Date:         Mon, 2 Apr 2001 00:53:10 +1200
Reply-To:     Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Subject:      Re: Subaru Conversions Longevity?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>Yeh ...What about longevity?   Anybody got 100k on theirs yet?
>
>Haven't done, drove, or even seen one.  I HAVE worked on several Outbacks
>and they sure sound great!! Looks like a natural match (in my mind).


Every mechanic I have talked to, as well as rally drivers, say the EJ/EG
engines are bulletproof. Engine importers, who bring in containers of used
engines from Japan (including every type of engine made there!), tell me
they have never had to replace a sold unit yet. But ask them about Nissan
RD28s and you'll get a different answer!

Being a boxer, and fully-counterbalanced as a bonus, these engines should
be ultrasmooth, despite their lumpy sound (just like a VW boxer). Not that
I have experienced this for myself yet...

The weak link in a conversion will be the trans. This is why MSDS and
German repowerers are using Porsche G50 transmissions, as will I.

The van itself is well and truly capable of handling the more powerful
Subaru engines, its chassis dynamics and impact resistance (if ever
needed!) are that good.


Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin, New Zealand
fax 64 (3) 479-7527
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
VW van (something for every man), Toyota diesel & seashell nut
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*Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq, Tandy and
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