes it even harder now! haha.. Seems like there are quite a few years to stay away from. From bad head gaskets to only being able to use a stand alone.