Has anyone fit a Subaru 3.3 SVX engine?, Boxer 6 sound, cheap Options

[gollygwagen]

It's not the most powerful engine around, but it should have a nice sound and be an alternative to the expensive Porsche engine. Any thoughts?

Engine on eBay

Crazy SVX drive-by

It just looks like it's made for our cars...
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/www.vanaru.com-14799-1347391927.1.jpg)

[IM101]

I agree with Big Cat, seems like a EZ30R. I read in the comments that it was out of an outback so it could be an EZ30D aswell. The EG33 is probably one of the best HP to Cost engines out there, strong and cheap, for example there is one on Portland CL for 500$ right now. But the EZ series of motors is just a step above, with timing chain, newer/better tech, and a footprint that is 1.5" longer than a subi 4cyl (that shouldn't require cutting the trunk for clearance) its really hard to beat.

if you are interested in a more in depth write up, here is a post from one of my threads.
post# 115 http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...6674&st=100

I should note in that thread DB Cooper made a good argument for the more advanced EZ series of motors (EZ30R-EZ36R) as, though they are much more expensive, they are the pinnacle of Subaru NA power, and deals can be found if you are willing be patient and search (or if you are DB, the GOD of finding ridiculous deals on engines (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ).

DBCooper: You are right on, although I wouldn't rank a good eg33 below the EZ series of engines necessarily. if only for the sheer cost savings vs power it represents, I would wager it is the cheapest/highest stock HP subaru motor in existence. I also love the 2.2/2.5 Frankenstein motor you spoke about, great value/HP.

porsche913b_sp: Ill do you one better than links, below I've copied in an excerpt from an email i sent a customer on the different 6cyl options. My information has been gathered from sites like nasioc and RS25 verified by talking with subaru repair shops and tuners like perrin, outfront, and 42autosports.

FYI I'm compiling a massive amount of information like this for a page on my yet to be released website; dealing with engines, transmissions and other common questions/build options.


-NA 6 Option-

There are four feasible engines that can work in this category. I will try to shed a little light on each and rank them, from least to most recommended for use in the 914 swap. I should add that I’m less familiar with the upgradability of the 6’s than the 4’s. But in general it is much easier and cheaper to extract more power out of a turbo set up than an NA. So bear in mind that if you choose to go 6, its more of a dead end for upgrades (without a high relative cost), but then again they all have good power levels so you may not ever want more.

1. EZ30R, Found in the 2004–2009 Legacy 3.0R, Outback 3.0R and 2006–2008 Tribeca. This is basically a factory revamped version of the EZ30D. It has 245 chp stock and a wider upgrade path, generally turbo options, (people have taken it to 1100 hp). Also has VVL and AVCS (subaru’s variable valve timing) that helps to give a nice wide torque curve and 3 port exhaust heads. However this motor has a drawback, CANBUS Electronics. Basically what CANBUS electronics do is make the cars wiring a bit more simple and efficient for the OEM vehicle. The problem is it eliminates the option of a stock ecu swap, as it would require someone to take every piece of important electronic equipment and swap it into the new vehicle. The workaround is simple but expensive, an aftermarket ECU such as link or hydra at $2-3k will be necessary.
This option is my least recommended, this great engine comes at the expense of one of the biggest strengths of the Subaru conversion and that is the 914/Subaru relatively low cost to convert. The engine can be found for 2500-3000$ (plus $2-3k for ECU) used and provides great all around power mid and low rang hp/tq, basically the cost of the engine alone would be close to the cost of the complete drivetrain conversion with a different engine choice (like the eg33 for example).

2. EZ36R, Found in the current generation of legacy, outback 2010+, and tribeca 2008+. This is the next step of the EZ engine series and basically a maxed out EZ30R. With 260 chp, and the same VVL and AVCS systems as the 30R, the engine is as good as it gets in regards to stock 6cly power. The drawback however is a big one; similar to the 30R it has CANBUS electronics. Also it’s got some insane geometry inside with asymmetrical connecting rods that make upgrades pretty much nonexistent. The big plus with this motor is the ability to run cheap 87 octane fuel and still get high HP numbers.
I would rank this engine tied with, or slightly ahead of, the EZ30R for the 914. The cost 3500-5000$ (+ $1.5-3k for ECU) is high but if you are going to spend the money to get the ECU why not get the one with higher HP and 87 fuel.

3. EG33, found in the Subaru SVX 1991-1997. This engine was Subaru’s second foray into the 6cly world, and a very interesting choice. It comes with 230 chp. Not nearly as technically advanced as the EZ series, and a bit larger but this motor does have several distinct advantages for the 914. First it has been around for a long time and the upgrade paths are more prevalent. Secondly, you will not have to deal with drive by wire and immobilized ecu issues. Finally, and most importantly this motor can be had for 500-1500 (though almost always north of 100k miles, as it’s up to 20 years old).
This is my second choice for the 914. It is a good, sturdy engine and ridiculously cheap for the power it provides but is pretty large and may require cutting of the rear trunk.

4. EZ30D, found in 2000-2003 outback and legacy’s. At roughly 212 chp from the factory, it seems to have the lowest hp number of the bunch. You can tell the difference of this engine by the aluminum intake and its single exhaust port heads (looks like a long slot or oval) as compared the later 6’s and the metal timing cover/size when compared to the eg33. It has two plus sides however, cheap (relative to the other EZ 6’s) and drive by cable, non CANBUS. You can pick this up for around $1-2k, and not have to deal with the drive by wire issues. Furthermore the 212hp mark is deceiving, both the intake and exhaust is extremely constricting on the donor car and from the swaps that have been done/ dyno’d (in the Subaru world) just upgrading to something less restrictive will put power up to 230-240 CHP.
I would rank this motor highest in comparison to the other options. Due to its modern design and timing chain (that does not need to be service for the life of the engine) it is smaller/lighter and more reliable than the eg33. On the other hand the ECU on the EZ30D substantially less expensive than the EZ30R and EZ36R. However to clarify it does not have the VVT or AVCS of the later EZ's.