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Help with Subaru Engine Conversion

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VeeDub Learner Dubber

14 posts · joined Nov 2008 ·

#678008
Hi all,

I have a 1982 T3 Kombi, the last of the air cooled ones. I want to fit a Subaru ej22 (non turbo) engine but I am not sure what parts I will need.

I have seen some conversion kits, but none seem to include radiators or exhaust adaptors so I don't want to purchase one until I am sure of what I am doing.

Thanks all,
VeeDub 😎

Brad Wolfsburg Elder

3,764 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#678024
Ok the Aircooled T3 is going to be a PITA. Custom Vee Dub sell all the gear you need with including the radiator setup. They do have exhausts etc.

With the aircooled T3 you are going to have to go complete custom setup for cooling unless you can retro fit a later T3 Radiator setup, I dunno I have never had a good look at them, can you do that ?
Brad
Why copy when you can own an original ?
Meyers Manx Australia

GeorgeL Officially Full-On Dubber

231 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#678047
Buggy Brad wrote:With the aircooled T3 you are going to have to go complete custom setup for cooling unless you can retro fit a later T3 Radiator setup, I dunno I have never had a good look at them, can you do that ?
Yes, the aircooled models can be retrofitted with factory radiators, plumbing, etc. Since you probably want to get a new radiator anyway the cost isn't too dear.

Most of the conversion activity in the US involves the T3s Several vendors have kits to mate the Subaru up with the systems of the T3, including engine mounts, cooling, and electrical. Surf the net a bit and you'll find a lot of info related to your vehicle.

VeeDub Learner Dubber

14 posts · joined Nov 2008 ·

#678063
Ok, thanks for all the tips guys 😀.

I know someone who has a kombi with this mod, but their dub had the radiator as stock.

I found the custom veedub site on a link off this forum last night and have sent them an email requesting a quote for all the parts I will need.

One other question : Is there any "short stroke" conversion kits for a veedub engine. One that has a shorter head and pistons etc?

Thanks guys,
VeeDub

Transparu Seriously Crusin Dubber

154 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·

#678098
G'day,

I converted my '82 aircooled Transporter with an EJ22 6 years ago this month. I used a very common GM radiator with a couple of lugs welded up font behind the radiator grille to support the radiator.

You WILL need to cut a new hole to get a better air flow. Buy a grille from a later watercooled van to fill the hole. One of the Subaru Radiator fans does for the radiator.

I'd be happy to chat sometime and for you to look at my van.

Dave

OH - to get past the machinery inspection you MUST have a demister, believe it or not. That is a problem unless you put in a watercooled heater.

I did this eventually, but the inspector told me to go away, buy a $20 12V hair dryer from SuperCheap and wire it into the hose at the font. That way I had a warm air blower until I replumbed the front. I needed a bit of duct tape to seal up spaces, but this was easy.

Oh, also, the Subaru radiator overflow tank will fit into the space up front behind the grille.

There IS a significant issue with these vans. This is the space between the air intake of the engine and the firewall. The problem does not ocur in the watercooled vans because of the position of the engine/transmission in those later vans.

The most reasonable way around this not-insignificant issue is to buy the air intake duct for an '80-83 van from KEP (http://www.kennedyeng.com/). Their wiring diagram is invaluable - I could possibly show you a copy!

VeeDub Learner Dubber

14 posts · joined Nov 2008 ·

#678106
Cool 👍

Thanks for the help man. Do you have any pics of ur van?

I have access to another kombi from early 1983 that has the grill and plumbing, but the radiator is dead so ill probably go with the GM one like you suggested.

Thanks again,
VeeDub

Transparu Seriously Crusin Dubber

154 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·

#678176
You have PMAIL
Dave

bartransporter Casual Dubber

21 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#682548
85 transporter 4 spd ej20 conversion all mod plate and certificate ready too go $4500.00. Will that help with you conversion? I just bought a syncro so this sweets gotta go. Regularly do 600km trips with great fuel economy. around 8L per 100km. and is quick.

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bartransporter Casual Dubber

21 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#682550
and this is her. ej20. think its out of mid 95 model ish liberty or soemthing, uses no oil, great engine.

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bartransporter Casual Dubber

21 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#682552
my email is bartie_da_man@hotmail.com anyone whos in for it. try doing the whole conversion even yourself for under that asking price, considering you could re sell your air cooled beuty for extra cashie.

bartransporter Casual Dubber

21 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#682733
yer its pretty nice. If no one buys or if i get time wasted its going to get a 2.5 turbo motor and albins gears superdiff. . . . .which im looking at more then selling, so if your a nice person and got the cash. . .we may have a deal