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1st time conversion advice (wrx bug)...

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Stylieee Learner Dubber

12 posts · joined Jun 2007 ·

#597611
Hi all,

i'm planning on doing a conversion of my 72 bug to run an ej20t.

so far i've got a doner '93 japanese WRX that i've started stripping parts from, a late bay 2.0 gearbox, and an rjes bellhousing ta mate up the box and engine.

I intend to use as much of the subaru as possible, including rad, aricon, gauges, and if possible im going to replace all the vw wiring with the subaru loom (obviously extending where possible.

I've got a week off work next week and was wondering if anyone had advice on where to start?

72RSbug Officially Full-On Dubber

266 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#597617
I'd say first thing you need to do (for a quad cam) is grind away part of the engine compartment for the bigger heads+ IC .
Make a radiator mount up front and get some piping to connect it to the engine.

There's a lot of small things that need to be done with this kind of engine swap , to much to write down propably

Stylieee Learner Dubber

12 posts · joined Jun 2007 ·

#597620
thanks, would it just be a section of the firewall and the inner fenders that need to be cut?

also i was wondering what people do about engine mounts?

VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome

5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#597641
Start by building your cooling system into the front of the car BEFORE you pull the VW engine. Keeping the car mobile makes work easier. Possibly run the coolant tubes along under the running boards and make small cuts to teh guards for clearance. Are you intending to use a US-market air-con L-Bug louvred front valence panel?

Some people don't use engine mounts - they simply hang the engine, VW-style, from the gearbox. BUT the gearbox/chassis horns will need extra bracing into the body using either a 'kafr cup' brace or - better - straight sections up into teh luggage area of teh body shell, with appropriate reinforcing. It helps engine installation room etc, too, to relocate the (beetle) gearbox a couple of inches further forward in the chassis by flipping the rear mount and building a custom front mount

Why did you choose the Kombi box? Did you consider ratios etc? Kombi ratios are not a happy combo with the WRX engine; short 1st gear etc

Good idea to use the stock management system but mounting gauges etc to use teh complete Subaru harness will take LOTS of time and $. It will be easier and cheaper to use just the management system wiring and retain the Beetle body harness.

[ Edited on 18-6-2007 by VWCOOL ]
Pay your debts, CxxT

Stylieee Learner Dubber

12 posts · joined Jun 2007 ·

#597934
chose the box as the belhousing adapter kit i have means i can keep the subary clutch/fly and starter motor. also the 2.0 bus boxes (6 rib) are a lot stronger than bug boxes and have a longer 4th gear so motorway driving should be more comfortable/economical.

VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome

5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#597996
No, all the gears are lower. First gear will be almost useless
Pay your debts, CxxT

Stylieee Learner Dubber

12 posts · joined Jun 2007 ·

#598012
i know of at least 2 subaru drag bugs in the uk that run almost stock 2.0 bay boxes, and ive gone for that based on theyre set ups.

this might be of interest to you so you can see the kit ill be using: RJES

VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome

5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#598051
Good looking stuff...
Pay your debts, CxxT

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#598339
Stylieee wrote:i know of at least 2 subaru drag bugs in the uk that run almost stock 2.0 bay boxes, and ive gone for that based on theyre set ups.

this might be of interest to you so you can see the kit ill be using: RJES
Hi

What sort of tyre diameter are they using with the drag cars? For an everyday car you don't want to go much lower than a stock bugs final drive.

Steve

pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·

#598351
Unless you are using 31inch tyres on a baja, a stock 091 is totally wrong for that motor. In fact, you could even stand using a taller 4th for a road baja with 31inch tyres. I hope you are putting a much taller gearset in that gearbox. That belhousing kit is very nice, but it limits you to 228mm clutches. Kenedy makes a much larger variety in 200mm. Anyhow, if you must use the 228mm, keep the stock friction plate and get an uprated pressure plate. Button clutches are nasty to drive on the street.

In fact, for the price, ratios and ease of availability in the UK I'd look into a porsche 5 speed.

Next up, make sure you shorten the sump.

I agree with VWCOOL, keep the stock ECU. There's lots available for them and the factory diagnostics are a God send.

Check this site out. www.ricola.co.uk

Richard is onto his second conversion and he's in the UK with you.
"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/

Stylieee Learner Dubber

12 posts · joined Jun 2007 ·

#598747
pete wood wrote:I hope you are putting a much taller gearset in that gearbox. That belhousing kit is very nice, but it limits you to 228mm clutches. Kenedy makes a much larger variety in 200mm. Anyhow, if you must use the 228mm, keep the stock friction plate and get an uprated pressure plate. Button clutches are nasty to drive on the street.
the kit uses stock impreza clutch, fly, friction/pressure plates... surely thats an advantage as if required i could just use aftermarket subaru stuff. would there be a need to upgrade anything though as i already have a doner impreza so all the clutch parts i have are those actually designed for that motor?

as far as clutch drivability goes trust me it'll be a dream for me, my current daily driver is a supra with a triple plate racing clutch lol.

Stylieee Learner Dubber

12 posts · joined Jun 2007 ·

#598748
pete wood wrote:oh, put the radiator in the front. use the stock thermostat and don't drill a hole in it. 😉
will do, already started cutting 🙂