Subaru Engine Install into Bus - Busaru Engine Conversion Part 7

[@Busaru]

Thanks for the comments guys! I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated stepping into my first swap into a Vanagon back in 2008. The reason being that there weren't really step by step guides of the whole swap. The price is reasonable if your aircooled engine goes out and needs a rebuild - as those are getting pricey these days (I hear). Jon Paul, the safest place for the computer is definitely inside (see my wiring harness video for more details on where I mounted mine).

[@Busaru]

Due to nasty winters (snow/ice/road grime) I decided to mount the radiators in the rear - up and out of that nastiness. The crossmember I had a machine shop build (and am offering in my kit) is a very simple one piece design similar to KEP's. I contacted them but unfortunately they don't want to build a crossmember for the Bus so I had to make my own! Throttles are always tricky because they always seem to be different in every single bus - due to their age and previous owners modifications.

[@carmichaelcrawford217]

@Busaru can I put in a 2.5 turbo without modifying the fire wall

[@Itoyz79]

You make it look so easy ! ! Can't wait for the next episode !

[@Busaru]

Thanks Mate! I was hoping to get the final version of the crossmember back from the machine shop but unfortunately won't be be documenting in Wednesdays video. Its still looking to be a good one though. Cheers!

[@PromasterHOF]

For your future removals and installs let me suggest an inexpensive motorcycle jack. Look at one a Harbor Frieght, I think you will find it much easier than the system you are dealing with now. You will only need the MC jack no cherry picker

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I wanted to apologize As i had watched your series a while ago without subscribing I didn’t understand how youtube worked now i do. So i enjoyed your content and the details so much the first time i wanted to rewatch the series. Again. To see details i may have missed or forgot sadly at this point in life i don’t have a vw to convert but i will remain optimistic about my future ! The thing i do know is I wouldn’t be happy with a stock power configuration one to meet my needs so this swap is robably what i would wind up with as i think it is one of the nicer ones available Plus i have been a fan of Subaru for many years now

[@Busaru]

+Craig Monteforte hi Craig, Thanks for subscribing, it really does help in KZbin Land. I hope someday you come across another bus, they’re terrifically versatile.

[@andrianarisonnjato1667]

So the only support for the engine is the gearbox. No ther silent blocs?

[@romulofernandezdiaz2525]

Hello friend, I really like your videos of combis with subaru engine, I hope someday I could put one to my combi, but here in Mexico may not adapt it as the one you put, excellent videos

[@Busaru]

+romulo fernandez diaz Thanks, good luck in Mexico!

[@SUBDUB67]

Hi mate, how are you mounting the engine? I used the subaru cradle from the half cut, I can send you some pics if you like. The fuel pump I used was from a popular 6 cylinder car here in oz, it has an auto shut off too in case of an accident. Where are mounting computer? Mines inside away from water etc. my radiator is under the floor laying flat, holds about 10 litres of coolant. I am having trouble with cable from accelerator to throttle, response is poor so would be interested how you will do

[@glassblastcollision]

Quite the fluster cluck to get it in . Good for you!

[@yalunnulay1]

Hi I see you are putting a subrua engine in bus what type of engine do I need and do I need a wire ing loom etc

[@brianlowe7608]

I would fabricate a replacement aluminum or stainless remvable facia plate that comes off and then just wheel the new motor straight in (or out) for easy workability. The work is already fairly extensive -and this part would be fairly easy

[@cristianorellana4140]

Hi! I have a similar project in mind, so have 2 questions: 1. Do you use the VW factory gear box or the subaru gear box? 2. About motor support.. Did you should to do any modifications? Too many thanks in advance.

[@rzamora2ASU]

Love these videos. Almost makes me want to convert my 75. I'm scared about price and whether I'd be able to carry out the entire project.

[@davidramshaw3780]

Are you planning to sell the engine support mount you had fabricated? I am about to a put legacy engine into my 61 Split bus. Do you reckon your engine support bar would fit?

[@Busaru]

Hi David, I have them here: www.boxerswaps.com/busaru-kit?view=rokquickcart The only problem is that they are made for late bay window busses and I don't think they'll work easily with the Splits. You could probably cut the mounting ears off and reweld where needed but that might be a little more than you're hoping to do.

[@jamesgroves4346]

I am putting a 98 Subaru 2.5 DOHC engine in my 79 bus. The EGR valve is hitting the fire wall . Should I cut out the wall for it or remove the valve and put a plate over its opening.

[@Busaru]

+James Groves I would plug the metal hose connection and put a block off plate on the intake manifold.

[@rattyratstuff7125]

only swap that was a 1 man op that impressed me more was my buddy swapping a spare turbo i6 in his 240 on the side of the road in 3 hours

[@MrKingraham]

Hi love the video's . just wondering ,i am just about to put a tdi 1.9 in my splitscreen and everyone tells me a rad in the back is a big no no ,i see you have it . how are you getting on with it ?

[@Busaru]

+Graham McMahon Hi Graham, the engine bay rads work well for me and the other people I've worked with in CO but t really depends on how you will use your bus.The best cooling performance will be a front mounted radiator, but its ugly. A belly mount has a potential to come in 2nd for cooling, but it can be damaged by debris (you'll need mudflaps and need to take other precautions if you drive on dirt roads, etc). And finally, if you're like me and do a lot of backcountry type driving to trailheads and camping, you may want to go with the engine bay rads as they are protected and a very clean install. The thing to keep in mind with all rad setups is that none are just a simple "install and forget about it" sort of thing - it's all experimental. Let us know how it goes!

[@willb3698]

Can that Rear Lower Valance be made to come off easily? Or is it integral? It just seems so in the way.

[@Busaru]

+will will I don't think so. The late bays use them to stiffen the rear. The early bays have a removable balance and it works great - they just don't have an upper lid would can make things difficult too.

[@Busaru]

+will will I don't think so. The late bays use them to stiffen the rear. The early bays have a removable balance and it works great - they just don't have an upper lid would can make things difficult too.

[@willb3698]

Thanks for that. Busaru. I figured you would have removed it, that being the case. Good Work!

[@reidjohnson2308]

How does the engine not spin the wrong way now that it has been rotated 180 degrees from its original orientation in the Subaru. Did I miss something?

[@Busaru]

The engine always spins clockwise whether in the front of a vehicle (like Subaru) or in the back (like the VW). It's the transmission that directs the power orientation. If you put a VW trans in a Subaru you would have 4 reverse gears and one forward gear :)

[@reidjohnson2308]

Thanks for the help :) Do you do these conversions as a job? I'm looking to do a swap in a 1971 Bus, and depending on the price I would rather someone experienced do it.

[@Busaru]

The Thunderlizard m happy to help explain it. I do conversions for folks but I'm pretty maxed out at the moment. I can coach you through a conversion if you wanted to tackle it yourself.

[@reidjohnson2308]

I know a few people who build race cars, including my dad. One of them builds and tunes engines, I will check and see if this is something he would be comfortable doing. I'll help out when i can, but i'm looking for someone experienced to do most of the work.

[@Busaru]

The Thunderlizard Cool! You can learn a lot while hanging out with those fellas.

[@mattza1287]

the sump is really low and could get damaged, are you leaving yours like that or are you going to convert it to a dry sump?

[@Busaru]

There are a lot of folks who offer shortened oil pans. Small Car, Outfront Motorsports, and Rocky Mountain Westy to name a few. I tend to leave mine and take care when driving in off road situations. This is mostly because the price is fairly high (~$500) and I've never had a problem on normal roads. Road debris is mostly deflected by the engine crossmember that is directly in front of the oil pan.

[@mattza1287]

ok great, what are the mechanical disadvantages of a shortened oil pan?

[@Busaru]

Plasticit Matt It depends on how its done. If capacity is diminished due to just chopping the bottom off, then you'd have to run an additional oil cooler for capacity and to keep oil temps down. If you go with one that keeps or adds additional capacity then there isn't a downside.

[@brianbermudez2100]

what type of transmission you have in the bus with the subaru engine?

[@Busaru]

In my 73 I have the 3 speed auto, in the 77 I have the 4 speed manual 091 trans.

[@williamcalderon5461]

i was woundering if you can put a isuzu disel moter in a vw van?

[@Busaru]

+William Calderon Maybe, if it physically fits and rotates clockwise I don't see why not.

[@Busaru]

I'll show you what I did for throttle on my bus in the next video.

[@SaintSmitty]

Would love to get in contact with you. I’m a builder/restorer with a 78 vw bus project currently considering the same option.

[@draggonhedd]

watching these videos, the one thing that i noticed was the background noise. Are you at a racetrack or something?

[@Busaru]

I'm not at a racetrack but it sure sounds like it when I speed up the video. I am fairly close to a busy thoroughfare and that's what you're hearing.

[@rarerides]

Fuck you dude. Mick- your videos are greatly appreciated by most. Thank you!

[@armandosairally]

Instead of an engine hoist I think you should use a pallet pump in combo with the creeper and tyre... Great video's though

[@Busaru]

I've used motorcycle jacks before and they work too, but there's nothing like the adjustability of the engine hoist in my opinion. Do pallet jacks go up and down a few feet? I hate having tools with one purpose but it might be worth checking out.

[@armandosairally]

Yes they do have that adjustment .. I was thinking going by the video's that you do this alot,so I was thing it would be alot better than a small jack and a few pieces of wood all that work and for the engine to possibly fall off. You could have the pallet lift and weld engine mounts to it...or bolt on mounts temporary so that you could use pump truck normally.. Also the rads I noticed you left the original filler neck on ,as you had the tabs welded on why not cut those and weld in some blanks,I'd imagine at some point the seal would perish and you would have some more trouble.. I loved watching every video today ,and only wish that I had the opertunaty to do the same thing... Keep up with the great work dude...

[@MrKingraham]

Do your fans come on a lot ?

[@Busaru]

+Graham McMahon bit of a subjective question but they come on most when in city traffic, not as much when on Highway but they still do kick on. What type of driving are you going to be doing? I'd be happy to give you some better guidance based on that.

[@jorgeflechas4015]

Can I use 95 Subaru legacy motor

[@Busaru]

+Jorge Orlando Yes, it's a great engine.

[@kombi59hotporscherbandumko53]

Topppppppppppp

[@Busaru]

+Kombi59HotPorscher bandum Kombis yesssssssss