Project Bug-aru is underway

[elninoalex]

I just got a 70 Bug and I'm looking for a Subaru motor to put into it. Prefer a EJ22 with around 135 hp. That would be a better HP:weight ratio than my Q45. An EG33 would put it in the 12's, but that would have to go midengine. And that's just more than I need to do. Although the EJ20T might fit in the back, but that would probably come later. I haven't found info on reversing the transaxle anywhere. Anyone have any insight on this endeavor? I've been wanting to do this for quite some time and I was able to buy a Bug for $100 so now is the time. The Bellhousing adaptor plate, flywheel and clutch set run $540 from Kennedy Engineering. Its basically just a matter of figuring out the fuel injection from a pile of wires on the ground. Anyone done one of these swaps or have a motor laying around?

Stephen

[McTaff]

I just got a 70 Bug and I'm looking for a Subaru motor to put into it. Prefer a EJ22 with around 135 hp. That would be a better HP:weight ratio than my Q45. An EG33 would put it in the 12's, but that would have to go midengine. And that's just more than I need to do. Although the EJ20T might fit in the back, but that would probably come later. I haven't found info on reversing the transaxle anywhere. Anyone have any insight on this endeavor? I've been wanting to do this for quite some time and I was able to buy a Bug for $100 so now is the time. The Bellhousing adaptor plate, flywheel and clutch set run $540 from Kennedy Engineering. Its basically just a matter of figuring out the fuel injection from a pile of wires on the ground. Anyone done one of these swaps or have a motor laying around?

Stephen

I have seen a Kombi van with an EG33 in it - I'm too tired to google tonight on VW engines, but if the are roughly the same you'll be able to do it. Remember in a Beetle it'll be very tail heavy, run hot and will need a bit of fiddling to get it going.

He used to lay fifty feet of rubber with it every time he pulled out of the carpark of the shop, so I can attest to the success.

Smallcar to a Vanagon conversion to the EG33, and that seems to do well.

As for the smaller (and non-SVX) EG22 or EJ20, that would be easier to fit, that is for sure.

I think the EJ20T would be your best bet (or the twinturbo would be awesome fun) for instant gratification.

[Subafreak]

Well I did do an EJ22T swap in my Loyal, and an EA82T swap in my 81 wagon and a 6cyl swap into a 4 cyl Wrangler swap so I have played with some wiering before :D It's not that hard.

Your right, even an N/A swap would be alot of power for a Bug, but a Turbo would be hella cool. :cool:

[mbtoloczko]

Hey Stephen. Sounds like a fun project. I used to have a '70 VW bug. 135 HP would have been sweet with that car. Would an Impreza RS 2.5L motor fit? That's 165 HP. I think you might be in wheelie territory with that much HP in a bug. :-)

[mikecg]

Cooling is going to be interesting.

[Chiketkd]

Nice project. If you pull everything together that'll be one sweet bug. Keep us updated with plenty of pics.

Anyone know the status of the member who was dropping an EG33 into a Porsche 914? He could probably lend some advice with the transaxle issue - if memory serves me correctly, he's using a Porsche trans with an adaptor plate mounted to the EG33.

-Chike

[ensteele]

Great project!! Keep us posted on your progress. :) :)

[McTaff]

Ya know, if you manage to fit the 2.5L in there, you can always try crazy things like bolting on two of those smaller IHI turbochargers from the old XT... keeping it all VWaru, and all that. Alternatively I'm sure you can find suitable turbo mods for it. The 2.5/Turbo is nothing new, but for your application maybe it isn't the same solution.

There is some food for thought, anyway.

...Then again, there is the matter of a 3.3L supercharged bug requiring a 2" steel wheelie bar. How much cash you got to throw at this thing?

[UberRoo]

I haven't found info on reversing the transaxle anywhere. Anyone have any insight on this endeavor?Most people just use the VW transmission with an adaptor, but personally, I'd go mid-engine with the Subaru tranny. One rear-engine idea I've heard theorized would be to use the VW portals that came on some of the vans. You'd have to adapt them to the Subaru transmission, but I'm told they're gear drive and have a slight reduction. The reduction might not be quite right, but in theory you should be faster off the line. Because they're direct gear drive, they should reverse the rotation of your axles with a Subaru transmission.

I don't actually know much about old VWs, but a friend of mine was toying with this idea and he seemed to think it might work. His goal was to build a 4WD, rear-engined Bug using Subaru running gear with VW portals (or drop axles) for reduction, reversal of rotation, and additional ground clearance.

[elninoalex]

The turbo would be sweet, but that would be more than I need(or can afford). The 2.5 would be ideal, but those aren't cheap. I've got a lead on an EJ22 w/52K complete with ecu and harness for around $400. But it is from a 1998 so its got "extra" wires. Kennedy says 90-94 are the easiest to wire up. But how much more work is a 98? I just removed the wiring harness from my Q45 and it didn't seem that complex, even for four extra cylinders. Is this a swap that can be done without resorting to an SAFC? Hello Jesse?

I was originally planning a EG33 into a Porsche 914, but I moved to this for the sake of expense.

135hp might be close to a wheelie. I had a bug with about 85 hp and it would feel like it was almost there.

Cooling is done with a front mount radiator and metal tubing under the pan to carry the water. Needless to say, it is not the most efficient setup. It should be a fun little sleeper.

Stephen

[Subafreak]

Um whats a SAFC?

[elninoalex]

Um whats a SAFC?

Good answer! That's what I want to hear. No way I can afford one.

[elninoalex]

Well, I just bought a EJ18 setup for $250. It has everything I need except the radiator. But I already have one of those. A little less power than I was wanting, but I couldn't turn it down at that price. Especially since I don't have room for another parts car right now. A little extra fuel economy wouldn't hurt right now. I can always upgrade later. Or maybe a 100hp shot of nitrous on it.:D YEEHAW!!! :D

[elninoalex]

So much for the EJ18. I just found a 90 Legacy for dirt cheap so now I'm going with an EJ22. EEK, I haven't even turned a wrench on the bug yet and I've already upgraded.

[blacknite]

what is the years for the porshe trany and does anybody knows where can i buy one, and if it is rear wheel drive???

[Green1995SVX]

Kennedy engineering is by far the best resource for all information. They've put Subaru engines in just about every old vw and porsche. They're great people and calling them is always great. Also, spend a few bucks to get their catalog. It has worlds of information beyond just 'pushing' their products.

Best of luck to you!

Mike

[Kaline]

What Green1995SVX said is true. Kennedy Engineered Products (KEP) is a well known supplier for VW clutches and adapter systems. Since your VW is a 1970, it should have a single-side cover transmission, which in stock form is good to up to 125hp. Singe-side cover transmissions can be beefed up with stronger mainshafts, aftermarket gears, stronger differentials (Super Diff, 10-tooth preferred), steel shift forks, etc. I've been into VWs for 12 years, and my favorite transaxle part supploer is Weddle Industries. There are also many shops who can build a good transmission for you, as there are many special tools required for it. Pick up an issue of Hot VWs and look at the advertisers.

http://www.kennedyeng.com/

http://www.2weddle.com/

Hope this helps! Good luck with your project!