Matt's Conversion

for questions and answers about alternative power transplants on the T25, GTi, Porsche,Subaru etc, this is the place. You must register to post but anyone can read.

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matt brighton
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Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by matt brighton »

Made a good start today,

1.9 out in 2 hrs , and engine bay cleared and cleaned - all the glow plug wring removed

gunked / pressure hosed engine bay gearbox and area.

Battery tray cut out with ss disc on angle grinder

and lots of cleaning to prep for bell housing install.

Homework tonight is reading the CD from RJES on bell housing installation.

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Woodyyellow
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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by Woodyyellow »

Well done Matt.
Watching and learning.
John
:ok
1987 1.9 WBX DG Hi-Top. Soon to be Subaru ej20

I'm an old guy but I still learn new stuff!

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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by silverbullet »

You know that fitting an AGG would have been easier and cheaper when starting with a diesel van?

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matt brighton
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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by matt brighton »

silverbullet wrote:You know that fitting an AGG would have been easier and cheaper when starting with a diesel van?

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Possibly ... but no thanks,

I have always wanted a petrol subaru in my van .... I like the off beat sound they make :ok

Thanks for your comment though - it might be of help to someone else considering pros/cons of options available..

Meantime ......"I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese......"

PS

If anyone is in Brighton next Saturday I"m racing my 1970 Mini Cooper S at the National Speed Trials.... a 1/4 mile timed run on seafront and a great day out if you like the smell of petrol (not diesel) in the morning. Every type of car and bike at full chat !

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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by slowcoach »

Keep it up matt, lovely engines
===================
1984 TRAKKA Conversion Subaru EJ20 5 Speed

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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by silverbullet »

They are prone to head bolt failure when renewing head gaskets, which results in a full stripdown and rebuild...Image

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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by slowcoach »

Wbx lover scare mongering ;-) try counting the snapped head bolts in the wbx technical forum ;-)
===================
1984 TRAKKA Conversion Subaru EJ20 5 Speed

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937carrera
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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by 937carrera »

slowcoach wrote:Wbx lover scare mongering ;-) try counting the snapped head bolts in the wbx technical forum ;-)

They also overheat on number 4 :roll: :lol:
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by 300CE »

Nice Matt, post up some pics of your progress if you can :ok
'86 DG, Weber Carb

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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by silverbullet »

slowcoach wrote:Wbx lover scare mongering ;-) try counting the snapped head bolts in the wbx technical forum ;-)
I'll keep an eye out for the EJ sob stories when the head gaskets start blowing

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Re: Day 1&2 of Subaru install

Post by matt brighton »

silverbullet wrote:
slowcoach wrote:Wbx lover scare mongering ;-) try counting the snapped head bolts in the wbx technical forum ;-)
I'll keep an eye out for the EJ sob stories when the head gaskets start blowing

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Thanks ,again, 025

I think we can all agree all alternative engine options have pros and cons.. I didn't want to start a debate on this thread

EG - my first alternative engine project was 40 odd years ago 1979/80 -

putting an Oldsmobile Rocket 88 engine into a Vauxhall Ventura (ask yer dad) - it ended badly - (in actual fact, it ended crashing it into a wall - drum brakes and v8's are a lethal combination). Admittedly very stone age compared to understanding VSS and ECU's

I started this post to share my experience with doing my subaru conversion with anyone interested in seeing whats involved - how much it costs in todays money and what the van goes like when its done - not to deride anyone who wants it all to remain german _ I can see why some think thats the way to stay. .

Mr 025 Motorsport, hope you don't mind me asking, if you want to debate Subaru as a credible choice then would you mind starting a separate post/topic as its going to sidetrack and clutter up information for those that want to learn from my inevitable mistakes and experience of doing it.

But thanks for taking time to comment and share your thoughts and i imagine by the number of posts you make your considerable experience on engine choice.

So...

Day 2 = discovering Hylomar isn't easily available locally / pick up gearbox oil, and a massive workshop tidy up, and more cleaning of donor engine/ engine bay and getting ducks in a line, and preparing the old 1.9 for pick up where it'll hopefully serve its new owner as well as it did me..

Speed Trials and mini prep will mean next install will be next week

Watch this space if you are interested in progress - I will re learn the photo posting and post some pics too

Thanks for the encouragement and support

Matt

:ok

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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by silverbullet »

Sorry, I came across rather bolshy there. Should have added the odd ;)

Just trying to say that Subarus arent perfect, they have their flaws like any other engine.

Good luck with it.

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Re: Day 1 of Subaru install

Post by matt brighton »

Thanks - and absolutely none taken : I agree, no engine is perfect....

I just didn't want the thread to turn into to a "mine is better than yours" banter .... we have pubs and booze for those discussions -

i always find it useful to learn from someone who's actually doing or has done a job or solved a problem which is why I will share how I get on with this expensive use of my pennies.

Best

:ok

Matt

matt brighton
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Day 2 - Subaru Install

Post by matt brighton »

Hi
Today I have been mostly...
assembled clutch bearing etc and installed bell housing.

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Re: Day 2 - Subaru Install

Post by multisi »

Paint the engine mount bar and waxoyl inside it as well, it will rust inside and out if you don't .
1992 red lle 2.2 subaru 1990 rhd caravelle 2.2 subaru 1986 california import vanagon

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