So here's the question, What if, and it's a bloody big if, I decided to swap the vw motor in my Kalita for a Soob, what motor would be best (I wouldn't be after a beast, just a smoother more reliable motor) where would I put the radiator as the Kalita seems to have bugger all room under the front, could I use the electricts as they stand, would the motor be much heavier than the vdub, would this change the handling characteristics much, how would I run the exhaust and as I am a real novice with this sorta thing would I be biting off a bit more than I could chew, would engineering be a problem, and would the insurer (Shanons) look at it favourably. Probably a gazilion other questions but this should help me decide whether to persue the idea.
Thanks
Don

I'll answer the easy one. When I told Shannons I put a V6 in the back they didn't care. No impact on the premiums.

I'd say EJ22, it's not as wide as the dohc motors and doesn't have the piping dramas of a turbo motor...not to mention the intercooler. Re the radiator. I'm sure you could fit it under the front, there has to be a way. Just use your imagination and go looking for a WIDE radiator for the front.

min cost $6000 ish

EJ22 ? what model Soob is that from while cost is obviously a concern, would that estimate be for others doing work????????
Thanks for the replies
Don

EJ22 from Liberty and impreza's
older single cam EJ22 probably easier they are from Liberty 92on

and that estimate is for you doing the work probably double that & maybe some more for shop
have you still got two kidneys

Hey Donn, but if you go subie, you'll loose your colourful engine!

But yeah, probably an EJ20 or EJ22 would be the go, I got my EJ20 quad cam from cardiff subaru, $1500 for engine, loom, computer, exhuast, all the extras etc.
I think you already have IRS, so thats a good start. I think you biggest drama is going to be fitting the radiator

Yeh, as I said "a bloody big if " just starting to get to me a bit I spose, not that I'm any sort of a mechanic but it just doesn't make any logical sense the way the damned thing is playing up and it's hard enough getting the lovely misses to jump in for a spin without the threat of it not getting us home, sure do love it when it's going though. Maybe it's the size of the feed from the tank as the outlet is actualy a fitting for hydraulic brakes so it has only a very small hole, though that doesn't explain why it will go so well for so long and then start playing up. Reckon I should stop now as I am in the wrong area for having a big baby cry. Thanks for the help so far fellas, still on the think list but cost is putting it back further and further.

we should all get together and do an online project fitting it to your car, like junkyard challenge or something.

another subaru option is an earlier model...E81 motor carby and dizzy...makes it more doable at home...and you might even pick up an adapter plate and flywheel cheap...why come to think of it i have all of the above few hundred bucks and away you go