Date: Sat, 24 Jan 2004 10:01:26 -0500
Reply-To: Gary McEachern <GlmceN@NETSCAPE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Gary McEachern <GlmceN@NETSCAPE.NET>
Subject: Re: Your Opinion: Subaru or not to Subaru (Engine swap)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
I have performed two Subi 2.2L conversions on my vans. My first conversion cost me $700 for the engine with all needed wiring and accessories, $1100.00 for the KEP conversion parts and less than $200 in miscellaneous parts. Roughly $2,000 in all! (I used the VW starter and exhaust and did not modify the Subi oil pan to improve clearance)
In addition to this I performed all the labor which consisted of 8 hours to remove the VW engine, wiring and all unneeded parts, 40 hours to do the wiring harness, 8 hours to reinstall the Subi engine and wiring, 8 hours to solder pipes and connect plumbing and another 16 hours to tie up loose ends including fabricating muffler supports. I have about 30K miles on this conversion without any problems except for some cracking of the KEP header pipe.
My second conversion cost me about $200-$300 more overall with less time invested in labor. I paid $200 less for the engine but more for the conversion parts since I used the small car header, engine and exhaust mounts. I like the small car conversion parts better particularly since the engine is supported from the rear like the VW WBX and the engine mount allows proper support for the muffler using the small car muffler brackets.
I'm extremely satisfied with the power, reliability and reduced noise level using the Subi engine.
Gary
Gary McEachern
Reading, Ma
'90 Westy Subavanagon
'86 Wolfy Subavanagon
Mike Miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM> wrote:
>Like how expensive is the conversion?
>
>
>Mike
>
>On 1/23/04 5:24 PM, "Steve Delanty" <laurasdog@WEIRDSTUFFWEMAKE.COM> wrote:
>
>> Robert,
>> I love my subaru 2.2L conversion like crazy!
>> It's a night/day difference after having a WBX.
>> And yes, I've driven a Westy with a good, fresh, well tuned WBX.
>> It's absolutely no comparison to the subaru....
>> The proof is when you load up with a few hefty adults and all of
>> their camping gear, haul it up into the mountains and are able
>> to actually pass slow traffic in style going up the mountains instead
>> of *being* slow traffic, with everyone else praying for an opportunity
>> to get around you...
>>
>> I've had mine in for 5700 miles now and haven't had to touch the
>> engine except for oil and filters. It doesn't leak or burn any fluids.
>> I like that part a lot. (-:
>>
>> If we decide to keep the second Westy we recently bought, I'll
>> be converting it to subaru power ASAP. It's mo bettah....
>>
>> Just my $.02
>> Pmail me for any further info if you like. I'd take you for a test
>> drive, but you're a bit far from North Ca...
>>
>> Steve
>> EJ22 -> '86 Westy "Escape Pod"
>>
>> ---------------------------------------
>> At 03:32 PM 1/23/2004, you wrote:
>>> Gang,
>>> OK, I've been really looking into this. My '91 Carat (Automatic, Air, PW,
>>> Central Locking) is still running strong. But, I'm really considering an
>>> "upgrade" to a more powerful engine.
>>> So, what are the opinions on this? Should I introduce a 2.2L Subaru motor
>>> to the mix? OR do I give Boston Bob a call for one of his upgraded motors?
>>> I've looked, but haven't found any unhappy Subaru conversionites out
>>> there..... anyone on the list want to tell me how sad or happy they are
>>> with their conversion?
>>> I saw quite a few of you are happy with the Boston Bob engine, but I'd
>>> like to have more opinions on this subject.
>>> I'm looking to get a rebuilt transmission and final drive as well.... any
>>> recommendations on sellers of such items? (figured I might as well change
>>> out the 142K drivetrain along with the 142K engine)
>>> Thankfully, I'm in no rush to get this done, so I have a bit of time to
>>> make my decision.
>>> I'm looking forward to some feedback ya'll!
>>> -Robert
>>> '91 Carat, Automatic, 142K, South Florida
>>
>>
>
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