Date:         Wed, 26 May 2004 22:56:49 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Subaru Engines (LVC)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

So, I've been considering a subaru swap on my Westy (yah, I know I
haven't finished the last one....but I'm always two projects ahead
anyway).

There are several normally aspirated engines (2.3, 2.5) 4 cylinder and
even 6 cylinder (SVX) choices, but ever since I heard about the WRX, I
figured that was the engine of choice....

Only I was wrong.

Seems that Subaru was considering the 2.0 Turbo for the Forester (their
semi/hemi/SUV) But when they tried it, it just didn't have enough
umph...at least in Colorado, where a lot of their sales are.) So they
came out with a new engine....

The WRX gets a new one too. Instead of the 2.0 liter turbo, it gets a
2.5 liter Turbo (300 hp). The Forester gets a differently tuned engine,
with more torque (sounds right up a Vanagon's alley) Also 2.5 liter
Turbo, but only(!) 235 hp, with more torque down low (to handle the
Foresters heavier weight.)

Of course, Karl Mullendore keeps prompting/prodding me with the 1.9 TD
running biodiesel. And with prices astronomical in this year of the
comet, I'm halfway considering it....

And then David Marshall regals us with his 1.9 TDI conversion...

Decisions, decisions.