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.

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.

Doing this right now... Not just for the 914. Turnkey optimized engines are already selling and development is in full swing to include exhaust systems, mounts and adaptors.

Yep a one stop shop-(Sounds like we think alike)

The website will be up within a month and you can see what we have been doing behind the green curtain

a subaru STI conversion for a 356 would be something I might go for if the turnkey option is available.

Rich

I'm not planning a Subaru conversion, but I am happy to announce that I have rejoined the Subaru family by buying a nicely used Forester for the better half. I feel so much closer to you all now.....

I'm building my 914 trailer right now. As soon as it's mobile and out of the garage, Sasquach goes under the knife. Up to the point of destruction, the rotary engine was awesome. Just dont leave your crank angle sensor loose. mine mounts like a distributor. Lots of swing when loose. The power is incredable! I will be offering rides once it's running again. You must experience it before you knock it!

I'm finally working on mine again,, wiring in the highway 15 kit,, then on to plumbing.. playing with the idea of a custom aluminum gas tank. preliminary measurements give me about 14 gals useable with keeping the design simple.. $$$ aren't too bad $300-400.. I'm going to play a bit more then see about pulling the trigger..

and to relive every bodies fears,,, NO I WILL NOT BE MAKING IT!!

How about this one? It will fit with minor massaging. Better yet, it looks pro not home built.

RCI 2161A
Click to view attachment

never mind 9in.............mmmm hammer not so big

I'm looking at pro built!! it is gas after all!! That's 12 in across.. sounds like hammer time for part of the length??

Lol sorry kg6dxn. I ment ankle biter thread. Freudian slip there as I was just looking at ur thread.. not nocking a rotary in anyway.. quite a sweet engineering in my opinion..

Jake I seem to recall you mocking water cooled conversions.. but cool I'm exited to see what kind of monster you guys can come out with..
and here I was thinking that renagade was the only other guys doing something similar.

In anycase I wouldn't want all the work thus far to be a complete waste so the 914 world may have two one stop shops.

The Suby conversion makes sense.. We will continue to provide aircooled solutions as well, just like always. The aircooled engines are now more expensive than ever and more difficult to produce.

The Suby market is very large outside of conversions so its worth our development. Our expansion into the watercooled Porsche M96 engine several years ago found us with all the capabilities required to offer an awesome Suby powerplant.

At the present we are working with LN Engineering to make the largest big bore kits ever available. Len Hoffman is working on cylinder head development and I have reconfigured our R&D dyno to support the Suby engine exclusively. I have been working to develop several camshaft grinds and other parts as well.

Conversions are just part of the plan. Bolting the engine in seamlessly and smartly is what makes the conversion more welcome; having an application specific engine combination does the rest. I am currently bolting in an EJ25 based engine into a '73 Superbeetle and as always the VW will be more my focus than the 914. This EJ25 will end up a 2.9 liter animal with "Snickies" in 104.5mm. With a regeared Quaife equipped 915, 6 piston 996TT brakes and wheels its going to be a beast.

The 914 was the one application that my plan hasn't focused on, so perhaps we can work together rather than against each other? That makes sense.

I have 3 turnkey big bore engines sold (underway) and we haven't even advertised that we are doing the work yet :-)

Yes, I do prefer my crow served warm.. I believe the definition of a fool is a person that can't change his/ her mind. Thus far anyone who has learned of what we are developing with the Suby has been shocked but at the same time they have all stated that they can't wait to see where this goes~

No we offer a true choice, air or water cooled engines with the Raby brand. Other people have certainly done this in the past, but building the engine from the inside out then supporting its conversion has never been done in the manner that we are attacking it.

Im in the prosses of pulling out the chevy DZ302 out right now!! I have a sweet closed deck 2.2 with 2001 SOHC heads and a little boost going in.

Is there a cradle offered? I planed on making what i needed


jcl

Holy crapola it is mainstream now! SUBY SUBY SUBY!

Ian I still think it is a good idea to do something with the suby conversions. Jake does amazing work. It sounds like he is doing more development with building a monster suby motor. Knowing the way Jake does things it will all be first rate. It also won't be cheap which is absolutely justified with the work he puts into his builds & kits. Having said all that there is definately room for someone for teeners doing it on the cheap. Teeners who don't want a compete kit. There will be plenty of guys who want parts to do the conversion. I would concentrate on the guys doing it on the cheap. Jake is a long way from Oregon. Plenty of room for all

Oregon is 3 days via UPS :-)

Like I said, 914 is not my primary focus but the developments are universal. Plenty of room for more players here, nothing motivates me like a friendly battle :-)

It won't be cheap and will only be complete; thats the only way I do things.

I agree about plenty of room for more players. Love having you on here Jake. It would be a little cooler to start your own thread touting your new suby production. Let the guy have his thread to gage interest

Okay so let's get back to what you are planning to bring to the suby conversion process IM101 (Ian). Besides a turn key setup what do you have in mind? What parts besides a turn key will be available?

No problem. I agree.
Please delete my posts.

Good luck with your venture. There seems to be plenty of market for it and those of us in progress of the swap know that there the options get complicated.

I myself am one of the "process that can take years" type of guys. I'll tell you kids, college and the good 'ol U.S.Navy can get in the way of a project this complicated. If what you are describing was around when I started, I'd be done long ago. I ended up getting a JDM ej20g and one of the hardest parts was sourcing the motor and deciding on an engine management for it.

Good luck to you!

I want to hear what Jake has planned! F the Dr.

Post all you want Jake. SEMPER FI!

Thank you Jamie, but I don’t sense the "DR" intent (no demeaning language or ruining of group buys)

There is no need to delete any posts; I actually almost want to thank Jake for posting. That an Icon of Porsche/VW engine building has decided to branch out to the Subaru platform only gives more credibility to the conversion. It truly is an incredible option for the 914 (and beetle... Jeeez that thing sounds like a monster Jake!), yes there is power reliability gas mileage, but also ease of maintenance (just take it down to your local Subaru dealer or Import repair shop), aftermarket support (cant even begin to list the venders available), not to mention it is still a flat four or six. From just about every angle you look at it the Subaru conversion, "makes sense."

Clearly Jake and I will be on different levels, I could not even dream to do the work that Jake and his team can accomplish, and judging from his response he doesn't want to deal with selling anything but complete setups. Where as I do not mind selling just the cradle or cv/axles or any other pieces to DIY'ers working out of there garage on a budget. Or even guys who would be happy with a paltry 200-400HP kit.

I think there will be a lot of interest. I have been thinking of a Suby update sometime later. JoeO

First off great choice of engine, that set up is bomb proof. as to your question not yet but soon. read below



I have a bit in the works.
but for the short term:
A universal engine mount that will work with all of the 4cyl subaru engines and maybe the 6's if down the line i can get a hold of them.

The mount will be two stage, which will enable it to work with the 901 or the subaru 2wd converted 5mt.

If the subaru Box is chosen then the kit can include:
-the converted 5mt (with a bremer style stub/plate)
-Complete custom made (not just re-splined) CV axles with your choice of 914 or 944 German outer CV's and subaru inner CVs
-Complete Cable shift set up


In the long term I hope to include:
-Everything else...
-Complete tuned engines
-Exhaust
-Cooling set up
-and instrumentation (with the 5mt option)

I already have a designed and built engine bar for the FWD transmission with what ever engine. As soon as I pull the engine from my SVX and get a hold of the AWD tranny behind it I will know what mods need to be done to my engine bar design. In theory I could produce a bar for anyone that wants one right now.

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

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.

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.

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



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.

Thank you,
I have a good relationship with Mountain Tech Subaru the local Subaru repair specialists and will probably be getting any used motors from them as they come with a little bit of a warranty Not to mention gone through by experienced Subaru mechanics, not the normal auto recyclers that if its under 60,000 it is rated A+ No matter the unknown internal condition

I'm surprised, this is not your usual niche market strategy. There are many Subie vendors out there and I assume the competition for services is great.

I do laud your selection of the Subi motors tho. It's not an orphan, however, and you'll need to price competitively. As near as I can see, it is a completely developed package with no glaring weaknesses. There is no need to "hot rod" the motor. Brit's factory motor blows off any tire he has put under the car (12 inch slicks with LSD) when the boost comes on in 2nd gear......the "problem" is harnessing that power delivery to workable levels. Your average 914 street car guy has no idea what he's getting into with one of these turbo motors. I would think that NA is the way to go there.

I am currently in the process of doing a Suby swap. I am planning on an H6 conversion. Most likely with the suby 5 speed. I am planning on building my engine mount from scratch.

Yes you are correct when you say its a lengthy process. I hope to have mine back on the road next summer.

Cheers,
JB

I currently have one converted using a quick six kinda bar, with stock 901 sideshift. I am currently working out a deal for an even nicer roller to recieve a ej20 turbo with a 5eat auto for the wife. This i plan on building a nice engine cradle similar to the sawtooth's design, fully oem mounted is my goal.


I'll start a thread once it comes to my new house.

Other things that would make a subaru based 914 nice would be quieter running
than an air cooled and good air conditioning for people living in hot areas.

I love my type IV engine when I want to drive hard, but for cruising an hour on the
highway it is pretty noisy.

I have a suby conversion on my to do list once I finish my IMSA car.

John

I would love to put a more powerful engine in my 914 and the Subaru engine seems like a good fit. Maybe someone will rear-end my Outback and then I'li have and engine and trans to put in the 914.

My biggest issue of putting a water cooled engine in is cutting the front up for a radiator; I feel that it would ruin my car (maybe I need to get over that feeling).

I would like to see a engine compartment solution for a radiator; maybe it wont work, but I thought of two smaller radiators attached to the lid.

And the last issue is heat. While the radiator in the front and a heater core in the fresh air box provides a solution this would not work as well for a rear radiator.

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.

IM101 - one thing to keep in mind is if the car will be in a state that does emissions or does emissions and requires all emissions pieces be on motor. i'm in delaware and all 1968 cars ad later must be emission tested using a tail pipe sniffer. in CA i believe all 1974 cars and older are emissions exempt. nice to see you are sensitive to 914 owner's budget limitations : )

i think i lean NA ej25 sohc with suby trans.

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/914/Subie/Subie.html

jim

Installed a 2003 EZ30D H6 engine in mine.
Click to view attachment

Bob

WANT

Something interesting that I have found in my development is the fact, that if done correctly you can, flip the intake, to avoid cutting into the trunk, but still retain the use of the AC compressor that is normally lost.. Another reason that this great engine is such a great match for this great car...



I have given a little thought to that. Oregon has a similar cut off date for emissions. Secretly I was hoping that California being known for its emissions laws would be the worst case out there, however it seems this is not the case. Also emissions laws are just getting more and more stringent, so who knows if the cut off date is not moved back or changed in some way here aswell. In anycase a strait tail pipe sniffer shouldn’t be too bad, I have contemplated developing an emissions safe set up down the road, something that would include all the necessary pieces ( Catalitic converter and what not) and two separate engine maps, one for testing , and one for driving.

of course a lot more research would need to be done... but its not impossible.

I live in California. I have a WRX in my 914 and use the Subi ECU and gauge cluster. I have heard of the Vanaru guys passing smog, I think as a Subaru. I have most of the Subi emissions components but not all are installed yet. Stilll looking for places to put them. I am exempt as a 1974 Porsche but I hope to one day pass, if tested as a Subaru.

here is a thread of one of the godfather's of the suby conversion - tony
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...9&hl=subaru

Bob,
Did you have to cut any portion of the trunk? I am looking to avoid this with my EG33 conversion.
-JB

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

You can cut the trunk and make enough room for the Suby components beneath. Even make it look stockish

Click to view attachment

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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?