Subaru Conversion.. Is it Reversible?, Want to keep body stock. Options

[Brian Mifsud]

Has anyone successfully swapped in a Subaru and NOT had to slice up the body for the cooling lines, plumbing, and heat exchangers?

Specifically, in the nose of the car, can you get adequate cooling by installing the radiator and ducting by slicing up/altering JUST the front hood? (inlet in front, outlet at base of windshield, or above fender wells).

I'd like to make the swap wholly reversible so the car keeps it's "Stock" value.

"Plan B" (very undesirable) I'd think would be to cut out the inner fender wells, but keep the steel to reweld later.. and use the front hood (glass replica) to do the air-inlet.

[DBCooper]

Yes, it can be done so it's easily reversible, although as a reality check I've never heard of anyone who's done a Subaru conversion going back to stock.

At the risk of angering the concours and cars-as-investments types the comments of people asking if I'd sell my car seem to indicate that a nice Subaru conversion is worth as much or more than a nice stock four. It's a different group of enthusiasts, of course, but I don't think you'd damage the resale value much. That would depend on the car and might change in the future, I don't know, but until then I can say that driving a conversion is a lot more fun than driving an aircooled four. That's my own experience, anyway.

Depending on how it's done very little "cutting" is required, and reversing the modifications would be the equivalent of relatively mild rust repair. I don't see that as serious obstacle, but again, who goes back?

Yes, with an aftermarket GT valence you can inlet without cutting the body and exhaust through the hood. I have the GT valence, though mine vents through the fender wells, and have no issues with cooling. I've never heard anyone with hood vents complain about additional heat in the cabin, though that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. In counterpoint I have heard comments that they couldn't tell any difference.