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.

[VOX]

3k to rebuild an ej22? why rebuild it when the engine only costs a few hundred. just toss the engine if it doesnt work and pick up another one. then again maybe its cheaper here in ca.

[IM101]

3k to rebuild an ej22? why rebuild it when the engine only costs a few hundred. just toss the engine if it doesnt work and pick up another one. then again maybe its cheaper here in ca.

I've been researching engine sources and come up with some good information. I agree the ej22 is probably not worth the rebuild. anyway here is some info on NA engine choices.

The following is a compilation of options and information for Subaru’s 2.5 Liter naturally aspirated engine. There are other NA engines available, such as the 2.2L or the 1.8 however in my opinion they have several disadvantages to the 2.5L, such as having less HP and single port exhaust heads and much less aftermarket support. One benefit that the ej22 has is it doesn’t have the head gasket failure that tend to show up with the ej25 at +150k, so it can be found, in a high mileage but usable form under 700$ pretty regularly.
The price is for a complete, shipped, assembled engine, longevity is the estimated mileage that the motor should last with regular maintenance, and of course the engine and warranty is self-explanatory.

(2.5L NA)
Opt # / Engine / Price Range / Longevity / Warranty
1 / High Mileage USDM / $500-1200 / 10-60k / NA
2 / JDM / $1200-2000 / 100-130k / 30-90 day
3 / Low Mileage USDM / $1800-2500 / 100-160k / 30 day
4 / Rebuilt USDM / $1900-2600 / 200+ / 12 month, 12,000mi


The high mileage motor (opt 1) is relatively easy to come by, the lower price range would be a luck find on local Craigslist. Higher price would be shipped from continental US and probably the easiest to just plug-in and drive. The ease comes with a cost though as it would be at the end of its life and probably end up needing a full rebuild or replaced soon.

The JDM motor (opt 2) is an interesting case. First off there are several years 99-05 that are obd2 capable and directly compatible to the USDM version. One option would be to gamble, buy a complete engine off ebay, hope for the best and most likely end up with a lemon. I would not do this myself and would not advise anyone of this course. You basically are paying twice as much on an engine that could be as bad as or worse than a High mileage USDM motor, with little recourse (pay shipping to return and a restocking fee and flush $700+). The alternative (listed opt 2) would be to buy an engine through a reputable importer where it is leak down/compression tested. The problem with this however is the several importers I have spoken with do not sell the wiring harness or ECU with the engine, thus USDM ancillary equipment would be required to get the engine complete and that will add expense.

The low mileage USDM motor would be the first, no guessing, reliable option. Like the JDM version they usually need to be sourced from a reputable shop. Also several ancillary parts will need to be sourced as the low mileage motors usually come a long block. However when this engine gets up into its higher mileage it can become susceptible to head gasket failure (due to bad factory HG pre 2005 NA 2.5L have been documented regularly blow a gasket after about 130k).

Finally there is the Rebuilt USDM option. Recently I found an engine builder with great prices on fully rebuilt (including heads) long blocks, normally a rebuilt long block would be $3000-4500$. However with this builder you can buy a rebuilt long block for what a used on would normally be. Furthermore it would have a tad more HP (due to .02 honing of the cylinders), updated HG that will not give out prematurely, and the option of customizing the build to whatever specs (upgraded cams, pistons, etc). This option would be the best in reliability and would have more power however it is also the most expensive and more difficult to get done, as a core motor would have to be sourced for exchange and ancillary parts.

In summation if you are looking to go the inexpensive/quick route I would go with the high mileage used set up (opt 1). It is quick and will get you running, if it decides to die after a few thousand miles at that point the JDM option becomes more feasible since you would have everything necessary (intake, ecu, sensors, etc.) to drop it in and go. On the other hand, If you are going to spend the money for a no headache set up, I would suggest going with the fully rebuilt engine (opt 4) as it only negligibly more expensive then the low mileage option with much greater benefits.

-Ian M.