Big D's First Test Drive - 2.5 Subaru Swap automatic trans

The first drive experience after switching out a GoWesty 2.2L VW Waterboxer for a Subaru 2.5L JDM engine. Lots of 0-60 pulls and hard turning as Darren is a Mini Cooper restoration nut and loves performance, even in his 1986 VW Westfalia Vanagon with an automatic transmission. Way to go Darren!

[@wernerbloemwagen6878]

In 1990, Volkswagen South Africa already fitted a 2.5 motor to the locally built T3's in the form of the Audi 5 cylinder unit - basically the same motor as fitted to the Audi Quattro S1 but sans the turbo : I regularly did 160km/h with it on the open road.

[@abefrohman1759]

Very cool.

[@gregoryschwarz2730]

Any info on the transmission swap? Particularly on the gear selector and linkages?

[@forthwithtx5852]

I bought my 1984 Vanagon with a blown Waterboxer, so I never had a comparison. The 2.5 is pretty nice. It could have more power, actually. Can't imagine being happy with too much less, let alone 50% less.

[@Busaru]

+Forthwith Tx You should experiment with a turbo if you need a little more power - you'll be pleasantly surprised :)

[@ravenm.]

Busaru, there are turbo kits for the 2.5l!

[@DanTheManIOM]

Right now, I'd settle for a running 1.9 in the van, not on the garage floor !

[@damieno224]

@@DanTheManIOM truest statement ever right there

[@DanTheManIOM]

@@damieno224 new starter, turns over now - like as of today... but fuel pump not getting 12 v !! soon I hope to join you on the road...

[@user-et7il9yb3g]

Hi how did you get the auto tranny to go in reverse like that?

[@ferdautomaton9904]

Is the transmission a stock vw automatic?

[@FSJeep13]

Hey, How fast was the bus going up that hill towards the end? Speed limit was 55. I've been worried about the 2.5L not being able to get me up larger grades like that at 60mph or so. thank you

[@Busaru]

The DOHC 2.5 has about 155HP, SOHC has about 165HP. Both do well in Westy’s I cruise up that hill in my bus with a 2.2 often, and it goes 60 but I’m flooring it. We’re also at 7000 ft so at lower elevation you’d notice a lot more power.

[@FSJeep13]

I'm at about 4,500 ft. and traveling I get get up to about 6,700 ft where we like to camp. Whats your opinion on the 1.8T, or the Bostig turbo? I have a 2.5L subi in my driveway and am constantly back and forth on selling it or using it in the westfalia.

[@luisosoriothelionelmessian9845]

This is The Subaru Transporter Van The Rebadged Of The Original Volkswagen Vanagon

[@jeremiahresurreccion2350]

Are you using a Subaru automatic transmission?

[@zavenla]

Did you guys use a DOHC or SOHC? It looks like hills may never be a problem again 😺

[@Busaru]

+zla That was a JDM DOHC 2.5 that Darren found on eBay for around $800. Do proper maintenance in them and they're a great engine.

[@NickMaiorsky]

What kind of Idle RPMs is this setup set to. I wonder if you need to have higher Idle RPM because it's an automatic?

[@Busaru]

+Nick Maiorsky 650 +\- no need to change idle speed due to torque converter. The neutral position switch helped with sudden stops that caused stalling occasionally.

[@NickMaiorsky]

Thanks for your reply. Neutral position switch connected to Vanagon shifter or just grounded ?

[@Busaru]

+Nick Maiorsky I usually connect to the brake lights as that seems to simulate neutral pretty well.

[@NickMaiorsky]

This is a cool tip, I'm going to give it a try. Thanks and keep the videos coming :)

[@guido0582]

At what RPM does the engine sit at at highway speed???

[@Busaru]

+rottysaurus I'm afraid I don't remember - perhaps Darren will chime in.

[@ferdautomaton9904]

Is the transmission a stock vw automatic?