Subaru Engines?

[MiniDubber]

Right then,

I know this can be a love or hate topic and I am sure somewhere in the not distant past there wil be another topic rather similar, but I cant find it and well I haven't posted a lot on here so thought I would start a fresh conversation of opinions and pointers?

Know I am looking for an Early Bay for my next vehicle after owning a late bay for a couple of years. Know I know its not the end of the world but my hatred for oil leaks has more than anything led me to thinking I was to do the Subaru conversion to my next project. Not to mention the benefit of more power (i like power) and better heating.

So I have had a good few chats, but not so serious with people who have done it in the past, and feedback I am getting is great;

Opinions,, "dont bother with turbo (Location of hot turbo under fuel tank)" "cost me about £2000 on top of engine to do the conversion"

That sorta price was based on getting the ecu and wiring loom sent off with them coming back ready to plug and play. Along with cooling system and adapters bought from a guy called Richard,,, forgot his second name, although he seems to have a good reputation.

So whats your opinions/ knowledge? What is the best/most cost effective way of doing things?

 

[K@rlos]

If an air-cooled engine is built properly it won't leak oil...

 

[sparkywig]

If an air-cooled engine is built properly it won't leak oil...

 

[mike202]

your van your rules. But an air-cooled engine shouldn't leak much oil to be a nuisance.

If you do it and are going to use a 'specialist' I would consult widely first as its not cheap!

 

[rickyrooo1]

2 of my mates have used these guys and another is in the process of having his done there.....
http://www.fellowsspeedshop.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
it's not cheap

 

[Haveacamper]

it may be a little hypocritical of me to answer as I am running a porsche engine, but as people have said, a good, well maintained vw engine should not leak oil and also should produce a fair amount of heating!!! having said that, i didnt change my engine because it was running badly or leaking.

in the cost of 2000, is this also considering the probable need of rebuilding gearbox with taller gears and the DEFINITE need to upgrade your brakes (that is if you are running stock brakes. do you also not need an adaptor plate to run the VW gearbox?

Also it depends on the amount of work you are going to be doing yourself - i.e. fitting of engine, cooling system bracketry, modification/changing fuel tank running senders etc etc.

NaFe

p.s. the only way to get true "plug and play" option is to give it to someone to do all the work for you. drop it off, part with your cash, drive away! (i'm not saying this is the best way)

 

[paul_q]

I have just completed my conversion and as havacamper says allow for brakes and a gearbox. This is Richards site who I would recommend http://www.rjes.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; also read http://www.vwkd.co.uk/bb/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; as havacamper says allow for gearbox and brakes. If I where to redo mine now I would buy the lowest milage car I could find and use the gearbox aswell using these http://www.subarugears.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; it would work out cheaper than a adapter plate rebuilding and longer gears plus you get a fifth gear. Don't under estimate the cost of parts like fuel hose and coolent hose. Getting a good engine should save you from paying for timing kit and gaskets which are expensive.

 

[MiniDubber]

Some really useful feadback and links there guys, I know what I'll be reading up on when I finish work lol
I did see a guy local to me last week with a 1.9TD PUG engine in his,, sounds like a great conversion but I must say the subaru engine seems to look nicer when you open up the hatch.

So for you guys who have dont the conversions,,,, what sorta MPG are you getting?

 

[paul_q]

I have only been on one proper drive plus testing so could not tell you mpg, but i can do 65 @ 2000 revs. I have heard using Audi 6 speed gearbox's upside down and audi engines is a great conversion aswell. If you are after more power you will the brakes whatever route you take and the right gears to get the most out of any engine.

 

[RednWhite]

Have you considered a VAG 1.9 diesel? Should be a lot cheaper to source than a Subaru engine and torque is probably more important than outright power in a bay. 38 mpg is feasible.

 

[MiniDubber]

No to be honest I hadn't looked into VAg engines. I have only really looked into the conversions I have seen in the past, and I know the subaru fits the engine bay nicely without looking out of place, and with the added bonus of being able to use the existing gear box for a cheaper conversion. I dont intend to be a speed freak in my van by any means, but 40-50mph crushes my soul lol.
Although all said and done,, these ideas may need to wait a little while as my currant van don't seem to be selling, so my dreams of an early bay project are on hold till it does.

 

[pow]

I'm running a vag tdi in mine, the only downside is you have to have a 2.0 gearbox with a long 3rd and 4th as the rev range is short and its still a bit noisy! I'm getting 42 to 45 to the gallon all da long though

 

[dub boy]

I have only been on one proper drive plus testing so could not tell you mpg, but i can do 65 @ 2000 revs. I have heard using Audi 6 speed gearbox's upside down and audi engines is a great conversion aswell. If you are after more power you will the brakes whatever route you take and the right gears to get the most out of any engine.

how is this poss ,run the gearbox upside down ??????

 

[68_early_bay]

I have only been on one proper drive plus testing so could not tell you mpg, but i can do 65 @ 2000 revs. I have heard using Audi 6 speed gearbox's upside down and audi engines is a great conversion aswell. If you are after more power you will the brakes whatever route you take and the right gears to get the most out of any engine.

how is this poss ,run the gearbox upside down ??????

That's what I was just thinking :? You can't really turn a box up side down, cos of the oil ways, pickups, levels, etc the only way I can think, is do they flip the diff?

:mrgreen:

 

[dub boy]

I've long been thinking about the water pumper route ,my air cooled has been good to me but just tired of being wallet raped every time I want to do anything or mods ect, the cost if installing is alot of outlay but the long term service and running is cheaper ,you also have the reliability of a modern car if you get it rite ,I did have a link for a company in London that supplied scooby engine ,loom and all you need to start it for £500 but you have a long way to go from this point. There is many a van out there now that have just fitted the engine to there standard box and are happy ,but if you want to go balls out ect you will have to spend some notes on upgrades, when someone comes up with a sensible price converstion kit I may go down this route.

 

[paul_q]

I have only been on one proper drive plus testing so could not tell you mpg, but i can do 65 @ 2000 revs. I have heard using Audi 6 speed gearbox's upside down and audi engines is a great conversion aswell. If you are after more power you will the brakes whatever route you take and the right gears to get the most out of any engine.

how is this poss ,run the gearbox upside down ??????

As I said I have only heard about it but if you google Audi gearbox upside down you will find all the details.