Absolutely agree - but a standard 'unopened' Subaru engine was designed from the outset to pull around 140bhp - so no need to build them at all usually.
I hate Subaru conversions, because there's a little part of me that wants one I don't think i'd go down that route personally but i can see why people do, and i must admit they do look cool with the engine lid open
i'd entertain one if, and only if my engine went pop and i couldn't get a cheap enough replacement type 4 to replace it, my problem is i'm an auto and they don't do a conversion to the auto box so i'd need to either convert to manual (source more parts) or fit a subaru auto box as well - fellows say it's possible but they haven't done it- needs the diff in the box flipping over or something? parts from australia....... so i doubt it will happen in my van, if i could i'd go golf diesel for fuel economy - speed doesn't interest me mpg is king - more mpg = more camping.
Of course, a big air cooled though is going to be running considerably more power than it was ever designed for. It's also still 50's technology. I've nothing against air cooled (obviously, I've had mine for over 8 years) but fancy a change.
But to me the character is in the chugga-chugga-chugga of the engine, pootling along. The subaru engine is a flat 4, same as the aircooled engine, and sounds like a more refined version of a type 4 engine. I still get that warm feeling as the van motors along, but: i) it is more responsive to pull out of junctions ii) it starts at the first turn of the key, instead of the usual roh-roh, roh-roh, roh-roh, roh-roh, roh-roh, roh-roh, roh-roh, brrrrrmmmm, chugga-chugga, chugga-chugga........ iii) it feels like it's comfortable at 60, rather than feeling like it's close to its maximum performance. You won't get that sound with a Golf engine. Plus an 8v 2 litre GTi engine is only 112bhp.
Id have one if funds were there but cant justify the cost. Im running a 2 litre that will sit at 65/70 most of the day but yep - guess it would be nice not to worry when you push it. Was doing 85 ish from time to time on Sunday and it is a worry that you might be destroying your motor. But then again Im advised Type 4 s will cruise at 80 (wouldnt want to any more)
glad i started this thread... looking around there are plenty of £800 scooby legacys on tinter web with history, and you can recoupe some of the cost by breaking and weighing in the shell. that could be a 2.5l flat four for £400
I went out in a 2.5 Scooby bay last week. It went like Marmite off a shovel with masses of torque. It's a thirsty beast though!
Glad you started it too i am considering this route, so if you sell the rest of the car + your type 1 engine its pretty much cost nowt, not considering it for power just reliability and at £750 for a recon on coolair think i would rather go down this road.
theres a lot of alternate engine stuff here on vzi... http://www.volkszone.co.uk/VZi/forumdisplay.php?f=51
It won't cost nowt no matter what parts you sell. There are a hell of a lot of parts needed on top of the engine.
Interesting points being made here. I read all the Scooby stuff with interest and I can see myself going down that route at some stage. I could only justify considering it if my engine went bang though. My aim would be power rather than speed, it would be nice to be able to overtake lorries without a run up
Don't forget that you also need to factor in the following costs: Conversion plate or RJES bellhousing for the gearbox Radiator Wiring loom alterations Exhaust (you won't be able to use the Scooby one because it's for an engine in the front of the car) Reverse elbow for throttle body Pipework to the radiator Alteration to the fuel tank for fuel return pipe And other stuff I can't remember right now.
Fair play. I don't have the skills, inclination or patience to DIY it. Drive in, drive out (faster) for me.
i`ve got a complete impreza genuine 50,000 mile wrx for the crewcab,just need to finish a t4 i`m doing so i`ve got room in the workshop.reliable,250+bhp,heater=no brainer
I've inherited a 350bhp+ turbo lump in an Imprezza WRX but I'm not putting it in. Can't afford a gearbox every time I take it out!
