300 h.p. Turbo Subaru Motor Install in 62 VW Bus: (van life, rv living, split screen)

that's right its Subaru install time. after a few years of driving this 62 vw bus with a stock 1600 dual port engine that only had 65 h.p. and ran hot i decided to go with a 300 h.p. turbo EJ20 subaru motor ha ha : )
basically i travel fulltime and make silver art Jewelry :)
jewelryrvme
www.etsy.com/shop/jonathanartsysilver

[@mosconi0359]

This is one of the most informative "how to" videos I've seen in some time. This guy is so enthusiastic about what he is doing you can tell he totally loves his van and his life. Wish there were more guys like him on this channel!

[@ellekonengineeringlimited1739]

Its really hard to get people take their time and share stuffs as these,, i love this guy

[@kratosg6338]

You Sir are the Bill Nye the Science Guy of Subaru Engine install with a sprinkle Of MacGyver. Great Job and Cool Video!

[@kevinhornbuckle]

I appreciate the discussion of the radiator options. Overall, this is an epic project. Congratulations.

[@patneil6844]

I owned a ‘62 also. About 30 years ago. I loved that van but even then, because of the age, important things would suddenly and unexpectedly break. The steering box sheared off at the steering column once. Fortunately, I was only backing out of the driveway. Another time a wheel cylinder blew out as I was coming to a stop at yellow turning red light. Fortunately, there was no one stopping in front of me. As I realized I had no break pedal pressure I gunned it through the red light and coasted to the side of the road. Then I changed my shorts.

[@petetimbrell3527]

Lol

[@psavel274]

Nice swap dude. Can't go wrong with a boosted EJ. Love your energy man. Wish I had a quarter of the enthusiasm as you bro.

[@keeponpainting]

Awesome swap. It sounds great still has a kind of VW sound to it. And you sir sound like a crazy genius :)

[@turbofan67]

You're not wrong, he's mad as a cut snake. Clever though.

[@mrc4912]

Great 'sleeper', in more ways than one. The thing that makes this so interesting is that the Subaru engine is also a boxer 4 cylinder engine like the VDub mill, cooling system aside. Nice build, it must be fun to drive and 'surprise' people that it ain't no 36 or 40 HP engine in the back.

[@ttngarage]

You sir, are a genius. :D Mad skills right there. Love your project and all that enthusiasm to explain it too! Mad props!

[@runningon-dinosaurs1569]

Your campground has a well-equiped sheet metal shop! Nice Job sounds wonderful.

[@petetimbrell3527]

Great start buddy, but cooling will always be a problem unless you are prepared to make changes to the bodywork. Radiators mounted underneath isn't the answer. The fans will be wrecked by road debris/stones and the radiators will fill up with dirt and won't work. You can form a low, wide scoop intake in the back section of the roof under your roofbars, leading to a fan assisted radiator mounted where the back window is, and replace the back window with a fully vented panel. Form a bulkhead to separate the radiator position from the rest of the interior of the van, but with a small vent in it so it can heat the interior of the van. Also don't forget rainwater getting into the roof intake scoop will need to find a way out. (Design available from me but its fairly easy to work out for yourself). Don't forget to improve your suspension (a lot), and your brakes (a helluva lot). Also I hope you strengthened the rear subframe and supporting bodywork.... Good luck.

[@ahmedserag68]

Hi Pete. You say you have a design? Did you try it out?

[@andilemlindi7680]

Wow, this is great and the sound amazing!! Thank you for sharing your build in such a clear. I like the simplicity of your approach, a lot of guys really make the subi swap seem very complicated on these buses. I love your channel sir, you are genius!!!

[@heatherdawn0911]

Very cool. You sure stay busy!!! Clearly, you are good with your hands...artsy and mechanically inclined. Your bus is beautiful!!

[@Random-rt5ec]

My dad had one of those vans - It was a mountain goat - He used it to bring us (7 kids) to the beach in and all he did was let a little air out of the tires and it traveled soft sand with no problem.

[@stantheman6411]

AWESOME VIDEO!!!! I loved how you shared that one can do it by him or herself. I can see you helping others with their projects.....

[@bighammer587]

Lol, I love how giddy you are about getting this thing fired up!!

[@nelly1552]

Dude !!! You have skills!! Love the VW.

[@garyjones7198]

Congratulations you did an excellent job.. I love the vw engine, but you can't go wrong with that setup you have... The price is right...

[@cglenncowdell2408]

That is the coolest build I've seen in a long time. Your one smart, talented guy . Van looks great and sounds even better would like to see how it runs.

[@mrdl6238]

I've done the Subaru conversion in my bug. Wouldn't look back at air cooled (although origianl design of the bus/bug is genius). Great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@fj401968]

Excellent work! Thanks for the vid! Looking forward to following your travels & seeing how it runs & pulls those mountain passes now. Fantastic project & very well executed!

[@twowheelrodeo]

The smell of 60's model split window on a hot day stimulates synaptic memory.

[@vdubjunkie]

Words cannot describe how in love with your bus I am

[@andyrodrii1495]

Felicidades por tu proyecto, tienes la actitud y el entusiasmo de mostrarnos pasó a pasó tu proyecto, eres un ejemplo a seguir para las nuevas generaciones 👏👏🤗👍🇲🇽

[@kodiakbear3519]

Great video ! Very informative, nice swap, good job . Thanks for sharing.

[@antonhuman8446]

Owned one as well. With probably 21hp. Well done!

[@kimhorton6109]

I have an ‘84 Vanagon at Rocky Mountain Westys for a 2L Subaru conversion. Anxious to see it home. I really liked my ‘65 bus that I bought on my way home from the service in ‘71 but I had no idea how to take care of it. This is pretty cool.

[@dirkg7062]

great job. you are very smart and talented. love your videos.

[@georgeyoung613]

This is absolutely ridiculous in all the best ways. Awesome build brother. Would really like to see some driving videos. You considering suspension upgrades to help take advantage of all the new power?

[@lyfandeth]

In a way, you still have a VW engine. When Subaru was getting started they tried to license an engine and everyone said no. Except VW who licensed the POS Beetle boxer engine. 20 years later...Subaru had turned it into a much better engine. But the basic design license goes back to VW!

[@even1007]

Strictly speaking, it should be the "Boxer Engine" technology that karl benz invented in 1896. . . Not directly related to VW.

[@wilhelmsallsten7706]

VW did make a water cooled opposed 4 for the T3 and it took a whole day to replace the clutch. Shit what a lot of hoses. They also made a 1.7 turbo diesel that would fit right in to the T1 but it had problems with warped heads if overheated.

[@SpiralDesignWorks]

Love the swap and the enthusiasm!

[@bevanpope7924]

Shame you didn’t drive it for us. Hope the body and structure can handle the power changes.

[@mikeforce5926]

Hell yeah.I was thinking the same thing.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

and brakes, suspension, steering, etc. Just because it has the numbers doesn't necessarily mean he is going to hot rod it. LOL!

[@Living_Legend85]

Dave I think it’d just be nice to cruise at freeway speeds and not slow up to very car behind me. I wouldn’t got rid my bus or go over 80 regardless of what engine it had. My top is 52 mph lol I want this swap but I won’t as mines all original

[@vl639]

I wouldn’t be so concerned about the body as a posed to the transmission, one good launch or downshift and it’s a transmission yard sale.

[@donreinholz8121]

That is pretty cool how you figured out all of that yourself and fabricated everything.

[@BlueWeaselTX]

There are MANY Facebook groups, web forums and KZbin channels dedicated to Subi swapping a VW. The first one was probably done 20 years ago. Note that he was able to buy an adaptor plate for the engine to the trans...that doesn't happen without a customer base.

[@ericwilhelm2941]

Amazing ,Dude . Its funny that you had chosen a Subaru Engine over a VW. as i see here in Royal oak Michigan many Subarus 'Racing ' with everyone here on Woodward ave. the Subs kind of sound very close to VW Motors. so you did well, matter of Fact you did very well. Great Work, Brother. and what a beautiful 62 it is . wish you a lotta fun and no Breakdowns.

[@markbellecabiling4468]

i thoroughly enjoyed this vid, sweet swap- you sir are a legend

[@CarniceriaCasaUmar]

This guy is amazing.

[@jeromemalinge4572]

Awesome! Very good job! The only thing I'm confused is where did you install the gas tank? 👍👍👍

[@MotownVideo]

When my children went to Space Camp astronaut Story Musgrave told us how he believed people raised on a farm generally were the best prepared to be astronauts because of their problem solving abilities. Jonathan, because of what I have seen you do, I am now convinced jewelry makers are in that same category. Well done!

[@ICU2HI]

Great job. I've driven busses for over 20 years motors usually last about 60 to 80K miles about 3 or 4 years for me. High performance engines cost more and last less. As you said bad idea. You can still get a good rebuilt motor for $850 here in the SE. A Subaru conversion is a definite improvement. Mine will remain stock till they make me convert it to electric or something. A stock 1600 will get you there. Your engine probable needed a rebuild if it always ran hot. With your skills you could have rebuilt it in an afternoon for $450. Still great job you always impress me with your amazing abilities.

[@mohammedshaji9785]

Appreciate the Automibile Engineering Excellence to the engine alteration works

[@kamarulamin3333]

Awesome !!! Really really cool sir! Thanks for sharing your cool mods!

[@hermesjackle5903]

one day in heaven that beautiful bus will be reunited with it's original engine.

[@hellesren6737]

What a great job. Perfect. we love your blue splitty bus. greetings from Denmark.

[@surfside75]

This dude is my hero🤙

[@teddyhage]

i vaguely remember watching this video once in my distressed life overall i love this swap and would love to see you post while driving.

[@breeze787]

Awww man! I thought you were going to take us for a ride? Awwwwww

[@GeorgiaNFA]

That’s awesome man!

[@lenny108]

awesome accomplishment, cool sound, it is of course not an easy job everyone can do but this engine surely drives another twenty years.

[@New777World]

Where did you put your gas tank? You didn't show it!

[@bed51]

All that show and no GO. I thought you would take this new sleeper on the road and blow the doors off some posers. That's what I want to see.

[@oldroadstories7180]

😂😂😂😂Oh yes!

[@cutan06]

I love Bus and you're awesome sir.

[@michaelwierenga70]

Outstanding work. Well done, that's some HP now! Still got my 55hp in my '73 bus...

[@Living_Legend85]

Mines a 73 also, gotta love them HP numbers

[@TheKiltedYaksman1]

Judging by the blue smoke, I hope you budgeted for a new turbo soon.

[@frankie2234]

What a great job !!!!! I enjoyed the vid. Looking forward to more content.

[@jimjardine4705]

He did a really good job!!!

[@aguerra1381]

That thing sounds AWESOME.

[@packhams4]

Want to do, can do, do......great effort and a lovely machine!

[@Gismotronics]

Great job. Love the way that the vehicle has been kept fairly stock looking.

[@joembuchi3146]

Dude is full of life! Viva!

[@robertsroberts4327]

Mannn super slick vw, classic and clean

[@billmcgarry3300]

Love your ingenuity and resourcefulness...DIY rules! Way to go!!

[@RubenRodriguez-ul6cv]

Very nice Vw bus , Congratulations. From all the videos that I have seen, this is the best, detailed information and nice job. I want to do my 71 Vw panel dual slider with a turbo Subaru engine just like that, I’m a good metal fabricator but not too good with wiring and computers. You just gave me a good idea of buying a jdm turbo engine with computer, my problem will be the wiring. Any ways, good luck with your bus and enjoy it. Thanks.

[@twowheelrodeo]

I think super powerful motor for this vehicle is a great Idea. I had 66 VW cargo van for my first job and found a performance weighted crank, cam/lifters, extra bore, and adapted ford pinto carb gave me an added advantage with traffic. I never liked being waved to and not being able to compete.

[@michaelmchugh6770]

I may have missed, built where did you move the gas tank? Awesome job, you are the mad scientist!!!

[@viridiana256072]

driving through Mexico with Radiator under neath!!! Good Look with those huge Bumps!!!

[@JamesCouch777]

That should make a difference. I had a corvair van and it was still under powered.

[@New777World]

It will be cool to see you do a full tutorial on this swap! You explain thing and sound very simplistic! But a lot of information is being missed to take on this swap specialy that other people charge excessive amounts of money for the swap! Please do a reversal swap and explain one show what you did and give the sources to buy! Can make this a tutorial series!

[@frankofrankie6560]

Qrwa mać może być wrogiem zewnętrznym

[@ahmedjallohr1341]

I love the sound

[@DentFreeImagePeterVega]

Jonathan thank you for sharing your bus build, you did a great job! Wanted to ask if you have a part number for your rubber hoses? I see they are from Napa. I am building a 71 baywindow with non turbo EJ25 and I installed a dodge truck radiator and a Jeep Patriot fan but I'm not happy with the way the setup looks and the space it takes. My van is not lowered but I still like the clean look of the NSX radiator you recommend and will be getting one soon. Thank you for your advice, hope your van is still running great!

[@TheOnlyOneStanding8079]

Subaru turbo that's incredible

[@harles5000]

I like the build great job!

[@wilhelmsallsten7706]

It would need serious modifications to the suspension and a rack and pinion steering in order for the power to be useful.

[@midnight4109]

That is one great idea, replacing the VW sewing machine engine with a more powerfull more serviceable Subaru turbo. I wonder if it can be done to other VW models like the Karmann Ghia.

[@ddd228]

GOOD IDEA!!!! or a square back.

[@joaolucala7275]

Well done,that was a lot of rectifications n adaptations,and thoughts,there u go...well done...

[@ricardoviolanti5780]

Great job.

[@pcowdrey]

I was planning a major mod years ago. It was going to be on a '65 Chevy Sportvan, and I knew I'd be having a heat problem. I never did the mod, but what I wanted to do was to lay the radiator down on the roof, (at the rear) maybe at a 10 degree angle and use appropriate air ducting to get the airflow I needed, low at the rear, up at the front and of course electric fans. I was going to fair it in and make it just look like some kind of a luggage rack, just to keep from having to explain it to everybody that saw it, etc.That wipes out your ability to take it through a car wash, but your luggage rack in the video does that anyway. Of course, you'd have to stand up on the back bumper or a ladder to check/fill radiator, but this setup would take a lot of heat out of the engine compartment. =PC=

[@overflowenterprises]

This is a really awesome swap and concept ! What did you do to reinforce the transmission ?

[@mangusta57]

Good job!!! But where is the driving video?

[@johnwolf7523]

You might raise the rear end a touch by changing the torsion bars a couple of notches. Just to have a little more clearance.

[@minatour87]

How about a part 2, gas tank new location and a stock trans will be scrapped soon, so show us your upgraded trans install.

[@nojnoj3069]

Personally I think this guys done an amazing job. The work involved is epic. But you can only piss on his fire...?......Shame on you buddy. No doubt you've got something real special to drive, like a VW up!...?.....If you've got nothing nice to say, don't bother, we're not interested in your comment.....All here are praising this guy for his skills and ingenuity, not you.

[@minatour87]

@@nojnoj3069 I am not putting him down. I am just pointing out that a type 1 trans can only handle about 100 hp. I would like to see how things are going maybe I am wrong.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Cool man, I hope it's reliable for you

[@wealthyblackman2655]

BAD ASS RIDE!! Nice job man.

[@KingCast65]

Dude you rocked that. Nice.

[@thomasanders8976]

Just Pure Awesomness

[@bernardvargas3867]

Freaking bad ass dude, you rock 👊

[@GerhardAlbinus]

Brilliant! Thanks for creating this video and sharing your knowledge! Simply fantastic!

[@patrickjan7896]

The stock engine really lacks power and reliability. I'm glad you did this.

[@Abc-vr7tk]

Cool stuff, i wanna see a video of your car in the highway.

[@sparkles9868]

Might car mods fitted same engine to a vw beetle a few years ago with a massive radiator they called it a sleeper beetle only downside is engine bay door had to be open a little as wont close

[@carl13815]

You did nice work but wondering did not make it EV out the your project?

[@josephczelusniak4961]

Yea I agree. Wanted to see driving footage. Also what did u use for your stance? Its perfect low I would wanta go.

[@jonathanstephenson4395]

Hi great build, where’s the fuel tank ?

[@dlucas527]

Nice. Thanks for the info. Sweet deal.

[@gregguenthner3059]

Yes sir. Those air cooled don’t like the hot weather. Need to do early morning driving.

[@saltspringdesign]

coolest VW mini bus ever!

[@mariasantov5579]

You can dance with your cat.

[@saltspringdesign]

@@mariasantov5579 i have no idea what you mean by that Maria

[@mariasantov5579]

@@saltspringdesign To find the answer you have to read this book: Moskva-Petoesjki - Venedikt Jerofejev (1973)

[@stevehennessy8572]

How’s it working out? I hope well. When you said Alaska, Mexico - I hoped the ground clearance wouldn’t be a problem. I had a late 70’s water cooled Vanagon. Loved it, except for the head leaking the coolant - Mech’s said it was in part due to the higher pressure coolant system.

[@pcowdrey]

I also want to know about the transaxle. Are you planning to keep the original setup for a while? Have a towtruck follow you, keep your foot out of it, etc? I'm thinking a trans-cooler, even on a manual trans, and some high-tech trans oil. (Schaeffer's?) Maybe a temp gage would be good on the transaxle. =PC=

[@JewelryRvMe]

I have a new rancho performance built up freeway flyer 3.44. Its warrantied for 5 yrs lol :)

[@jennydiazvigneault5548]

I hope you enjoy Canada. Banff, Jasper, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Whistler, Northern Ontario and Quebec, and the East Coast are all beautiful.

[@jesseescarcega4109]

Very nice set up

[@regdondada]

well done I saw this in motor trend it was the same works , but you did by yourself I salut you for that

[@tsangarisjohn]

😂😂😂😂😂 That is awesome 😎 🤙🏻 Bet you surprise a lot of people!