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subaru or type 4 in 65 Kombi

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twobus Commited Dubber

72 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#2957
What do YOU reckon on a Subaru conversion (VERY MILD) in a 65 Kombi with front discs, lovered and IRS rear.
I havn't yet made up my mind, so I would appreciate some opinions, I don't want a huge bunch of power, mainly reliability and hopefully economy.
Cheers
ps I don't have any engine at the moment as the bus came with a blown 1300 beetle motor

Che Castro ankle straps

1,945 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#2960
well the subie motor is obviously a lot more powerful probably more reliable and cheaper.

however it is a lot easier to put a Type 4 into an early bus, u just have to convert to upright cooling, get a modified type 4 flywheel with a bushing and clearance the bellhousing for the 200mm OD flywheel.
Plus parts are readily available and cheap, the engine is much easier to work on, diagnose, repair and understand.

A subie engine will be a lot more trouble, parts wise and conversion wise. however you do gain a lot of power for less $$$, there is a lot less maintainence as well as better economy unless you have a lead foot.

[Edited on 15-9-2002 by Che Castro]
Jon

kombi_kid Moderator Good Kid too many projects

124 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#2993
hey
the first thing here is
a) do u want to keep an fairly original bus?
b) to fit a subaru motor you have to modify the engine bay pretty heavily leaving it not original and hard to take back to original and
c) as stated parts are harder to find
these are just a few negatives but the power wise and cheaper thing is a great advantage!
cheers
rhys

twobus Commited Dubber

72 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#3088
I don't know If I'd go for a subaru if I have to modify the sheet metal but the bus I'm modifing was a basket case anyway,On the other hand I have also heard reports of 3k for a type4 rebuild! my other splitty is being restored back to original
Twobus! when one is not enough

danzin Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#3219
I've almost finished an ej20 conversion on a bay window.... and believe me, it's a tight fit! Not to mention the SUMP! The engine measures around 800 wide, so in a split engine bay you'd certainly have to do some clearancing! But that said, if you take care and don't use a gas axe, there’s no reason why you couldn't revert back to original! Though I doubt you'd ever want too after a successful transplant ;-)
As for parts.... please!!! 'Difficulty finding subaru parts' as apposed to a type 4? Sorry, but common sense would beg to differ!


[Edited on 17-9-2002 by danzin]

kombi_kid Moderator Good Kid too many projects

124 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#3246
fair enough!
but splitty's werent meant to go fast i say just a 1600 or a 1916 something like that if you want speed by a modern day car!
cheers
rhys

Menangler Custom Title Time!

1,991 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#3255
Well said dude!
FAHRVERGNUGEN;
Description of a pleasurable sensation,
Experienced when a car and it's driver are in mutual harmony, A unique driving experience, Pleasure, Satisfaction,
A feeling experienced by Volkswagen Drivers.

11CAB If ya got it....Baja it

4,674 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#3294
Where in Brisbane are you Danzin? I'm in Lota and would love to see your conversion. Thinking of doing an EJ20T into my lifted twincab😀
65 Meyers Manx
68 Country Buggy (KO 367)
68 Country Buggy (KO 669)
68 Country Buggy (KO 789)
68 Country Buggy (KO 815)
68 Baja Bug
76 Baja Kombi Twincab

MR930 Wolfsburg Wizard

666 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#3351
Conversion kit from Bill Croft and front cut from Just Jap (9754666 I think). Frontcut with auto box $1,950 or twin turbo $3,250. Buggie from whm.com or beachbuggy.com or sharpbuilt.com .Hope this helps . Mark

[Edited on 18-9-2002 by MR930]

danzin Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#3354
11CAB, I'm in cannon hill, and your more than welcome to come over and have a look! It’s basically finished now bar the exhaust and minor plumbing, so there’s plenty to see 🙂
Just phone ahead.... 0419761303.

11CAB If ya got it....Baja it

4,674 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#3430
Danzin, will do. I am keen to see it
will call.
Graham:thumb
65 Meyers Manx
68 Country Buggy (KO 367)
68 Country Buggy (KO 669)
68 Country Buggy (KO 789)
68 Country Buggy (KO 815)
68 Baja Bug
76 Baja Kombi Twincab

danzin Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#3492
These are pics of the 1600 subey I've replaced with the ej20... to it's credit she pushed the heavy old bus around trouble free (accept for 3 sets of points 🙂 for over two years !
I will post some pictures of the new motor tomorrow morning 🙂

danzin Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#3493

danzin Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#3494

11CAB If ya got it....Baja it

4,674 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#3539
Is that the only radiator you have mounted on the left?
65 Meyers Manx
68 Country Buggy (KO 367)
68 Country Buggy (KO 669)
68 Country Buggy (KO 789)
68 Country Buggy (KO 815)
68 Baja Bug
76 Baja Kombi Twincab

11CAB If ya got it....Baja it

4,674 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#3541
We had a 71 Twincab in at work yesterday with a 4AGE Corolla motor and it had one radiator mounted in front of the motor (where the fuel tank normally sits) and a smaller one moulded into the early front bumper.
65 Meyers Manx
68 Country Buggy (KO 367)
68 Country Buggy (KO 669)
68 Country Buggy (KO 789)
68 Country Buggy (KO 815)
68 Baja Bug
76 Baja Kombi Twincab

danzin Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#3897
I'll post some more pics in members rides!

Baja Wes V6 Baja Pioneer

3,119 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#4764
IMO these are just not suitable for any Kombi
Yeah they make the kombi more reliable, tow stuff better, run cooler and keep up in traffic, which totally ruins the character of a kombi 😀
Wes - www.offroadvw.net - 200HP Quad Cam V6 in a VW Baja - with climate control... 🙂
www.taylorcycles.com.au - My DH MTB racing brothers shop.

Che Castro ankle straps

1,945 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#4765
well parts change spec on a lot of japanese cars every 6 months or so, and a subi gasket kit goes for about $300... But i guess if u have the money and patience it is well worth having a modern engine.