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.

[BIGKAT_83]

I had already cut the trunk for the EG33 engine. With the EZ30 being so much smaller no trunk cutting would be needed. I do plan to repair the hole I had cut for the EG33

Bob

[Zaney]

You can cut the trunk and make enough room for the Suby components beneath. Even make it look stockish (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

[Brett W]

Done right you can use that nice weld-in panel to stiffen the chassis as well. I was planning on doing something similar on my new car.

[ruby914]

Done right you can use that nice weld-in panel to stiffen the chassis as well. I was planning on doing something similar on my new car.

I think the cheapest conversion would be if some one came up with a complete Subaru donor car.
The motor, Transmission, ECU, wire harness and fuel pump assembly can all be used.
There is still plenty of room for a conversion parts house.
Bolt or weld in rear trunk cover is one more needed part.
I recall Steve "Porcharu" talking of making a kit with his magic axle adapters.
There is talk of needing more adapters and another production order.

For now, most if not all 914 are exempt from a smog check, not sure about 1975?
I don't know about other states but there smog laws may read like this:
http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/07_A...Guidelines.html
"If a computer–controlled engine is installed in a non–computerized vehicle, the "CHECK ENGINE" light, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) diagnostic link, and all sensors, switches, and wiring harnesses needed to make the system fully functional must also be installed."

I have a mold that will produce a fiberglass dash for the 914 that the WRX or STI instrument clusters will fit in.
This helps bundle a fully functional plug and play system.

[Porcharu]

You guys should all know where to get those CV flanges! Given enough interest I can do another run. The more I have made the cheaper they get. Someday I will get back to my 914 project. To many other projects have got in the way - kid, other car, work.....
Steve

[IM101]

Ruby914, while I think the complete donor car would be the most convenient (for non smog exempt vehicles) I don't think it would be the cheapest. Single transmissions and engines can be found for pretty cheap. Not to mention a lot of us don't have the capability to store/disassemble/reassemble two vehicles at once.

I do really like the dash though. Carbon fiber is sweet and really looks seamless.

As to the flanges, it's a great design, I just think that its a little bit confining. The custom axles that I'm having made will be plug and play with any 5mt Subaru transmission (including stonger late model versions) and also give you the choice between "fuses" 914 or 944 cv's.

[IM101]

I agree with the cutting aspect. I am thinking to use two smaller radiators inside the engine bay. I don't like cutting good old cars.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

That is the one glaring issue with a water cooled swap.. however I believe someone has made a mid Rad NA ej25 conversion work and I have also been toying with an idea that a good friend came up with that would eliminate front Rad set up but also work with Turbo models..
Furthermore, most of the cutting of the rear trunk shouldn't be necessary with a flipped intake on a 4cyl. You can retain the AC so I don't see any reason not.

the 6's I'm not as familiar with. Although it seems like it can be done with the EZ30...

I had already cut the trunk for the EG33 engine. With the EZ30 being so much smaller no trunk cutting would be needed. I do plan to repair the hole I had cut for the EG33

Bob

[Mike Bellis]

I would love to see an engine bay radiator solution that works. I don't know of any cars setup that way that have remained that way. Not much air flow to work with. New Porsche's use a tripple radiator setup. Might be worth the effor to see if it can be used in a 914.

[IM101]

New Porsche's use a tripple radiator setup. Might be worth the effor to see if it can be used in a 914.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[ruby914]

Ruby914, while I think the complete donor car would be the most convenient (for non smog exempt vehicles) I don't think it would be the cheapest. Single transmissions and engines can be found for pretty cheap. Not to mention a lot of us don't have the capability to store/disassemble/reassemble two vehicles at once.

I do really like the dash though. Carbon fiber is sweet and really looks seamless.

As to the flanges, it's a great design, I just think that its a little bit confining. The custom axles that I'm having made will be plug and play with any 5mt Subaru transmission (including stonger late model versions) and also give you the choice between "fuses" 914 or 944 cv's.

You have some valid points and I may have very well lucked out on my donor car that had a side impact with a pole. I found it the day it got to the pick a part.
They roped it off and I had someone remove all I needed. Two days later I had all the parts at the house and I needed a 914 to put them in.
There are still 1000 ways to skin a cat. Options are good!

So, I may need some of your axles. No rush but how much and how soon?

[jimkelly]

i have a set of porcharu's magic flanges that i never used for sale in case anyone needs a set now - see classifieds. does not work with ALL suby trans - must have same number of splines - i believe early legacy trans is ok and some others but not impreza.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...0733&st=680

ALSO A QUESTION ?????

would this thing with the spiral coil effect performance - the vaccum line nipple is broken off.

[abnrdo]

i have a set of porcharu's magic flanges tha i never used for sale in case anyone needs a set now - see classifieds. does not work with ALL suby trans - must have same number of splines - i believe early legacy trans is ok and some others but not impreza.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...0733&st=680

ALSO A QUESTION ?????

would this thing with the spiral coil effect performance - the vaccum line nipple is broken off.

Ooooo Jim you peaked my interest. Is that a 240???
-Jim

[jimkelly]

its a 1993 subaru impreza wagon fwd 1.8L

IM101 - what cost to convert to power steering ?? : )

i hear a wide body wide tired 914 with a smaller steering wheel can be a handful.

jim

[pktzygt]

I like the front rad with the duct setup idea someone had done. I'll get to that eventually so I can get some functionality out of the front trunk. As far as I remember, everyone who has tried the mid-mounted radiator has failed, re-invented and failed again and gave up on the idea. If I am wrong, I'm sorry and let me what you did and I might try to do it the same someday.

I haven't flipped my intake manifold because I intend to put the A/C compressor back on someday. I couldn't figure out a way to keep the compressor, alternator and flip the manifold. The piping for the intake isn't even that complicated. I didn't have to cut into the rear trunk either. I have a 90 degree bend in my intake pipe and will use an air to water intercooler. I may even be able to keep my full size optima battery back there.

[Brett W]

Look for pictures of the front trunk on a Carrera GT. They built some low profile ducting that directed the air out of the front trunk area and it helped created a space that was still useable. Having good ducting will allow you to run smaller exit areas.

[sawtooth]

Nice job Ian, it's great to see some excitement in the suby conversion world again. It seemed to die off for a while. It really is an incredible way to go, especially if the suby trans is used. I've got 2500 miles on mine with no problems, and loads of smiles every time I drive. Let me know if I can be of any help.
Dean

[IM101]

Ruby 914, Wow man you did luck out, that a wrx made it into a pick andpull is incredible and that you got there first is insane. But yes I definitely agree with you optionsare good and there are a lot of them out there for this kind of project:

- engines, ej20, ej22, ej25… all of the 6’s

-Transmissions, 901, Subaru, 3.90, 4.11, 4.44, male flangesfemale flanges, stronger gears, better top speed

-NA or turbo, Td04,05,06, Vf28,30,40,44 Intercooling, air toair, air to water, Placement?

-engine management, OEM Cut harness, Piggy back, Standalone



And those are just a few of the options, literally there is1000 ways to skin this cat. I guess part of the reason for doing the kits is toboth enable and streamline the decision making process. A mount that will workwith any of the Subaru engines and both transmission choices, Axles that willwork with any of the subi 5 speed transmissions. On the other hand, an EMS that will be flexible,powerful and simple, a perfectly located and proven set up for intake/exhaust/cooling.

That’s what I want the end result to be. So that the kid incollege who just bought his 914 roller can buy the separate pieces and slowlybuild his dream car on a shoe string budget. Or the retired guy who wants his favorite 914, just with late modelpower and reliability; without losing half of his savings or months of waiting.Or anyone in between.

Call me cheesy or a dreamer or whatever, but that is my vision
Ian M.

[IM101]

Oh ya and the Axles... ive got several pm's about them so i may just put those on the fast track, i hope to have the axles and cradel done in a month or two.

[BIGKAT_83]

Oh ya and the Axles... ive got several pm's about them so i may just put those on the fast track, i hope to have the axles and cradel done in a month or two.

Just wonder how the pricing on the axles will compare with the ones I have had done at Dutchman Motorsports
Great guys to work with I've sent 4or5 other people to them. I guess everyone is happy.
Bob

[Andyrew]

its a 1993 subaru impreza wagon fwd 1.8L

IM101 - what cost to convert to power steering ?? : )

i hear a wide body wide tired 914 with a smaller steering wheel can be a handful.

jim

You heard wrong (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)