Suby engine questions (price and type)

[gsusmaniac]

I was thinking that an engine would run me around $500. But it seems like every engine I find is $2000 of higher!

Anyone know what type of Subaru engine I should use (cost in mind), and where I can find one for a decent price?

I am looking for the most simple swap...not the most powerful. Even the weekest suby engine is way more powerful than my Type 1.

This is my fist engine swap so I am really excited! Cant wait!

[Bug@5speed(US)]

Gus,

There is a post that I remember seeing that captured sources for engines.. from local forums and JDM importers..

I use to have a wrx that I blew the motor while racing at the track, and used IA Performance (or something simliar to get me a low mileage wrx motor from a 04) The motor was about the price you said, give or take.

With everyone doing STI swaps there are plenty of folks off loading their NA motors, check NASIOC, and RS25.com for them. Also some folks like to get rid of there 2 lt wrx motors to go to the 2.5 wrx and STI.

There is plenty of 1.8, and 2.2 lts around with high mileage that you can snag for cheap.

I wish you were close to NJ, since I actually have a 2.5 lt short block that is just sitting around.. 78K.

With the NA motors you will be around 130-160 HP.. Plenty of mods, such as cams, piggy back ECU, and some porting can be done to get into the 180-190 range.. above that it gets expensive.. but for a 1900 lb car, should be plenty.

VR
Alex

[davetaylor]

aren't the cheapest and easiest swaps the ej22? they're available in practically every pull-it-yourself yard for $100 or so. i've found probably 20 of those in the year or so i've been looking. i've been told they're easiest to swap, because of their size and simplicity.

[DORIGTT]

But what kind of mods can be done to the EJ22? I can pick one up free! Is it worth it if I end up (as we all do) wanting more power?

[davetaylor]

i don't really know of any mods for the ej22. you can't add a turbo and i think you're stuck with the basics like intake and exhaust, but i kinda assume the 130 or so hp would be plenty for a while, and then i could upgrade to an ej20 and by then i'd know what i was doing.

i assume if i'm going from 48hp to 130hp or whatever, i'll be content with that for quite a while, especially if i make it a daily driver.

[Bug@5speed(US)]

If memory serves me right, and I would also verify on the nasioc and rs25 site, the 2.2 is not the most mod friendly motor. but there are a few things that can be done. Again gains are not that great, but there gains none the less..

Along with a free flowing exhaust and intake, most guys do cams, usually from delta. Along with that piggy back ecu from rallitek. There may be a throttle body spacer but can't remember correctly. If you find a 2.2 you can do what I had planned and that is take the 2.2. heads, mild port them, and attach them to a 2.5 phase II block and create a hybrid setup. This setup is a slightly higher compression setup than the regular 2.5 DOCH or SOHC. Do the same upgrades as above, with comet (can't remember the company name) or I think its an OEM STI gasket and have fun.. Plenty of threads at rs25 on this hybrid topic. SHould be a solid 180-190 HP.

Also SOHC motors are a lot easier to fit into the bug vs the DOHC monsters..

Lastly you will need to consider a few things... (could not help the plug) a new or modified low profile oil pan, and an exhaust manifold. Both of which Bug@5speed can help you with.

Now if you get your hands on a legacy 2.2t for that price , then you will be quite ahead of the game as that block has a lot of forged items and is a closed deck design.


Dave, do you have pics of your vert, I have one sitting for now a 78 SB, that I am always looking for ideas.
VR
Alex

[davetaylor]

my convertible is still in progress, and it's going to be stock except the motor, wheels and brakes, so my ideas are few. i already have the brakes and wheels, but no motor yet. i might have a lead on an ej22t, but i was just told there was a legacy "with turbo on the back" in a local yard with a clean motor so we'll see if that pans out. i have many ideas, but i can't implement them since i'm a poor college student.

[Bug@5speed(US)]

Dave,

LOL, I remember those times, hell, I am just a bit older but still poor

Its always nice to see verts getting redone. If you have some pics would be interested in seeing..

If you get the 2.2t try to get the wiring harness and ecu. I really can't remember if you can reflash that particular ECU, but it might be worth asking at nasioc. In my suby I ran ECUTEK, which is a software to remap your ecu depending on upgrades, this may or may not be an option, also COBB and probably a few more out there. There are folks that take the 2.2 slap other heads to make nice hybrids. Off the top of my head can't remember if they flow good or bad. I know your trying to keep it budget, but definitely check the other forums for the correct info
Alex

[davetaylor]

those pics are the only ones worth looking at so far. the stock engine is sad, and the interior looks like wild boars lived in it. it sat for 13 years at a body shop and i drove it once and started taking stuff apart, so it might not move again for another 13 years! i still have to buy longer brake lines and such before it'll move again, but maybe it won't be too long.

right now i'm trying to do everything cheaply so i can save up for swap parts, but isn't the ej22t a dohc motor? i'm liking the sohc for easier fit, because i'm just trying to make a 15k mile a year car so i just need a reasonable amount of power with minimal cutting.

i wish i could afford the bug@5speed radiator/intercooler! i like no-cut solutions.

[davetaylor]

the ej22t is a sohc, but this one i found is missing the turbo. so maybe i won't be getting it, since i'm not gonna shell out the $500 for a turbo for 30 or so extra horsepower.

[Bug@5speed(US)]

The turbo won't be that expensive..

I really can't remember if the flange layout on the 2.2 is the same as the other EJ series.. I believe it may be, if that is the case, then just go with a TD-04 from a wrx.. Small turbo that will probably be just a tad bigger than the stock 2.2t turbo. Which at this point in the evening I can't remember. People will get rid of these for about 100-200. If you have problems finding one I will be more than happy to talk to my mechanic who usually had a few on the shelf.. Very knowledgeable guy.. Look them up precisiontuning in Brick NJ. Owner's name is rich..I say all this because he can help sourcing parts.. and is very technically smart on subaru's. From complete motor and gearbox rebuilds to custom work. Just a good source of info, and an FYI if run into subaru specific issues. There are folks on the boards that know some, and he can help with what we don't know.

The pictures did not come thru at work but now that I am home, I must say I like the way its turning out..

Keep us posted and if you have any more question fire away..

Lastly, really get on the suby boards, as you can do it on the cheap there.. also that block is a very good block for a turbo build. If its in good shape, would make a good starting point. I know you want to do it cheap, and the SOHC NA route, 2.2, would be the easiest as these are common motors, also there was a 2.5 SOHC for a year or two, that you may be able to find..
Alex

[Mikey]

Sweet pics Dave. I havn't seen it yet.

As for my engine. I paid $940 shipped to my door for an JDM EJ20T. Complete intake to exhaust, even the intercooler, but no computer or much of a harness. it was just cut off. So I have all the connectors to the original sensors, but that's all. www.nippon-motors.com is where I bought mine.

[davetaylor]

that's a pretty good deal for an ej20t but my budget is such that i'm having to scrounge and get stuff for as near to free as possible. i'm doing ok so far, but there's no such thing as finding a deal on an adapter or a specially-built radiator. if those were cheaper my swap would be finished by now.

[gsusmaniac]

Well that seems to be the best website I have seen so far! Cant wait to get it ordered!

Where do you all suggest getting the wiring harness from?

[davetaylor]

i don't know where you're "supposed" to ge them, but i occasionally see them on ebay. there are a few places that do the wiring for swaps, but i think that you have to send them your own harness. that's big, big money though.