Subaru powered Manxters

[Olli]

Let's start talking about Subaru powered Manxters here. I will start off by saying, why run a VW when for about the same money (or less) you can have a modern fuel injected 16V quad cam flat four? Valve adjustments are a thing of the past and you won't have to worry about your cam going flat. One thing that has to be known is that you do not use the Subaru ECU. Various reasons why you don't. An aftermarket ECU gets used. Don't panic about tuning. If you deal with an experienced Subaru tuner it isn't a problem. There are a few places that specialize in converting the Subaru to a rear mounted position. Johnson's Bug Machine (Steve Johnson) he is a Manx Club sponsor. No web site. 619 448 9110 is his phone #. A couple of others are; http://www.outbackmotors.com and http://www.cgperformance.com . These places mostly start off with JDM (Japenese Domestic Motors) these are low mileage engines that are imported from Japan. There are about a bizillion different combinations of engines available to choose from. It is up to you and the shop that you choose to work with. Bruce used Steve Johnson. After looking at Outback and CG I have also decide to use Steve. Steve offers an excellent overall value, knows the Manxter, and personal service. I wll be getting a 2.5 L fuel injected turbo from Steve. This is what makes up that engine. Steve starts with a NEW Sti short block direct from Subaru. He also picks up a JDM 2.0 L turbo engine. He takes the heads ,cams and turbo from the 2.0 L and bolts them to the 2.5 L . The results are awesome. 210-220 HP AT THE WHEELS (about 250-260 hp at the flywheel) and an incredible 260 lbs/ft tq AT THE WHEELS from 3000-5500 rpm. This is a pump gas tune. He also makes the engines look nice with chrome, polished intake and water manifold, chromed and/or polished socket cap (allen head) bolts. The alternator is a rebuilt unit. The oil pan gets modified too. Steve will be providing me with a tuned ECU. There are a lot of "little" things that are necessary to make the Subaru engine a true conversion and not look out of place. Steve takes care of all the little things that you wouldn't have known about and can really make it a turn key conversion. Items such as the proper fuel pump and filter are part of his package. Cost? Much less than a comparable VW. When I was engine shopping for the Manxter. I was quoted by CB $6-6500 for a turnkey (no fuel pump, so add $$ PLUS about $300.-350 for shipping) 2232, dual carb, 160-170 HP. Now add fuel injection and turbo. That is another $3-3500. Deduct for the carbs and you have a $9K engine! A 2.0l fuel injected turbo Subaru that makes around 220 HP can be had for mid $6K. That is with ECU, adapter, clutch, fuel pump, radiator, fan, lots of chrome and ceramic coated header. Go to 2.5L and add $1-1.5K. After years of living with 150 hp+ VW engines I have no doubt that the Subaru will be more reliable and virtually no maintenance. Just oil changes. Olli

[Gene-C]

You might try SUBBUG It's a forum solely devoted to converting dune buggies to Subaru power. I'm still considering it if I can figure out how to completely hide the radiator and keep it protected while off road. Fiberglass buggy, Berrien Chassis and Subaru engine. Think I would still be welcomed at the VW shows? Gotta hate that Yahoo forum format.

[Olli]

Twin radiators is a choice, no need for external oil cooler(s), oil filter is direct spin on to the block. ECU is not large at all. I will have a single radiator up front. Olli

[Gene-C]

It's not about where you can go, it's about horse power! And for my two cents more pony's is always a good thing.Volkair Baja:driving:

[Olli]

I started this thread to talk about building a Subaru powered Manxter. The intention was to have the information consolidated into 1 thread if possible. I fully understand that not everyone is interested in this. If you are not, then why post? Why hijack the thread? As I have more information to share I will post it. If you want to ask questions or make comments, great! Like it or not Subaru engines are being fitted in applications that the VW used to rule. Like it or not Hot VW's even featured a Subaru powered Ghia a few issues ago. I have been involved with hopping up VWs since the late '70s and frankly some of the parts that are available today are absolute crap and yet they still cost a premium. Spend some time reading on The shoptalkforums.com, aftermarket cams going flat is a big deal (still). I had an Engle K-8 (bought through Berg) go flat on me back in '86. The Subaru is a modern falt 4 and with fuel injection will be efficient and RELIABLE long term at power levels that a VW engine could only dream about. If you need to vent about people that use trailers,or buggies that were built for street use and not off road, start a thread in the "general discussion" forum. But frankly, I don't understand the need to knock down others that basically share a common interest as you do albeit expressed in a different fashion. Don't you think that the buggy world is small enough? Personally, I am building a "street" Manxter. It is how the Manxter will be driven. And yes, it will be driven and if shown, cleaned prior. And yes, it will end up in my 20' enclosed trailer if I decide to go far away with it. Why? So that as a family we are all comfortable and safe. Not to mention the luxury of A/C and DVD. I have a topless Cobra replica that is show quality and is featured in the current (Jan. '06) issue of KIT CAR. I drive it too. I have been caught in rain storms when 200 miles from home! So, been there done that. Olli

[CoKev]

Olli, You're right , the thread ran off on a rabbit trail, and I apologize. Guess that little episode rankles me more than I thought. And nothing against trailers either. When you are going a long way , it is the only way to go. Now trailer queens that go from the garage to the trailer to the show period is another story, and thread Back to topic - Subaru in buggy - Excellent swap and I am planning a watercooled buggy myself. Just gotta work out the hidden radiator/offroad issue. Again sorry to 'jack the thread, I'll try to behave myself.

[Gene-C]

Olli is very correct... you bunch of heathenistic thread jackers! I want all of you to say 20 - I'm sorrys & 40 - I'll never do it agains! Repent, all of you! :drool: Now... isn't the Wonderful World of Buggys great??? Everyone can choose their own preference for a powerplant for their Buggy & whether we like it or not, we accept their choice. There's a lot to be said for choosing a Subaru. I'm not so sure you actually need a turbo one though. I think for most applications a fuel injected only Subaru 2.4 would be plenty. They have definately proven themselves, dependability-wise & power-wise, over the years. It's ALL Fun, Fun, Fun... ManxManiac

[jsturtlebuggy]

Olli, What kind of radiator are you going to use and where are you mounting it?

[Olli]

I had Griffin custom make one. It fits up front. It mounts to the front bumper cage in a vertical fashion and comes up inside the hood. That really is a poor description, I will post a picture when I get a chance. It actually fits quite well. The coolant lines are 1.25" aluminum tubing for the majority of the run. I found that running the coolant lines through the sidepod (passenger side) the cleanest approach. The other reason is that up front the steering is on the left side, so all the room for the coolant lines was on the right side. For that reason, I had Griffin give me the fittings all on the right side. This eliminates criss crossing up front. Olli

[subimanx]

I've got the EJ22 series donk in mine and it is a pleasure to drive compared to the 1916 injected engine i was running before. The radiator is mounted at the front. Will try to post pictures. Barwork and engine conversion/compliancing was done at www.customoffroad.com.au (obviously in Australia) Their website has heaps of info...Go for it!!!you wont look back..

[Gene-C]

that is a great set up. My next buggy is getting the turbo subi. set up. cost the same as a big vw and much better.

[Olli]

These pictures do not show the stainless mount ears that are welded to the bumper tube now.

[newmanx59]

I have 3 questions: Did you give any thought as to where the heat/hot air from the radiator is going to go? Is your fuel tank going in the stock location? Is the petcock on the upper left of the radiator used to bleed off air?

[Olli]

Jerry, 1. yes 2. yes, but not a VW tank, fuel cell. Are you thinking that the warm air might warm the fuel too much?? 3. yes, that petcock is an air bleed. Olli

[newmanx59]

I'm not sure of the the way a Manxter is put together in comparison to a regular Manx but if it is close to being the same , the heat from the radiator would come into the passenger compartment over the top of the "toe board" . Just a thought.