VW Bus Subaru Engine Swap Intro - Busaru Engine Conversion Part 1

[@boyettedesign]

Dude... where were you about 4 years ago?? I did a conversion on my 82 Vanagon L (Diesel) and put a 91 2.2 L Subaru Legacy L engine in it. The mechanical part was actually pretty easy to do (thanks KEP). The nightmare was the wiring. Your video on creating the wiring harness sure would of been nice to have back then. It took a while but was well worth the time invested. Its the most dependable ride in my garage. Btw... i refer to mine as a Vana-RU... but BUSARU works too. Excellent work bro... keep on keepin on.

[@Busaru]

+B.J. Boyette Hey BJ, I wish I had started this 4 years ago too! I agree with you on the harness, definitely the trickiest part of the job. Thanks for the comment!

[@MrBriansAmazingWorld]

Thanks for all the information it was very helpful in doing my swap and finding out what I needed.. Best modification you can make to a bus.

[@JC-ly8pz]

If you could figure out how to put subi awd suspension and running gear under a bus I would be interested

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Nice looking hat you're wearing. I've never heard of a water-cooled engine being installed into an engine bay of an air-cooled vehicle. I didn't know it was even possible to do. :)

[@Omar-Type271]

What transmission did you use for this conversion and what changes did you make if any? Thanks in advance.

[@mattwakefield3948]

would that work for a 68 bus what modifications would i need to do and the gauge u installed is tgat a Subaru gauge as well

[@new2gold]

What's the best fitting engine for a 1969 bay? Is there different mounting brackets?

[@blairbarbo6483]

I'm looking at purchasing a 77 volkswagon bus with no engine. Do you know an approximation of what it would cost to install the suburu engine? And the cost of the actual full parts? Shot in the dark

[@JC-ly8pz]

is there kits to swap suby brakes onto a bus?

[@josmem25]

Hi I was watching the video but I'M trying to find out if there's any special plate to fit the Subaru engine to the vw transmission?

[@harveyharveyness8773]

does the sub engine still have head gasket probs

[@mohammadxmodarres]

How much would this conversion cost today? Got a 73 in need of a rebuild and considering the switch. Thanks 🙌🏼

[@HarleyHyena]

Well subaru backwards does spell URABUS

[@Busaru]

It makes all the sense in the world :)

[@NeoDragonFlame]

mother of god!

[@chrissmith7669]

Blah hah. Hah

[@devonbudd8243]

Is there a conversion kit for this year of bus?

[@TheDee831]

We're do you get the wiring kit and computer for swap aim trying to do a bug swap

[@ydeardorff]

What do you use to feed that engine? Im installing a EZ30D engine into a VW. So we need to eep tht fuel injection system functioning as normal. Any help would be appreciated!

[@kevinshawnkoepp]

You the man mick!

[@bert73195ify]

Have you try using the Subaru engine and transmission on a split vw bus

[@Busaru]

+Albert Martinez Hi Albert, I haven't tried the Subaru transmission in a swap yet, but I hear good things. I just can't ever justify the extra $2000+ for my personal swaps and none of my clients have opted for the Subaru trans as of yet.

[@bert73195ify]

Thanks for your response Which vw transmission will work better with the Subaru 2.5 engine???. And should I use IRS or swing? Thanks for all the information

[@new2gold]

How much for total conversion?

[@samuelvasconcelos53]

Brother if I use only one radiator will cool the engine as well? Thank U.

[@Busaru]

Hey Samuel, I think you'd have better luck going with a belly mount radiator setup if you are using just one radiator. With the engine bay radiator setup you'll need two radiators.

[@samuelvasconcelos53]

Busaru Thank U! excellent project !

[@devonblaine]

How's the swap working for you? I heard a 1.8L turbo can be used as well.

[@mariospantouvanos4645]

Does your guide also apply for smaller subaru engines? (eg. ej15, ej16, ej18)

[@Busaru]

+Marios Pantouvanos they will all be roughly the same - have fun!

[@mariospantouvanos4645]

+Busaru well, thanks

[@MrSPOOT117]

quality stuff, im planning to do an engine swap into a toyota. Great stuff to learn off. 3sge into a st141 corona.

[@varshaskax5]

I look fwd to watching all the videos to this series. I have a 71 bus that Im keeping aircooled, but picking up a 73 this month, that is in amazing conidition from a friend for next to nothing, without an engine. And because this bus is going to my wife, Ithought I would try a subie engine that way it is more reliable when she is cruising, or if the whole family comes along. What has been the toughest part about the whole swap?

[@Busaru]

+DKDZI W Your 71 may be in danger of a Subaru swap once your wife's 73 is done ;) the toughest part is the wiring harness for folks just getting into Subaru swaps. I have a video series dedicated to wiring though.

[@calin1321]

Busaru , how hard is to do the wiring harness from 96 to 2000 subaru manual transmission to a volkswagen 1981 vanagon. and do you do the wiring or know any good place that does it.

[@Busaru]

+Carlos Vazquez Hey Carlos, the wiring harness is one of the trickiest parts of the job but if you take your time and are patient, I think you can do it. If you want to give it a try but it ends up being too overwhelming, just shoot me an email - I make my living doing wiring harnesses :) busaru.com/services/wiringharness

[@calin1321]

Thanks very much ur help is super

[@tamashathazi1389]

Hi, it's possible to swap a ej20 turbo engine with transmission in a vw bus?

[@Busaru]

+Tamas Hathazi yes

[@BrianS2464]

No turbo?

[@DanTheManIOM]

Mick, Which EJ25 motor do you recommend (85 Vanagon Camper) ? 2.5 Dohc 97-99 2.5 Sohc 00-02 2.5 Sohc EGR Valve 03-05 2.5 Sohc EGR, AVLS Heads 06 ??

[@Busaru]

+DanTheManIOM I would avoid the Subaru AVCS engines as you need to match a harness perfectly with the engine or performance will suffer. All of the other engines are great. SOHC is preferred but DOHC performs great too, and are very inexpensive.

[@alegre681]

La trasmision es la de subaru o la de vw t2 ??

[@Busaru]

+Alex Cam Es un VW trans pero el "Streetfighter" (en un otro video) es un Subaru.

[@alegre681]

Busaru Gracias

[@duncandeew]

what kind of radiators are theses? Thanks!

[@Busaru]

These are Honda Civic radiators (1997 model). In the next few videos I'll be going through all the parts in detail.

[@peyeum]

How about the subaru boxer diesel engine? Is it possible to swap? I think that engine is sweeter since it has abundant low end torque :) thanks

[@Busaru]

I think the boxer diesel would be fantastic - I would love to see someone do that. Unfortunately I may never be able to afford one!

[@samuelvasconcelos53]

the brother what it costs all modification, which model this engine and worth making the adaptation. thank you.

[@Busaru]

Hi Samuel, Any Subaru engine will cost about the same to install, as long as it is non-turbo. If you get a good deal on a donor car you could spend as little as $4000 if you did it yourself. Expect to pay 2, 3, or 4 times that if you have someone do the swap for you. Good Luck!

[@mstehelin]

Busaru I was just looking at the Kennedy page. They said that the 2.2 Subaru engine is too tall for older buses. Did you work around that with the angled throttle body reverse- Or are they right?

[@mnfledermaus1357]

Hey Busaru! Love your channel. I just purchased a '77 Riviera that I am restoring for a family camper. I love the idea of swapping for a 2.2L. They are bullet proof!!! I have been searching online for an engine and was wondering your take on ebay options vs. others. JDM seems to be the way to go so far in my opinion. Do you have any advice or possible alternative solutions?

[@Busaru]

+MN Fledermaus I love JDM engines, just know that you'll have to source a harness that may not mesh with the JDM perfectly. I always recommend a donor car for the initial install, then you can swap to JDM if the donor engine ever fails.

[@dereksmith7564]

My wife really wants to do this...are you converting to awd? If not...how difficult would that be?

[@Busaru]

+Derek Smith I assume it would be very difficult to convert to AWD.

[@SPACEFACE70]

Not bad at all mate, Getting ready to do one myself at the moment so i will look forward to your vids. Not seen that rad set up before is the battery still behind them ?

[@Busaru]

Hey Gavin, I know you found the answer but for others - In a later video I show the battery placement under the rear bench on the passenger side.

[@SPACEFACE70]

Got the fan cutting in now.. Your series has been excellent ! I know how much time and effort making video's takes. I got offered a twin turbo Subaru engine today probably a bit much.

[@jasonbryant7782]

i have a 2.5 suby doner car and want to install engine and maybe the trans too in my 71 bus any info. I have a small shop and 1 mechanic. But we are pretty hand and have all tools. never tried this any advice

[@Busaru]

+Jason Bryant yep, folks do it all the time and it sounds like you're set up for it.

[@type2523]

What happened with the bumper ?????

[@Busaru]

+Κώστας Λεούσης non existent.

[@jamesrichardson1326]

The oil pan goes down close to the ground.

[@nowayjose20]

That oil pan is finna be toast.

[@Busaru]

If you do off-road stuff is definitely a good thing to change to a shortened oil pan. On road it doesn’t matter as much.

[@lawrencefox563]

Those buses so appealing all but for engine,why hasn't Subaru made similar type.

[@geneticmaskmen]

Would this swap be possible in a 1969 bus

[@Busaru]

Yes, it would be possible. There is still a question as to whether the crossmember would fit the frame rails of the "early" bus but I should have an answer soon. Do your frame rails look similar to the ones in the series on the white bus?

[@geneticmaskmen]

Busaru yes the frain rails do look the same as the ones from the white bus. Will you be making more crossmembers? Sell some maybe? Wireharness for sale maybe?

[@Busaru]

geneticmaskmen Hey Genetic, I have the crossmember and other pieces for sale on my website - Busaru.com, just go to Busaru Kit. As far as the wiring harness, I'd recommend you contact tom shiels - just google him to get his email - he has done hundreds of wiring harnesses. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@كاظمالازيرجاوي-و5ب]

+Busaru good

[@ledmk2]

Nice

[@shadydis4608]

I live in salt lake and am looking for someone who can install one of the Subaru motors in my 76 bus

[@sammanthalee990]

why not use the out side vent ducks makem preform double duty n pipe the air into motor compartment on rear

[@Busaru]

+sammantha lee They do. Perhaps you didn't see that in the conversion though.

[@type2523]

And the mirrors ?)

[@Busaru]

+Κώστας Λεούσης I'm not sure what you mean.

[@type2523]

Busaru the mirrors are missing

[@jarhead595]

Subaru diesel??

[@Busaru]

+Jar Head hell yeah! I'll do one as soon as I find one.

[@jarhead595]

Awesome. I want want too

[@a914freak]

I guess there is no need for a radiator header tank since they are right next to the engine. Air locks suck!

[@Busaru]

Fill it up at the highest point and most air should work its way out.

[@jasonk2732]

Why not put it in a Mazda bongo, I thought the idea of owning a air cooled bus was because it isn't water cooled.

[@Busaru]

+JASON K Never heard of a Bongo, is that a pretty rare beast? The appeal of the VW Bus is the styling, not the air-cooled engine, in my opinion. I like to drive the speed limit :)

[@omarfac131]

¿Bus? Parece una combi

[@gilbertoorozco2480]

hola amigos le saludo desde Venezuela me gusta mucho ese trabajo para mi camioneta Volkswagen como me comunico con ustedes para adquirir ese motor y trasmisión un abrazo para todos espero me respondan

[@Busaru]

Hey Gilberto, keep us updated on your project. When we get down to Venezuela maybe we could meet up!

[@gilbertoorozco2480]

Saludos gracias por responderme me contenta saber que pueden ayudarme me gustan mucho sus trabajos ya que tengo una camioneta igual quisiera saber de que país son y como me pueden ayudar para tener un motor igual un abrazo para todos estamos en contacto

[@gilbertoorozco2480]

saludos amigos espero su respuesta

[@terryraymond7984]

A Busaru funny

[@pavelfuris4824]

Am WV BUS T 1 TAXI PATRON VÂNDUT FIRMA LOR PERFECT

[@tatanoski666]

THE FIRST BUS IS AN AUTOMATIC say the flywheel fins!!!! im i right o waht shauwww

[@elvisdoidera33]

like and subscribe nice video

[@Busaru]

+Elvis silva viana Sweet! Thanks!

[@elvisdoidera33]

ok brother nice channel visit my channel please

[@mlp-hot-rod5824]

Do your commentary in a garage next time, bud. The wing keeps fucking with your mic.

[@Busaru]

Good call!

[@new2gold]

How much for total swap??