Subaru Swap Part 1

[@subarugears]

Nice work, great conversion so far! If you guys are worried about transmissions, just fit the Subaru 5 speed that came factory fitted with the motor. You can shorten them to fit and get reversed ring and pinions and LS's for them now.

[@333111444333111444]

I watched all the vids on this beautiful bug just now. Stellar build brother good job. It would be nice to see where she is now.

[@Utopiabugs]

Thanks man. The bug is still around. Same junk yard engine. But the cheap eBay turbo is spanked. I will post a video in the summer when I have it out.

[@nitestrike1000]

Congrats on your fantastic work on the conversion! Great engineering skills. Big shoutout from the island of Antigua! Wish I was there to see you work on this beautiful car. Post more vids:)

[@Utopiabugs]

The adapter plate comes with a flywheel. It bolts to the subaru crank and lets you use a performance vw beetle clutch, and pressure plate.

[@Jon110334]

It's not the box, it's how the gears are installed. They are held in with tension fittings, when you go over about 100 ft lbs then the tension fitting can slip. You need a transaxle with a "welded" 3rd and 4th gears.

[@Utopiabugs]

I had to make a small opening above the turbo to help clear the oil line, and for access to the downpipe bolts. Its small and covered it with a small access panel from the inside of the car. The intake manifold is easily turned...believe it or not...it fits both ways! Just have to fab a new alternator bracket.

[@thinkpad411]

AutoWerks directed me here. I saw his ricer fail video of the guy "jumping" the curb and damaging his light alloy rims. You were pretty ambitious with this job from the looks of it. VW's aren't my particular taste but i'm not bitching.

[@Utopiabugs]

The motor was from a legacy gt. Which comes with a turbo. BUT any subaru turbo manifold will bolt up to the motor. They have the same exhaust flanges. I used a wrx exhaust manifold. The turbo is a 20G, that bolts up to the factory subaru manifold.

[@Utopiabugs]

Believe it or not....the manifold works BOTH ways! Just flip it, and move the alternator! As far as the firewall goes i had to cut a small access panel right above the turbo. That was mainly just for safety so i don't set the carpet on the inside on fire.

[@Utopiabugs]

It is a vw beetle transmission for now. When I have the cash I will put in an sti tranny. It will have to me modified and a reverse ring and pinion installed, but it does fit in the same location as the stock one.

[@Utopiabugs]

I do notice some lag. BUT it makes for a great cruiser! I can put around town or on the highway out of boost. When I want to get moving I just punch it and she flys!

[@Kzlucas]

You make this look to easy.!!!! I love it keep it up

[@GhiaRu]

Hey Bruce.. Killer Job so far Mate. I can tell your truly determined to make that Bug a real sleeper / show stopper. You've master many normally overlooked build items. C@@L build, and even C@@ler total package. Best. Jon

[@Utopiabugs]

I went with a 16G turbo. Its a bit bigger than stock. But just small enough to fit with out any issues. In the future i plan to put a larger turbo, but i will have to fully customize the exhaust manifold. I hear many things about the transmissions. But at this point i plan to run the stock tranny witch will be fine as long as i show restraint!! lol But there are a few options....a lot of people run a berg 5 speed, others run a rhino case, others install a G50 tranny from a Porsche.

[@bobbybottleservice5438]

NOW IS THE TIME ON SPROCKETS WHEN WE DANCE!

[@Utopiabugs]

I was told that the Late model vw tranny (IRS Single Side Cover case) transmission was the strongest vw ever made. This came from a buddy of mine that drag races beetles. In fact he still holds the world record for fastest 1/8 mph. So i say fuck it!!!! Drive it and enjoy it! If it aint broke.....Dont Fix it!!!! But eventually it will!! and i will deal with it at that point!

[@Utopiabugs]

So far so good. But I just got it tuned and hit 301 hp. (video soon) We will have to wait and see. I will be swapping in a Subaru transmission when I get the funds.

[@Utopiabugs]

Thats interesting.....I guess for years all the VW BEETLE guys have been installing decklid stand off's to cool their motors for no reason!!!! Honestly at this point its not hurting and I like the way it looks!!

[@KCWhoa]

That's a nice FC in the background. Im pretty stuck on the boxer bus idea. I think it's time I start lookin. How is the trans tolerating the power? Usually when I see motors mated to vw trans theyre usually after market.

[@Rodamotors]

nice set up i whant to do the same and for all what i reed your transmision dont go o wistand the hp of your engine you must buy a bettre transmision

[@JMSpeedshop]

very nice swap!! i did my car with a 2002 sti engine and g50 transmission

[@mjmesserli]

ok, my question- why doesn't someone put a Goldwing GL 1800 motor in a VW? I think that would be amazing. Come one, someone do it.

[@325superstar]

very nice project i am looking to do something similar but im lookin into an ej25 not shure if i want to put the intercooler like u did or where the spare tire goes ive seen both setups and im still debating...any tips on what trany will handle that kind of hp and where to start on fitting it in......btw again nice wrk

[@QuantumKillYou]

you do know that decklid stands off dont actually feed the intercooler right? air flow over a vw beetle doesnt even make it to the fresh air vents when traveling over the top of the car, it leaves about mid rear window!

[@prestontaylor777]

Great video.. thanks for documenting this :-)

[@T4berrie120]

Nice, did almost the same but not this quality of finish.

[@miguelcardona3400]

Hello: I've been following your build on the VW (really fabulous work), it's what I have been doing some research on; however, I want to use a Kharman Guia body, It SEEMS to me I'll have a little bit of more room to work on; my concern is the gearbox (tranny/transmission) AND especially the rear suspension with all that power; do you have any pointers or hints I should be looking into. Thanks for the beautiful job, I'm really impressed, I had 9 VW in Florida and I drove my Super Beetle everyday for 5 years straight putting approximately 250 miles a day for that period; I was THE mechanic!

[@Utopiabugs]

Miguel Cardona thanks man. It is lots of fun to drive. As far as the transmission goes it is a stock irs single side plate vw beetle transmission. On the rear I used solid mounts with a mid mount aswell. Shocks I am using kyb gas adjust shocks. It squats a bit with the extra wieght but handles it just fine.

[@crbastow]

Could you just use the newer style trans with splined gears rather than keyed? Is welding a must regarding the connection method to the shaft?

[@moiseszapata22]

Might give paguina me where you bought the steering wheel adapter ... I'm installing a TURBO EJ20 I appreciate

[@BoostedVW]

Funny, I went the other way, EJ25 with EJ22 heads lol.

[@AMCTCUCHILLERIA]

hi my friend. i like put a subaru ej18 or ej20 sohc in my vw sp2. have you some problems with your gerarbox. i hear that i need a rhino box or rancho gearbox for not breake the 4th gear. its thath true? i think that u most fly happy with your engine. good video. we watchit many times here from venezuela.

[@nelsonquinones8876]

hi utopiabugs Bruce nice video I wish can do that with my bug but I dont have no body to do that...do you know somebody in EEUU can do that?

[@zhogazXhupip0p]

can you explain me how did you put the turbo in this stock motor, i have a subaru legacy motor but i want punt a turbo, waht kind of turbo did you use? what is the model?, thanks great video!

[@TriniRogue]

Umm i have a question with that engine what transmission did you use and how did you get the power to the rear wheels, seeing that the legacy trans would be too long and i doubt the bug trans could take all that power.

[@Utopiabugs]

I have owned this car for 18 years....I couldn't bring myself to just let this one sit while I played with another. Kinda felt like I would be cheating on it! lol

[@pedroapereza2439]

Utopiabugs Bruce tu

[@cazasniperchilex2824]

hello, what transmission box did you use for this swap, original box of the volkswagen? 

[@Utopiabugs]

Yes I used the factory transmission.

[@joshruiter7023]

Do you find the 20G have much leg, I drove a 20G on a WRX and it seemed really laggy but with the less weight do you notice it much?

[@ronwest7930]

I'm curious what you did to make the engine look like that? Am i just seeing paint? It almost has a polished look. The stock motor would have been plenty crazy enough. I would have made it into a Baja Bug, But i like peeling around in the dirt.

[@Utopiabugs]

+Ron West Lots of cleaning and a spray of engine enamel

[@ronwest7930]

It looks good!

[@PugzofSteel]

As far as transmissions, do you have to reverse something so that it doesn't go reverse in all four gears. Or just stick it in and the engine cranks in the same direction as the stock engine?

[@Utopiabugs]

Doug0101 The engine turns the same way. So no issues with rotation.

[@SMS570X]

i just want help to avoid the heat am getting ...!

[@Utopiabugs]

twin fans and as big of a rad as you can probably fit. Also make sure you have no air locks in the coolant system. Use a burp bottle. Solved all my issues

[@SMS570X]

can you tell me what do you mean by burp bottle ? you mean coolant tank ?

[@wisenhummer]

is there an adapter for the flywheel?

[@nazimelon6653]

you think this would work in a baja bug too? i mean its the same base, isnt it?

[@Utopiabugs]

It would work better in a baja because you would have more room.

[@randylucas7751]

do you know if i buy a complete wiring harness and ecu from a 99 non turbo will it work with my jdm turbo engine no issue?

[@Utopiabugs]

randall lucas I am sure there are some differences between the harnesses. especially with respects to the ecu. I would ask Jeff at autoventures. that is his specialty. [e-mail]

[@chichaqui]

Hey bro where do I can find the kep adapted plate ? Can do u help me with that

[@Utopiabugs]

Look up kennedy engineering products, or Outfront Motorsports. They both sell them.

[@jeancharlesrabaux5658]

Comme les subaru sont pour la plupart 4 roue motrice pourquoi ne pas le faire a la cox avec un big turbo tu pourrait manger des v8 booster

[@jcreichle26]

what transaxle are you running with this set up?

[@Magnusscipioiterum]

How or where did you manage to turn around the intake manifold?

[@Utopiabugs]

Believe it or not...It simply fits the other way around.

[@randylucas7751]

hey man im doing this exact swap here real soon could you possibly send me a parts list and as far as the stock trans im using stock aswell did you use a kennedy adapter plate and if so did you have to change to hydrolic clutch or anything

[@Utopiabugs]

randall lucas I did use a Kennedy adapter plate. Using a 6 puck unsprung clutch and a Kennedy stage 3 pressure plate. cable operated. It is a bit stiffer but worth the extra bite. As far as parts list you need: motor adapter plate clutch radiator (i used an 87 RX7 rad) computer (standalone or you can mess with the wiring) coolant piping (i used 1.25 emt) last but not least lots of patience! lol

[@randylucas7751]

thanks for getting back to me i have everything listed i was going to send my wiring in to have it done up but im not sure ill be sending enough im only sending the chunk of wiring with the ecu attached would this be all they need. or is there another route i could take

[@Utopiabugs]

randall lucas Depends on what route you are taking and who is doing the wiring. It would be best to talk to them. I just sent in the engine wiring harness to Outfront Motorsports. On my next build I will be sending the whole computer and harness to Auto Ventures. He is a wiring expert when it comes to subaru conversions. www.autoventuresllc.net/

[@randylucas7751]

thanks man ill call them and see what all they need me to send

[@ogmonkey562]

around how much does or would this cost?

[@mailtraz]

how is your transmission hooked up, what are you using

[@Utopiabugs]

connects using a kep adapter plate

[@maryrobinson2805]

My question is how bad was the wiring? or did you go for a stand alone?

[@Utopiabugs]

Tanner Robinson I went stand alone with a stinger ecu, and a harness from Outfront Motorsports. The other option is there are a few guys that can make the harness for you. Look up Autoventures llc on facebook.

[@maryrobinson2805]

im not going with a turbo for the moment just an ej22. i think i can manage stripping the harness just worried about speed sensor and MAF sensor messing up as they are finiky

[@tman1335]

i was lucky and sorced a 03 wrx wiring harness i used a ej205 in my build form a wrecked 03 wrx...and tbh i wish i would have went stand alone...i had to sort threw about 60lbs of wiring lol

[@Utopiabugs]

ACTUALLY.....I WENT WITH A 20G TURBO.....NOT SURE WHAT I WAS THINKING WHEN I COMMENTED BELLOW

[@randylucas7751]

whats the best place to send a wiring harness to?

[@Utopiabugs]

randall lucas If you are going stand alone computer Outfront Motorsports. If you want to use the Subaru computer. Look up Jeff Robenolt he does them and his work looks great!

[@randylucas7751]

thats what im wanting to do use my ecu do you have contact info for him?

[@michaelaguilar2511]

What's a estimated amount of this build bro

[@Utopiabugs]

It all depends on how much you can do on your own without having to pay someone. Also on what motor you go with and wiring. I went standalone computer. I would say anywere from 3000 to 5000.

[@tnasburypl]

I would have used a crappier bug to chop. Just saying.

[@mattygreenwood13]

Unreal

[@angelcuriel19]

what year is the subaru legacy ?

[@Utopiabugs]

its a 92 legacy gt

[@myakkafuel9574]

Why not an ej255?

[@Utopiabugs]

Because I got a whole car for $300. Plus it's a closed deck block. Not a semi closed or open deck. I can pound boost into it all day long. Especially after I rebuild it.

[@thomasdillon4228]

What gear box is in it

[@Utopiabugs]

Thomas Dillon for now it is the bone stock original 1975 single side cover IRS type1 box.

[@loudluggageco]

want that engine…

[@Utopiabugs]

ej22t from a 92 subaru legacy gt

[@loudluggageco]

I know, I read above : ] thank you!

[@BigEsGarage]

NEVER!! Air Cooled for Life!! ;-)

[@Utopiabugs]

If its any concelation, the wifes bug is aircooled...for now! lol

[@BigEsGarage]

Haha, dose sound nice! Cheers.

[@tnasburypl]

Alright.

[@saizjames13]

what year legacy did you use for the swap

[@Utopiabugs]

1992 legacy gt