BUGaru Part 9 - EJ22T Engine Install

[@abefrohman1759]

Getting closer, can't wait to see it run.

[@Busaru]

+abe frohman I can't wait either!!!

[@MuntFrancis]

nice job. cant wait to see end result

[@goodguy555]

We just picked up a 72 bug to convert. I'm hoping to find an ej207 v7 for ours. Can't wait to see yours finished.

[@Busaru]

+RandomGuy Sweet! Looking forward to seeing that thing shred some tires! I'm hoping for my first test start this week! Video coming soon.

[@karloswald7345]

Great videos! I'm starting a GT40 kit on a late 60's bug chassis. Hoping to land a bus transaxle to drop in and maybe an EJ20T for it. Not sure if you've done any EJ20s but, I'm hoping the clearances and application is much the same... These videos will end up being my bible! Haha

[@Busaru]

+Karl Oswald Thanks! This is my first Bug so I haven't done a DOHC EJ20 yet but it can't be too much different. Good luck with your project. Shoot me some pics when you get a chance - [e-mail]

[@vl639]

What transmission are you running? I’m doing somewhat the same swap but with an WRX motor and I had to have a 4K built transmission from Rancho. A stock beetle or freeway flyer transmission will yard sell with Subaru power.

[@benyoung4333]

Are you using a standard Beetle gearbox? Can’t seem to see anything on gearbox in the videos

[@Busaru]

I am. No dropping the clutch for me. Just rolling starts ;)

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

Do all of the Subaru boxer engines have the same bellhousing pattern? In other words, does the 6-cylinder and 4-cyliner have the same mounting pattern?

[@Busaru]

+Joseph Turner All EJ and EG engines have the same bolt pattern. I believe the EZ engines do as well but if have to doublecheck.

[@VelocityLabs]

Do you know if the positioning of the engine with the KEP adapter plate will be the the same as the positioning with a Subaru Gears Subamount and subaru transmission? I'm tempted to pop my EJ22t in with the KEP plate first then upgrade to a subaru gears tranny later, but I'm afraid I might have to re-do a lot of the lines.

[@Busaru]

+Velocity Labs I don't think you'll have to mess with it much. It may be off a little but that's how it goes when switching parts out sometimes. Go with VW trans until it blows.

[@VelocityLabs]

I like your style :D

[@godskillers2]

Dumb question, what do you use to mount the engine? I only see you use the 4 originals bolts but is that it or do I need some other or original Subaru engine mounts?

[@Busaru]

+Gustavinho Ronaldhino It’s currently only being held in with the 4 bolts on the adapter plate - makes me cringe ever time I hit a big bump. I’m working on a “crossmember” for it bit tough as there’s not much to work with and don’t want to cantilever off of the frame horns too far. I’ll let you know what I end up building - open to suggestions ;)

[@godskillers2]

Busaru is it reliable to have it just on the 4 bolts? As I know it’s heavier than stock engine. I just don’t really see anyone talking about the mounts, and I want to build my bug like that.

[@Busaru]

It might be okay for most Street use but I still get nervous without having more support - especially thorough tapped aluminum in the adapter plate.

[@suhciel]

I like the videos and all the information. I'd like to add something if that's ok. You need to make the rear end/suspension stronger for this king of applications. I'd start with a quality truss bar to tie up the fork. A friend of mine bent his with a 2L ~120bhp air-cooled engine. Gearbox mid mount is also needed to protect box' nose cone. I'd also use a strap at the rear of the box. All these make the gbox nicely secured and protected. For gbox mounts I'd use rhino or other HD mounts. It's the torque and also additional weight that makes the rear end vulnerable. Another friend of mine has installed a Subaru turbo in his bug and additionally he fabricated a gbox/engine joint mount so he could use engine's rubber mounts. I would put a Kennedy stage 1 with a kush lock disc for non turbo applications (~135bhp) and stage 2 for turbo. A set of good gas absorbers is a good idea too. I'm in the process of getting parts for my conversion. It's gonna be a NA engine but still I'll be installing all above mentioned parts :)