The reason i have posted this topic is to see are we making the right choice and for what reason?JVLRacing

Power, give me POWER!

power, reliability easily assessable performance parts, standard parts available at most auto spare shops at reasonable prices etc, etc

I don’t have a subie motor I’ve got a Holden v8 but same principle

Benefits of Subaru power:
1. Subaru boxer engines are literally 50 YEARS ahead of air-cooled VW boxers in design and technology.

2. They run smoother and rev better.

3. They have two more main bearings than a VW boxer and a full flow oiling system.

4. They feature EFI, electronic engine management and multiple camshafts/valves per cylinder as standard.

5. They are plentiful and parts are easily available.

6. They are reliable.

7. They are naturally under stressed and so make a great engine for mild to wild performance modifications.

8. There are lots of aftermarket tuning parts available.

And most importantly...
9. Dollar for dollar they are cheaper and more reliable than a VW boxer engine of the same capacity/power rating.

I think that sums it up, :thumb

p.s. I worked this out before writing my subaru conversion page, http://www.geocities.com/peterwood734/buggyproject/subarupower.html 

Hi Guys,
Just thought I'd add my 2 cents. I have owned a vw in one form or another since 1986 and I love vw's. But at the same time I hate the fact that eventually they start to leak oil and require a ton of upkeep. The vw is old and out-dated and require alot of work to get a fraction or the horsepower that a STOCK subaru engine has. Why bother? For around a thousand dollars you an get a motor that is a modern, reliable engine. I like the idea of something new. Doing the conversion was a new challenge and it reminded me of the old days when I first got into vw's and buggy's. I learned so much stuff! I never thought that I would own a buggy that needed a laptop to tune. Don't get me wrong, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the mighty air cooled wonder but it was time for an update! Hitler is probablly pissed but thats because he never drove a subaru powered buggy.

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=81002&highlight=subaru 

I noticed that was posted in the type 4 forums try conversion perversions and I'm sure you will find alot of people who are happy with their subie motors.

[Edited on 8-1-2005 by RENNWAGEN]

the subaru motors might be far more advanced than vws air and water flat fours, but what about the golf motors?
they have some very nice inline fours!

Need I say more?...

http://www.offroadvw.net/bajawes/V6_baja/compare.html


PS - some of those people at shoptalk are retards. Besides, here in Australia half cuts of jap imports are cheap and readily available compared to the US. You can get a whole suby front cut for under $2000.

Bajawes Just love it ,love the stats and love the comment about retards.Plenty comments for the subie motor not much support on the vw motor.JVLRacing

I agree with everything said so far, but in favour of aircooled, VW engine is lighter.. less weight behind rear axle, generally better ground clearance, power to weight difference not as bad as you think... I would still get a subi engine though.

I took the ex Porsche Club President for a long drive yesterday. His comments were "My 911's have a real sweet spot in 2nd & third gear, but this thing has sweet spots eveywhere", then towards the end of our drive I was able to walk away from a new v8 ute, uphill, short shifting! the comment was, "I've been in alot of Porsches Jak, I liken the tourqe & power of this to a 993 RS Turbo that I once had" & I could hear him speak since the car is so quiet.
I love vw engines but whatever puts a smile on your dial at the end of the day is what counts.
regards
Jak

Oh & head gaskets can be had for as little as $58 & it should take about a day to fit them.

didnt think they would be expensive. what are those toold on STF talking about then?


Anthony

yeah a lot of the guys on STF are a bit silly. What is it with yanks and draw thru carb turbos????

I also agree with what has been said about EJ20T's etc. I dont know why people go on about how expensive parts are because I'm guessing you'll never have to change them as often as a VW motor.

Only thing that would be stopping me is that I'm not keen on cutting out the body of an early beetle to fit it

All you have to remember is....

"STICK IT WHERE IT FITS!"

And it "FITS" best in the back of a Dub!

I love the old Air-coolers for there simplicity and history and sound, but a EJ20T'ed VW on full tilt, (getting 40mpg plus anyway you drive it) passing a brand new HSV Banana will always get me rev'ed up!

a EJ20T will be my major next investment im just yound love the sound of subie motors love hearing the turbo spool up and love stirring up holdens in a kombi!!
after that it will be airbag suspension!
cheers
rhys

hehe its amazing how no-one else is choosing rotary over VW :p.

why is it i seem to be the only one?

Anthony

rotories are s@#* :vader:vader:vader there to unreliable for our VW's:vader:vader:vader:vader:vader

just ask quickcamper how his rotor bay went, pulled a 13 second 1/4 mile with wheel spin, he got 400 + hp at the rear wheels.

yeah i know they go well. which is why i dont udnerstand why not many people use them.

Anthony

Soobs sound so good and rotaries ,um, don't.

If you were having the dramas I've been having this arvo, you'ld definately choose the subaru! Seriously though, I've spent heaps of money on my type 1 motor and it doesn't have nearly as much power as a Subie. It also seems that every time I drive it I have to adjust something

The charm wears off at times :cussing

whats involved in putting the ej20t into a t3 square?
what do u have to install to the car to make it work? and after u use the adaptor plate so the engine goes onto the gearbox...i have to get an engineer to weld up engine mounts?

jonno

what is involved in putting an ej20t intoa 67 split screen bus?:duh

the RTA class a rotary as a 2 stroke so they multiply the CC,s so the engine capacity ends up being to large over 3 litres in vic at the moment theres no weight x 2.5 or 3 but late model engines have to run orignal ecu and orignal rotary wire looms are a pain to rewire and thats from a rotary guru.I,m using a ej20t due to the cost of building a high horse power type 4 and also the reliablity factor as the car needs to be a daily driver also faster than my wifes car.

Don't need to buy the lead replacement addative and EFI with cat converter is more environmentally friendly.