Hello,
I'm Jeremy (nearly 18), im from Tasmania ( the island at the bottom of Aus).

This is my first post on this site, and i would like to get straight into my plans.

As the title suggests, i want to build a wrx powered bug, i plan to use a EJ25- STI short block. However my big question is, will any bug fit these subby swaps in them.

At the moment i am looking at:
1970 VW 1500
1971 VW 1600

Basically my question is, will either of these bugs be capable of this swap, or is it limited from the 58-67' models before they changed to the Superbug style.

Thanks,

Jeremy

MATE you NEED to go to the setcion top right and choose non-vw engine conversions. There is great info around.

Yes you can transplant a WRX motor.
Sti motor is really wide and you have to cut a lot of the car
Up to 67 bugs have that older look
68-76 wer sold with upright headlights
72 was the introduction of the superbug (bubble shape bonnet), look for the big flat section at the bottom of a super bonnet
You will need a better gear box and brake improvements
What is your budget
What do you want to do with it
etc etc


I would start there alll the best

yawn

Just check its legal in Tas to put a 2.5L turbo on the road. In NSW, the max engine size you can put into a car is dependant on weight, for small cars you divide cc of engine by 2.5 to get the minimum tare weight of the car before modifications, so for a 2.5L its a 1 1Tonne. I had to use a late model beetle chassis that weighed 810kg and i could only just legally put a 2L EJ20 turbo in there.
Again this is NSW, I thought eother states are similar, but there are some differences, so better check first.

P.S. I was considering going up to a 2.5L block just recently, but decided not to for two reasons, the legalities, and you can't get that much more power out of a 2.5 anyway, the 2L revs harder. In saying this, the 2.5 has a bit more torque down low and less laggy with the turbo. The brand new assembled short blocks from subaru are also quite attractive at the moment.

UPDATE: 1962 beetle has been found in mint cond. Its been in storage for past year or so, with paint in great nic. The interior needs some tlc, the hood lining is quite torn and the red vinyl seats are quite worn. However i'm up to that challange.
Aussie- Thanks for that, i'll do a bit of light reading and browse that section of the forum.
I know that i will need better gear box, tranny and brakes.

What is your budget. around 20 grand max atm, incl purchase of car. Cost for a beetle atm in Tas is around 4 grand

What do you want to do with it. Be proud of it. See what it runs on the 1/4.

Seagul- We can't all be energetic. I get a bit tired myself sometimes, if you have any parts to sell, i would be more then happy to consider.

Ratbug- I'll give transport a call tomorrow and search the net and make some enquires tonight. If it comes to having to get a Ej20. That will have to be the case, but yes, the new short block is very attractive.

Jeremy

Yawn = I am here

Jeremy, I have an 03 STi Spec C motor ( 2ltr ) These are standard with VF37 turbo and headers, spec c single piece manifold , pink injectors, AVCS, metal head gaskets. I have purchased and will include the full loom & speedo cluster with the original STI ecu, AFM and the wiring has been cut down correctly to run the avcs. The Motor has run and is 100% in perfect working condition with under 20,000ks on it.

I am asking $5500.00 , now $4500.00

I also have a very low K subaru 5 speed gear box in mint cond $900.00 & would recommend you purchase one of Todds 4.44 crown wheels & pinon kits for it.

I am more than happy to talk to you further or any one else that is looking to purchasing this package.

seagull

For the gearbox that Seagull is referring to check out http://www.subarugears.com 
Some good pix there in the build section of how to fit subie motors into beetles.
Good luck with your project!

Thanks seagul, ill keep that in mind. I just got of the phone to Transport Tas, after being transferred and put on hold several times. They advised me that the vehichle should have a mod plate application submitted, and that the current waiting time is around 4-6 weeks.

The lady also advised that it must continue to comply with the Australian Design Rules to which it was originally constructed, and that it will need to comply with emission laws of 1962 ( where there any), which i already knew. She also stated calculations where done from curb weight. In a stock condition atm, does this require the vehicle to be weighed with a full tank of fuel and so forth, and be weighed at certified weighbridge and recieving the docket with the weight recorded.

However i still remain slightly confused over vsb14, how it states in :Table LA1 Recommended Maximum Engine Capacity and how it has the calculations according to weight. Recommended is the word in question here. Is this to suggest, that you are not allowed any higher at all, or any higher without mod plate approval.

ttriebler- Thanks, im gathering all sorts of info and placing it in word =)

don't was your time on the phone, your best to make an appointment and go in.
Budget $1000.00 for an approved automotive engineer to sign off on the car. Mine was done for $660.00 and I received a full report including weight and motor, brake increases ( every thing ). The technical branch of you sate lic center will assit you with the application

My tip is to make them aware you pay your tax & they are a public service & you want assistance to completing the application to there specification.

I have dropped the price of the 207 package to $4500.00, its in the for sale section.

Thanks seagul. People will be glad to know that i "shook the hand" on 1970 1500 beetle today =) first VW. I am now paying 2 rego's and 2 insurance policys. Ill post up some pics in general section when we settle in the coming days. Also, i have decided against the 'Non Vw engine' and have decided to just work on the 1500. I'm excited to start added my touchs and doing it up

A 1500 is no good for a DOHC subi conversion anyway unless you convert to IRS, can't move a swinger box forward to get the timing belt covers under the bodywork.