Attention world, any Subaru projects being planned?, 12/9 Back up and running! Options

[IM101]

1/26/2015 update: After a rocky year, Re-focusing, moving the shop, and getting some help.

12/09/2013 update: The shop is back up and running, production on cradles to start next monday.

11/26/2013 update: Still on the hunt for a good position, but planning on officially moving the rest of my shop over after thanksgiving Stay tuned for production run status!

10/13/013 update: Had what looked like an good gig but it went sideways on me... May have figured out a temporary shop to get things going in... priority 1 is a cable shift bracket. Also posted what inventory i have left on the second post of my vendor thread.

9/1/2013 update: Wedding and honeymoon went great! Just trying to get settled in Boise now and land a paycheck job to support a resume in operations. Check on page 9 for details.

5/20/2013 update: Getting married and moving, help me make it happen, take advantage of my stock liquidation. prices listed in the 2nd post of my member vendor thread. Details of the move are on page 9 of this thread

1/2/2012 update: After a too long of a wait the Axles are finally done Shipping to customers will commence ASAP.

11/9/2012 update: In my ongoing quest to make the conversion process simpler and cheaper I have now become a Small Car Performance and Speed hut dealer. both allowing me to pass on a little bit of a discount to customers. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

09/12/2012 update: I'm very exited to announce that my website is live! feel free to check it out coldwater914.com. It is a work in progress but I'm very please with how it is turning out.

8/7/2012 update: I'm gearing up for my first production run this coming weekend, to see some pictures and descriptions go to my member vendor thread: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=191930


If any of those winter projects are Subaru conversions I would just like to inform you of what is coming down the pipeline...
Lots of groundwork has been laid in the realm of Subaru conversions with guys like porscharu and DBcooper not to mention the ankle biter thread. The moral of the story is it is a great option for these little cars, excellent reliability, MPG... and of course power. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

The conversion has been done, and well, many times. However like many conversions it takes time, there are many different pieces to the subi conversion puzzle and they all have to be fabricated, sourced, and installed. A process that can take months if not years depending on how much spare time is available.

I'm working on a solution to that however. One place that someone can get everything needed for the Subaru conversion. The engine cradle the axles the transmission (if going with the Subaru box over the 901) and even a turnkey engine... for DIY'ers or plug and play guys. The 914/Subaru conversion, simplified.

So if you're thinking about a Subaru conversion fell free to ask questions and be sure to stay tuned.

[IM101]

There are so many benefits to the Suby engines that unless your building an original car, there is no point in even messing with the aircooled lump. It won't make near as much power, with near as much reliability, etc. The factory fuel injection on the Suby engines are an excellent compliment to the engines. No more having to deal with carbs, points, distributors, etc.

I think as time goes on you will see more and more people buying these cars and their interest isn't in preserving some original cars. Their interest is in having a cool car to drive, and drive hard. Upgraded engines to create reliability and bring more power to the package, bigger brakes, more modern suspensions, etc. Look at what the Pro-Touring movement has done to the old school muscle cars. No more janky 60s cars, but they are now packing modern engines, TRANSMISSIONS, big brakes, modern interiors, electronics, etc. You combine the perfect look of the older cars, but bring all the supporting systems into the future.

Mostly agreed, although Air cooled tech has done a pretty good job making reliable hp on the aircooled platform, its just expensive.

one of the major issues with our cars - is the cost to have a type4 rebuilt - or to have a porsche 6 rebuilt - or to have suby rebuilt. one website quotes rebuild prices from $3k for an EJ22 to $5k for an EG33. keeping costs down on a conversion really seems to rely on getting a known good engine for a good price. looking forward to what you wind up offering and nice to see jake has found a new niche. subaru engines have just risen in status, that is for certain. zoom zoom - oh wait that is mazda - hey has anyone ever thought - oh never mind : ))

link - http://www.ccrengines.com/id15.html

Why bother with a reman engine. You can get a new short block from Subaru, for less than 3K. That is a 2.5 STI Short Block. Get your heads worked and bolt them on with new gaskets and your good to go.

Most of the cost of the rebuild is in the labor, I agree that the best option for an inexpensive conversion is finding a good used engine or being able to do the work yourself. Rebuilding is usually a result of a Bering going bad, and replacement parts, even for an STI wouldn’t break 1k or you could upgrade the internals for not that much more…
Point is if you’re going to be putting the labor in paying stealership prices for a short block and 700-1500 for the head work that kinda defeats the purpose of a budget conversion. You can find a sweet used 2.12 stroker for that price, complete. Or, again, spend half and get a good used engine that will last +150k more miles.