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Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Sep 8 2010, 07:56 PM

What started as quick and easy conversion for a Grassroots motorsports 2000 challenge car. One thing led to another and before I knew it I had gone over budget.
I started with a V8 car with a bad engine so instead of another SBC or LS1 I bought a wrecked Subaru SVX for the engine. Then found a wrx transaxle with axles clutch and all parts needed.
The engine and transaxle mounts were done over a couple of weekends. Then we got real busy at work and was not able to work on it for a couple of months.
By this time I had changed my mind about the grassroots challenge car and figured I just fix it up. So a color change paint job was in order. I did this myself in the garage and had to wait until spring to shoot the paint.

I've been driving now for a few days tuning the Megasquirt DIYPNP that I built over the winter. I guess its time to go get a tag and start driving.







Bob

Posted by: qa1142 Sep 8 2010, 08:03 PM

Way cool

Nice color too

Posted by: kg6dxn Sep 8 2010, 08:20 PM

The biggest area of debate with the Subi trans seems to be the axles. What exactly did you do to convert and did you blueprint the axle mod? I can see the Subi CV on the tranny. What's on the trailing arm?

BTW, Your conversion is awesome!

Posted by: d914 Sep 8 2010, 08:32 PM

for something that was to be a throw together, wow..... Ohh I helped....well ok I handed him a couple wrenches......oh and sat in the car and made engine noises...

Posted by: Andyrew Sep 8 2010, 09:58 PM

Nicely done!!!!

Yes What was your axle solution?

Posted by: strawman Sep 8 2010, 09:58 PM

Very cool! I, too, am interested in details on your axles solution...

Posted by: KELTY360 Sep 8 2010, 10:28 PM

Very impressive! How are you running that distributor? Did you eliminate the coil over plug ignition?

Details, we need more details.

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Sep 9 2010, 01:19 AM

Its not a distributor its just a ford coilpak. When I first started on the engine I was using the stock computer and a modified wiring harness. I had maded some wiring errors and burnt up 3 stock coil paks and the ignitor. These parts new were more than I paid for the whole SVX, I got the Ford coil for $8 at the pick n pull and replaced the subaru parts with it. I have since found the subaru coil over plugs at another pick and pull and plan to reinstall them when I have some free time.

The axles are 911. These are a large enough diameter to be machined on the transaxle side for a Subaru CV joint spline. This gives me a 911 large CV joint on the wheel end and the Subaru joint on the transaxle side. The company I had do these will also make new custom axles.

Bob

Posted by: rickthejetman Sep 9 2010, 06:49 AM

what company did the axles for you? cant find a driveline shop in my area that will touch my setup

Posted by: andys Sep 9 2010, 09:40 AM

Hey Bob, nice work. Looks like a stock factory install!
What shifter is that in the cockpit?
BTW, how do you like those seats?

Andys

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Sep 9 2010, 09:59 AM

Thanks Andy. The shifter is from a mids 90's Toyota Corolla. I got the Idea from you with a link to the GT40 sites.

The seats are really tight for a 38" wasit guy like me.

Now to get back to work on my LS1 car.


Bob

Posted by: Andyrew Sep 9 2010, 10:02 AM

Bob,

Is that a cable shift? Care to share how your linkage is setup?

Really looks like a well done car! No GRM20xx there! (And there is proof of previous v8 in the firewall dent!)

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Sep 9 2010, 10:22 AM

Cable shifter for sure. I don't have any pictures of my linkage handy. I'll get some up the next time I'm home.

I really think the transaxle is the best part of the whole car. It shifts just like a new import car. The gearing matches the engine with a useable first gear and gives the car a complete different feeling.

Now I'm thinking audi/boxster transaxle for my LS1 car.

Found a pix


Bob

Posted by: Andyrew Sep 9 2010, 11:09 AM

Very nice looking shifter setup! Did you buy or make it? Cost?

Also it looks like you still have the tailpiece on the trani, you converted that to FWD after the pic, right? Or is it running like that?

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Sep 9 2010, 11:34 AM

Andrew I built the set up myself. The shifter is a $10 part from the pick n pull. The cables and joints are what cost the money. I think they were about $150
The picture is before I removed the rear diff.

Bob

Posted by: okieflyr Sep 9 2010, 01:32 PM

Bob that is a really nice little sleeper, you should bring it down th MUSR/TOD!

Posted by: Andyrew Sep 9 2010, 02:32 PM

Nicely done! Where did you get the cables and joints if you dont mind me asking? I'll need to get some for my Audi conversion regardless if I go automatic or manual.

Toyota corolla shifter works eh? Gotta remember that the next time I scrounge for some honda parts.

Posted by: Drums66 Sep 9 2010, 02:45 PM

....Very well thought out...all the way live!
(goose it 1 more time!!!!!)

Posted by: d914 Sep 9 2010, 03:02 PM

Toyota corolla shifter works eh? Gotta remember that the next time I scrounge for some honda parts.
[/quote]


The toyo corolla, mr2 and a honda accord (90ish) all work... I have the honda part.

The cables bob got are bullet proof and $$$, for mine we are going to try summit cables.. A little lighter and cheaper..




The corolla part needs to have a reverse-er mechinism built in.. Bob did this with some added flexability thrown in for length of throw..

Wait until you see his dash and such.. more goodies to see....

Posted by: andys Sep 9 2010, 03:52 PM

The MR2 shifter works out well because the cable bulkheads point to the rear; the Corolla/Celica stuff points forward though they can be turned around. Another shifter to add to the list is from an 80's-90's Mitsubishi. Whatever shifter you use, it may require translation to get the right direction of movement. I buy my cables from Control Cables, Inc. (Tuthill distributor) in SoCal. They'll make up any cable length, any end, any bulkhead all by phone and a credit card. McMaster-Carr can do it too, but it takes longer and they can't give you any technical advice.

Andys

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Sep 9 2010, 04:18 PM

I did add a bell crank to reverse the shift movement. This way the cables do exit towards the rear. Also with the bell crank I could adjust the shift length. I did give this a 2 to 1 gain to give the shifter more travel.

Bob

Posted by: Zaney Sep 9 2010, 09:14 PM

Especially, your tailshifter linkage! Many Suby Conversionites are looking for inspiration for a simple, clean cable shifter system!

Awesome work Bob! Your car looks sweet!

Nate

Posted by: charliew Sep 10 2010, 12:11 AM

tranny cable linkage pictures are in the thread Nate.

Posted by: ghuff Sep 10 2010, 08:08 AM

That is some good work. I'm starting to lean the subaru way myself after buying one and feeling the transmission and motor.

How is it compared to your LS1 car? I am thinking the boxer with the weight lower would be much nicer, closer to a stock type IV.

Posted by: d914 Sep 10 2010, 08:22 AM

im also building a suby, but that ls1 with 400hp looks soooo good back there.. His gray car will be amazing.. Its one of those cars you just keep looking at the details and saying wow..

Posted by: Zaney Sep 10 2010, 12:51 PM

Sorry, I meant for some possible close ups and perhaps a source for the joint parts too. I am prying because I am ready to attempt this part on my build and I have Zero experience

Thanks for all the posts!

Posted by: matthepcat Sep 10 2010, 03:25 PM

I called Renegade Hybrids about Subaru motor and transmission options.

This was there reply,

"Thanks for asking. The Subie tranny does not fit in the 914. Sorry. We are going to offer another tranny with the all aluminum LS V8's very soon. This will be our best combination! "



Umm yea....ok.

Posted by: Andyrew Sep 10 2010, 03:40 PM

Sounds like they are stealing all of my Audi trani's

Posted by: matthepcat Sep 10 2010, 03:43 PM

Are the 2wd Audi transmissions a more viable option for v8 or turbo Subaru?

Posted by: Andyrew Sep 10 2010, 04:09 PM

They are pretty strong and would be a good option for the v8. They are basically the same trani as what is in the boxster. The tranis in AWD mode are fairly bulletproof, lots of drag guys are running them at rediculous HP numbers for years without fail. Replacements cost ~ 500 or less and are fairly availible.

No sense putting a Audi trani on a Subaru motor... For the cost of adaption you could have easily converted the 4wd to 2wd on the subi box.


The thing about the Audi box is that it requires no work to run, If you mount it behind an Audi engine (such as a 1.8t or 2.8 or even 2.7t) its bolt on and all factory equipment will work. You just have to figure the linkage (Custom cable shifter) and CV joints (Custom half shafts, 914 cv one end, Audi CV inner), then a cradle mount like the subaru guys do. Im planning on doing a 2.8 v6 complete swap from a passat or Audi fwd (same setups).

I'll be selling my v8 conversion to fund a parts car purchase so I can get going on it fairly shortly.

Posted by: sawtooth Sep 23 2010, 01:27 PM

x2

Posted by: charliew Sep 24 2010, 01:17 PM

Check on rock crawler or offroad shops for resplinging axles.

Posted by: nsyr Sep 24 2010, 01:29 PM

I think a video of this car would be REALLY COOL!?!?!?! hint hint

Posted by: goodwood73 Oct 9 2010, 02:05 PM

Bob,
I would like to replicate your setup, could you please list all your part numbers, suppliers, and contacts and give me a list of step-by-step instructions with photos and video comentary? I will also need a report of the total time spent and a list of any tools/skills I may need. Thanks for your help!
Paul

Posted by: silver74insocal Oct 9 2010, 02:50 PM

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Oct 9 2010, 04:54 PM

You sound just like my Boss.............

Posted by: computers4kids Oct 9 2010, 04:59 PM

That's what I was thinking.

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Oct 9 2010, 05:35 PM

Really don't think they would be using the Audi box. The big news now in Kit cars with midengines is theres a box made in England that people are using 5 or 6 speed and at the $8K price range.

Posted by: sawtooth Oct 20 2010, 11:22 AM

Great idea i have a crawler shop close by. Are the 911 axles shortened? If so do you know what the overall length is?

Posted by: strawman Nov 17 2010, 11:59 PM

Hi Bob --

Did you use the stock Suby CV boot and stretch the smaller portion over the 911 axle shaft, or did you find a boot that has the OD of the 911 axle shaft and the OD of the Suby inner CV joint housing? I can't imagine that you had the machinist turn down the OD of the 911 axle shafts to fit the Suby CV boot...

I'm getting ready to send my 911 axles off to Dutchman and would like to go with a proven design. Thanks in advance!

Geoff

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Nov 18 2010, 06:08 AM

I used the stock subaru rubber and it works fine on the axle. You can see it on the first page of the thread here.

Bob

Posted by: strawman Nov 18 2010, 10:15 AM

Thanks! And congrats on 1000 posts...

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Nov 18 2010, 11:02 AM

Got the engine out of the car now. I needed to clean up a few odds and ends. I added the AC/compressor for the AC I'm installing. I also did a little clean up on the engine. I was getting a oil leak at the camshafts. The engine was sold to me with the owner saying it had 105K miles. I pulled the heads off and this thing looks brand new. I can't get over how nice these Subaru's are.
Added a little bling too.

Posted by: Britain Smith Nov 18 2010, 11:15 AM

Do you happen to have a picture of the thermostat housing on this motor?

-Britain

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Nov 18 2010, 11:23 AM

The EG 33 thermostat housing is the same as the 4 cyl engines. Outfront has them that exit strait out. They are also real close to the same size as a SBC V8 housing.

Bob

Posted by: d914 Nov 18 2010, 03:02 PM

here is th straight neck thermosat housing..

Posted by: barada Jan 8 2011, 04:32 PM

Bob your car has turned out well. You have me really thinking about swapping engines and building the 914 into something fun. Not sure if you remember or not but you bought some 16x7's from me.

Phillip

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Jan 8 2011, 07:25 PM

Sure do and the wheels worked out great. I have a friend in Atlanta that deals with Subarus and can get you a engine. In fact I just got a EZ30 from him this week.
I don't live but 15 miles from where we meet at for the wheels. Stop by sometime.

Bob

Posted by: barada Jan 8 2011, 07:41 PM

My office is downtown now, so I am not in Athens much any more. Woudl love to stop by sometime and check it out.

Posted by: KELTY360 Jan 8 2011, 07:59 PM

That intake looks awesome, nice color combination. The eg33 is such a great looking engine, unless you have to access some of the stuff that's hidden under the intake. I'm putting one in a Syncro Westy and had my intake polished.

Can't wait to hear how it works in a 914.

Posted by: sawtooth Jan 10 2011, 02:09 PM

Very nice engine detail. I really like this car, excellent work. How's the a/c project coming? Are you going with a stock setup or an under dash http://www.classicautoair.com/classic-under-dash-air-conditioner.html? Also, what car is the EZ30 going in?

Posted by: sawtooth Jan 10 2011, 02:09 PM

dbl post

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Jan 10 2011, 05:02 PM

The evaporator I'm using is a slimline underdash unit with heat and A/C . It also has a defrost where it directs air to a set of vents. I have these going to the stock 914 defrost vents.

Bob


Attached image(s)

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 10 2011, 08:29 PM

You've got some serious skills my friend

I bought a '92 SVX a couple of years ago with the intention of pulling the engine, and stuffing it in my '73 (it was "pre-beefed" for a V-8 when I bought it). I got to driving it, and absolutely loved it. Real classy interior (suede and leather), a bit heavy but rides smooth as a Caddy, PLENTY of power (squats when you mash the pedal!), and kicks ass in the snow! They're also fairly rare, at least around here....nobody knows what the hell it is. So I couldn't bring myself to trash it....bought another engine for $300 complete. Getting it rebuilt as we speak. Can't wait to hear your impressions of how it is on the street!


Attached image(s)

Posted by: bfrymire Jan 10 2011, 09:40 PM

Do you have any pictures with it installed in the car? THis is similar to what I want to use.

-- brett

Posted by: d914 Jan 11 2011, 08:30 AM

it ran the curves at the the "tail of the Dragon".. It has plenty of tq and the top end is all kinds of fun.. I drove some during tuning.. It was not running quite right then and we were still tooling down the back roads at 80 plus with no effort.. At roughty 240/230 its right in the sweet zone for an easy drive with the added hp to have fun!!

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 11 2011, 09:04 AM

That's what I wanted to hear! If it wasn't so friggin' cold here, I'd go work on it right now! Not that it matters, but once it's "tuned", I would be interested in knowing what kind of mpg it gets. My SVX, heavy as it is, gets around 25-27 mpg (95% highway driving). I would think just cruising, a 914 with an EG33 would be in the 30's.

Posted by: Brett W Jan 11 2011, 09:26 AM

Bob, bring that sucker up here and we can drive some nice roads in the area. Glad to see your getting it wrapped up.

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Jan 11 2011, 09:26 AM

Driving at the TOD event I got 27mpg on 2 tanks. This was all driving in the curves. I think I'll have no trouble getting into the 30's with highway driving.
The engine runs so smooth I have to look at the tach to see if its running when I stop.

Bob

Posted by: barada Jan 11 2011, 09:42 AM

Thats funny. A far cry from my 1.8 where I try to turn down the radio when in the drive through line only to realize the engine is why I can not her the lady!

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 11 2011, 09:45 AM

Sweet! That does it, I'm bundling up and heading to the garage.
Not sure if you're aware of Ecutune

http://www.ecutune.com/svx_camshafts.htm

He sell Hi-pro SVX parts.........got a new set of cams coming for the engine getting rebuilt.

Smallcar also carries EG33 stuff for Vanagon swaps....I've been comtemplating their aluminum low-pro oil pan.

http://www.smallcar.com/

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Jan 11 2011, 09:58 AM

I would not worry about the pan. In my car its no lower than the pan in my SBC conversion and I've been driving it for 20k miles without any problems. If your interested I have a extra set of outfront headers for the EG33. These give you about 2 more inches of ground clearance than the stock exhaust manifolds.

I plan to drive this out to WCR in Medford OR. this summer and may to a Turbo install after the trip.

Bob

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 11 2011, 10:29 AM

PM sent!

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 11 2011, 10:32 AM

If your route takes you "anywhere" near St. Louis, let me know your ETA, and I'll buy you a "beverage of your choice" for a peak at your set-up.

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 11 2011, 10:48 AM

[/quote] I would not worry about the pan. In my car its no lower than the pan in my SBC conversion and I've been driving it for 20k miles without any problems.

Bob
[/quote]


Must be an optical illusion. From the underside pic, it looked like you only had about 2-3 inches of ground clearance. That's probably good for the beautiful roads you have in GA (actually, the only road I was on is the highway that runs through Atlanta, on the way to FL), but MO roads are better suited to my F250 4x4. Maybe I'll wrap mine in a kevlar vest.

Posted by: Mylesofsmyles Jan 11 2011, 08:12 PM

WOW!!!!

This is my first post on 914World and the first thread I've read through...read beginning to end.

Nice Work!

Any more details on the 2wd conversion of the Subie transaxle?

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 11 2011, 10:12 PM

Welcome to the forum! And I second your question.

Posted by: charliew Jan 12 2011, 07:45 PM

Search a little guys there is a thread on the diy on the fwd conversion, I've seen it. Really you just disassemble the center diff and use the two internal sleeve parts out of it and weld them together and then make a rear blockoff plate. There is a thread with pictures and all.

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Jan 13 2011, 07:05 AM

I had planned to weld up my diff but bought a Bemar kit from a member here.
Heres a link to JPNOVAK thread on modding your transaxle.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=104513&hl=

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 15 2011, 11:22 AM

Thanks for the link! I think I'm opting for the Bremar kit myself (spool only.....hell, work a little OT and get the full kit). My POS welder probably would do a sufficient job, don't want to take any chances in the drivetrain.

Posted by: sawtooth Jan 21 2011, 10:19 AM

Hey Bob, what gear oil are you using in your suby trans, and are you still happy with it? Lots of different opinions on nasioc, just curious what you are using.
- Dean

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Jan 21 2011, 01:31 PM

I just used 80/90W Castrol gear oil. A friend that is a Subaru tec recommend it.

Bob

Posted by: JRust Jan 21 2011, 02:36 PM

Any idea on the wieght of the EG33 complete with all it's parts? What does your car weigh with it installed? Thanks

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Jan 21 2011, 06:38 PM

I think the engine is 350lbs. I also have a EZ30 engine now and it is 75lbs lighter than the EG33 and 6inches shorter.

Planning to see you at Medford this summer.

Bob

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 21 2011, 09:26 PM

Probably not too far off with your 350lb. est., one site states the EG33 long block @ 255lbs. Pretty impressive internals too...7 main bearings!



475 hp....norm. asp. !

Posted by: JRust Jan 21 2011, 11:31 PM

Whats the plan with the ez30? It just replacing the eg33?

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Jan 22 2011, 07:56 AM

No don't plan to replace the EG33. The EZ was just a great buy.

Bob

Posted by: SpecialK Jan 22 2011, 03:24 PM

They do have one of the cooler looking intakes I've seen....kinda like a 928 junior.

Posted by: wobbletop Jan 22 2011, 11:57 PM

Bob,
Very very nice car!

What did you do for cooling? I don't see the normal cutouts in the front.

thanks!

Posted by: bfrymire Feb 23 2011, 08:32 PM

Forgive me for my ignorance about the SVX motor. From what I have read, they are all automatics. Are they drilled for a pilot bearing? Or did you have to drill the crank?

-- brett

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Feb 24 2011, 12:59 AM

The pilot bearing is mounted to the fhywheel on a Subaru.

Posted by: bfrymire Feb 24 2011, 01:38 AM

Great! Thanks for the info. Looks like I am going the SVX route also.

-- brett

(Just checked the adapter in the garage... Didn't notice before there was a pilot bearing there! Doh.)

Posted by: 69dblcab Feb 25 2011, 06:09 PM

Thanks for the info.
Where did you get your flywheel?

Thanks

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Feb 25 2011, 06:40 PM

That's not my flywheel. It's just a picture of one I got off of the for sale ads on a Subaru site.

Bob

Posted by: bfrymire Feb 25 2011, 07:25 PM

Mine is different from Bob's. I got mine from Renegade Hybrids.

-- brett

Posted by: d914 Feb 25 2011, 07:53 PM

I believe Bob started with my flywheel and then changed to his or at least my hardware... The flywheel from a 2.0 will work.. remember subies are like lego's... the parts for the most part interchange.. Fly wheel from a manual 4 cyl will bolt to the 6.

Posted by: charliew Jul 31 2016, 06:38 PM

I like this thread and I'm gonna bump it because this is a nice combo.

Posted by: partwerks Aug 15 2022, 08:03 PM

So the MR2 shifter would already be oriented in the correct direction, where as the other, would have to be revamped?