Subaru Engines In Beetles - Which engine to choose?

[ress]

I have been considering a subaru engine for my beetle. I have heard that the 1800 engine is smaller than the 2.2 and 2.5 models. I was wondering if the 2.2 and 2.5 have similar dimensions? I have seen from pictures that the firewall and engine compartment need to be englarged for these swaps. Wll I still be able to have a backseat if I run a 2.2 or 2.5?

[Marc]

According to Kennedy, the 1.8 OHV (pushrod) Subie is the only one that will fit under a stock decklid. I've never seen one of the later engines installed but I think that it should fit without losing the back seat (just the parcel space behind it).
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/yerfgas/l ... %26.view=t

[Brastic]

The Subaru 1.8l seems a little underpowered at 110hp. For all of the effort of
the air cooled to water cooled, you might as well step to the 2.2l to 2.5l. One
nice thing about the 1.8l is that the weight is the same as the stock VW engine.
I usually see it at 188lbs. The 2.2 and 2.5 are around 250lbs. Still 250lbs for
130-170hp is not to bad. The next question is which 2.xl to get. So far I have
only seen an 18lb difference between the two. We both know that the ej20t
is the motor to get, with it 227hp, but they are expensive. According to my
Subaru dealer the 95 2.2l is a good motor for the conversion. I forgot why.
I would also avoid the 98 2.5l motors, for they have been known at the
dealership and "not as good." The 99 2.5l as have been known for having
a weak MAP. They often break from vibration. The guys who were installing
custom intakes were blowing them up, and at $300+, it angered a couple of
guys. There was a recall, but most people did not go in to have them changed.
So far, I have looking for the 95 2.2l and 00+ 2.5l.

Brastic

[junkyardoval]

I am attempting to install a Subaru 2.0 twin turbo in a 56 Oval. Before long we will know if it fits.

Ernie

[Shadowbug]

I have the 2.2L 16v engine in my forester, its a nice engine, I'd like to see one in a beetle.

[porsche_914_freak]

i have done some subaru work in the bast. the 1.8L ohv and ohc engines are almost identical in dimensions and such. the ohc engine is a wee bit wider, and sticks out farther in the back of the bug because of the cam gears. but the other side of the engine which is hooked to the trans is the same side and everything as the ohv engine.

i acvtualy have a ohc engine with trans sitting in my girage.

[ress]

Here's a pix of a beetle with a modern subaru engine in it. If this doesn't inspire you, what will?

I've narrowed it down to putting one of the 1990s model in my beetle. Even though the 1800 models are easier to install, they seem more of a risk because of there older age. Still can't decide on which 1990s model. I know I don't need the 200+ horsewpower some of the models offer. I'm looking towards something that is around 150 hp and lower, for street cruising. Hmm maybe I should go to a subaru message board and ask which engine model would be best.

[All_talk]

Here's a link to a good Soobie Board:

http://pub110.ezboard.com/bultimatesubarumessageboards

Gary

[Baja Wes]

If your into suby conversions you probably wanna check out Reubs car



http://offroadvw.net/vwrx/

EJ20T's are cheap and easy to find in Australia.

[daggis]

I would say go 1800 turbo. It's lightweight, which is quite important in a beetle, because it's quite ass-heavy already, and its easily tuneable, parts are also quite easy to come by, even here in this little country Norway. Originally it's only running 0.5bar , but by changing exhaust and chip, it goes up to around 0.9, which means around 180 hp.

By putting in these huge monster engines, your car will be terrible to drive in anything but a straight line.

[Marvelicious]

Thats why you balance it out by putting the radiator up front, and while you're at it, the battery should go up there as well (what the hell is it doing under the seat anyway?) and anything else you can think of...

[Delta SB]

Still very new to the Bug scene, I often wondered if the 1.8 turbo in my 1988 Suby would work in my 71SB. I only stop by this board every so often so I'm sure alot of my questions would have already been answered.

Anyway, did go to a link someone had posted a few months back but darned if I book marked it. Was a simple talk/show thru of someone who had done the exact swap with minimal expense and effort.

If anyone could direct me that way again I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!