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What is involved in replacing a subaru EA82 with an EJ20
jazedit - April 13th, 2013 at 12:19 PM

We just bought a 1974 bus with a subaru EA82. It ran fine for a few weeks then the engine seized (oil pump apparently). We're having trouble finding another EA82 and thinking of putting in an EJ20. What modifications would we need to make to put the different engine in? We'd be grateful for any advice.

1303Steve - April 13th, 2013 at 02:12 PM

Hi

You will need another adaptor and flywheel, the cooling system may need to have a few hoses moved and you will need to run the EJ ECU and wiring. A bit of an outlay at first but you will have a much better result in the end.

Steve

ian.mezz - April 13th, 2013 at 03:00 PM

I go the bigger donk.

http://www.sssautomotive.com.au/p/8388097/subaru-liberty-ej25-non-turbo-twin-...

jazedit - April 15th, 2013 at 11:10 AM

Thanks, is the EJ25 any more complicated to put in? Also, what about mounting? The current engine seems to be held only by the 4 bolts to the gearbox and two brackets holding the cooling pipes. We're trying to keep the process as simple and cheap as possible but are keen to go with an EJ rather than EA.

Joel - April 15th, 2013 at 05:27 PM

As far as mounting and electrical there is no difference between an N/A EJ20 and EJ25.

is your current EA82 carbed or Fuel injected?

Fitting any EJ you will basically be starting from scratch except for cooling.

The adapters are different, all electrical, exhaust, mounts etc but it will be worth the effort.

If you are on a budget and trying to keep it simple it's probably worth trying to get another EA82.

Tried Sunspares? on the sunshine coast?

modulus - April 15th, 2013 at 06:12 PM

Hi jazedit,
I just noticed the page heading in my browser is:

"Aussieveedubbers - Non-VW Engine Conversions - What is involved in replacing a subaru EA82 with - Windows Internet Explorer"

I definitely wouldn't do that!

Back on topic, spares and replacement engines for EJ20's and EJ25's will be much more readily availlable than for EA82's, so if you're planning to keep the setup for the long term, it will be worth the changeover effort.

hth

ian.mezz - April 15th, 2013 at 08:46 PM

the newer motor that you can buy the better , better to find parts, better on fuel, better to start , better to drive with more reliable power.
as its getting harder to get parts for cars over 10 years old.
ea are really to old. even ej engine are getting up near 20 years old.

Joel - April 15th, 2013 at 09:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ian.mezz
the newer motor that you can buy the better


Up to a point.

the newer engines have more complex electrical that are very costly and difficult to retrofit into older cars due to can-bus wiring, electronic flybywire throttle etc.