Hi All,
I am just looking into doing a subi swap into a baja and would like to know a rough cost from start to finish by anyone who has done the conversion.
out with the 1600tp and in with the new. This is to driving stage, including radiator, computer, etc. The whole kit and coboodle.

This is NOT to start a VW vs Suby argument, so if you feel like you have to say something about going suby, please find one of the other many posts that end like that and bring it back to life. Not here.

I am also open to some other swap conversions, I remember someone on here did a mazda v6, and I know of a few offroaders doing 2.0 pinto escort motors. The suby seems to be the easiest.

Thanks
T54

There's a good recent post... i think it starts with the heading philosophical ....sometning or other.

I think people are suggesting 3 - 4k walk in walk out...

I would love someone to come out and say you could convet to 140ish HP subi power for under 2 grand. total... but i think i'm dreaming

2 k ish for donk
600 ish for adaptor
+ new clutch setup 300 ish
+ radiator + hoes + pipe+ clamps would easy be 300
and there are heaps of little things you mis that all ad up

around 5k is a good figure to consider when all is said and done for a non turbo motor. You may be able to do it for less. It may cost a little more. Remember that in NSW, you might be asked to upgrade your brakes a little.

For a turbo motor, you need to consider a serious gearbox upgrade. a single side plate box will only last so long behind all that torque.

This all seems like a lot, but in comparison, a VW motor of the same power/torque will cost more so be aware of the reality.

if your car already has big brakes and a decent trans, then the cost comes down a lot. Kombis for instance, really only have to worry about engine costs.

arrrr don't waste your money, Subaru conversion are over rated.

^

where's that vid of your lbug thrashing the commode again?

For real bare basics with heaps of scavenging around for good prices on radiators and miscellaneous parts I reckon you could do for 2k-2.5k. Big outlay is the donk but again if you can snap a bargain then away you go.

Is it Chris up in Qld with the Baja that has the V6................brain has gone to mush, have not been on for a while?

hey,

I've got for sale a 77 kombi just out of rego (poor body, no probs mech) with
engineers papers
96 sohc jdm ej20
2ltr kombi box with albins 3rd and 4th
gear reduction starter
plus indian front beam and 15" merc wheels ( neither of which you'll need, but can on sell)
for sale only complete vehicle $3300

located central coast 2259 NSW

pm me if you are interested

Quote:

Originally posted by Aussie Dubbin I would love someone to come out and say you could convet to 140ish HP subi power for under 2 grand. total... but i think i'm dreaming

This is great guys, I just wanted to know. I am seriously thinking of doing it so I can go anywhere and not have to worry about the motor. Not had much luck with VW motors and I want to travel in this thing if I do it. I will be going turbo if suby power is the go. Would like to find out about the mazda setup.
T54

from memory
front cut with 55000on it $2500
adapter/ flywheel 215mm $660
vl turbo fuel pump $180
rad pipes $200
clutch 800kg $220
engineers report $600
misc $1000 inc exhaust, fuel pipes , wiring, steel ,paint, Nuts /bolts
not including my labour to build ,modify, bash head against wall while disecting stock harness or modifying fuel tank, reinforcing car cost of car , rego insurance unleaded filler neck, rebuilt brakes, collapsable column, retractable seat belts.

My thoughts are that the above guesstimates are way off. It has been thrown around you could get a subbie in the car complete and running for 3-5k. This may be possible in parts alone and has the Colonel Mustard implied, you dont want a half arse job.

And if you are talking about a turbo power, than there is more money again as which has also been implied. If I could get turbo subbie engine in my car for 5k and it be of top quality work and me doing most of the labour, I would go for it.

have a look here at this link and see what Mick was asking for his complete conversion, and keep in mind this would still be less than it cost him.

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=67295&page=33

I know as in Micks case just the radiator setup (including radiator, pipes etc) and all the modifications required, plus the widening of the rear inner guard area to fit the wider WRX motor in would cost 3k alone to get the work done.

And then you have to factor in buying the engine, modifying the engine (reverse manifold, welding up points that are not required), plus the management system to run it, new exhaust and lots of other things I'm sure would come to at least another 4k.

So my thoughts are that you would be looking at 7k minimum to put a WRX engine in and this is with doing a lot of work yourself. And again, not a half baked job.

My 2 cents.

Kev

mine was a basic "use what I've got conversion" stock ssp type 3 box stock 72 type 3 brakes..l rad from front cut comp , cat converter .
next step would be .. big 930 cv's n stubs $900
big g/box up to $2500
bigger turbo $$$
brakes $$$$
computer$$$
where do you stop spending I used mine daily for a couple of years and had very few problems If you do the research and can do the job it shouldnt brake the bank.

have a look here

http://www.customveedub.com.au/ 

The price depends on way too many factors, mainly how much you can do yourself and how much your donor engine and parts come for

I would stick with an N/A in a baja, low speed off roading turning at low RPM is the worst for lag when you dont need it unless you run a toy baby turbo plus with a turbo engine if you wanna actually be able to enjoy it properly you need a gearbox that wont break.
All the N/A motors are fine with a stock trannys
Even stock disc brakes cope well but an upgrade is still advisable
I ran around with totally stock brakes with my supercharged 1776 VW engine which made the same power as my subi but upgrading to rear discs was one of the best moves I;ve made with it

u could just buy one already done like mine





seriously tho sit down and price the parts before you start. with the turbo donk u will need brake upgrades as well and depending on how you drive gearbox to. theres a lot of little stuff to think about that always gets overlooked so keep that in mind.

i am planing my new build which is a microbus with a Ej 22 or 25 fitted and for engine,addaptor plate,rads i am around the 3500 mark. thats not including any wiring,pipework,gearbox. then u would have to do a timing beltchange on what ever engine you get, plus what ever else it mite need(yes i know u mite get lucky and get a just serviced engine). Also how much are you able to do yourself? thats what costs having to play others to do it for you!.

in total mines cost way way more than i can ever hope to sell it for but i didnt build it to sell. the only reason its got to go is i have way to many kids and i just cant afford to do what i want with the kombi with out selling somthing..

steff..........

Don't lie Steff. We all know you'll never sell it.


Smiley

spot on pete and yes buy a front cut.

Yes guys, I know about the extras situation. I have also got a turbo 2175 54 beetle that has all the extras. I know how quickly it all adds up.
Anyone ever played with a V6 commodore motor in a baja. i have seen them in kombi's and they are quite small. Just an idea.
T54

i have put one in a bay fkn heavy if you use an early vn motor. still have the motor but just threw out the harness n comp as it got water logged

Quote:

Originally posted by Smiley Don't lie Steff. We all know you'll never sell it. Smiley

Quote:

Originally posted by DubCrazy Quote: Originally posted by Smiley Don't lie Steff. We all know you'll never sell it. Smiley shhhh u and wheres my bloody pics??? or is that the plan leave me hanging so i just give up on the kombi idea,sell a few kids and keep the Baja?? steff

you'd know brendo, you're got one in the shop at mo eh?