Engine Install -- 1973 VW Super Beetle Subaru Swap 

Thank you!

Thank you for the kind words and the support!

Thanks for the support! That is how I learned to install any stud, makes the process very straightforward.

Thanks, we appreciate the support!

Thanks for the support! Coolant setup video coming soon, just getting the daily driver back in check first...

Yes, I’ve always been a big fan of Subarus especially coming from New England. Thanks for the support, video of fitting the turbo is on the way!

Here is a version without music, if you prefer ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

My wife thought I was playing a video game.

Haters. This music is dope. Reminds me of sonic the hedgehog. 🕹

Definitely working on talking louder!

If you read the description to this video ... There is a link to a musicLESS version ... m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Best of luck!

That's great to hear! Best of luck!

I need to buy ur bug​@@RatchetMotors

​@@philippeter198if you are seriously interested, you can send me an offer at ratchetmotorsnc@gmail.com

@@RatchetMotors sure

Good advice!

Thank you! I will either leave the bolts out completely or replace them with button head version for better clearance... I'm just having a hard time finding the proper bolt in button head

@@RatchetMotors Just use countersunk heads Torx or Allen screws. You'll need to countersink the plate but it will be much easier than try to chamber the plate to fit button head screws.

I'll definitely try to fix that in future edits, thanks for the advice!

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Hello! Unfortunately I don’t have anything written down but I can give you an idea of the key systems. You’ll need to update your fuel system for EFI (high pressure/flow pump, filter before pump, filter after pump, regulator), you’ll need to mount your engine to transmission (either an adapter for EJ motor to VW transmission, or reverse gearset if using the Subaru transmission), and you’ll need engine electronics (I suggest ECU and harness from the car the Subaru motor came out of, or you can do aftermarket ECU with www.diyautotune.com). Subaru stock ECU will be easiest and are very tunable depending on your needs. Good luck with the build!

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate the suggestions and fortunately the engine slid in very well with that ring removed. I do have the late model mounts but I did not think they were horribly soft. I will keep an eye out for them for sure.

@@RatchetMotors I have an EJ20 long block sitting in my garage it's just a mock up piece. I have a 71 Super that's been in my family since I was a year old. It's either getting the Subaru engine or I may go with another Type 4. I dig your project. I like the MS option. It's less expensive and allows you to tinker. Is your engine a JDM unit? I see it has the big ignition coil on top. I'm pretty sure that I will remove the majority of the firewall and package tray. I will subscribe. Good job.

Thanks for the support and the sub! That sounds like a really good project and I don’t think you could go wrong with either engine. The ignition coil goes with the heads which are from an EJ251 (I think from a 2001 Impreza RS). Everything Subaru I’m using right now is USDM but a hodgepodge of models.

Thanks for the support! Gearbox is completely stock but will be replaced in the future

@@RatchetMotors Your welcome.thats cool,certainly plenty about.I liked the music,but im into Electronic synth music anyway,Stay safe!

how much does the transmission handle and can u upgrade the gears ?

Very valid question and you are correct. In the future, I will hopefully add something like a Kafer cup brace to help reinforce the motor support.

The car is not yet running but with the turbo I expect at least 250hp to the wheels. For reference the motor is ej255 shortblock with ej251 heads, delta 1500 camshafts, and vf48 turbo so should be making around stock STI power

I don't believe the adapter had any cut out specific for the trans mounts, no

Hi Mhee! We are still using the stock beetle transmission.

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Good advice!

I kinda like the music.

I think it was well placed, usually the complaint is the music overpowers the speaker but in this case, the music is in between segments. Some people are never happy.

Ronald Harrison exactly

Thank you! I say gopher it!

Thanks!

My main advice would be to pull the motor and harness from a running vehicle and try to take as many accessories/sensors/etc. as possible from one car. The biggest obstacles I face are because I am building from components I've stored in the garage but I do not have the "whole package" from one car. As far as engine-year, this is really personal preference. The naturally aspirated Subarus are generally SOHC (not always) but that means smaller packaging and easier maintenance (less parts). These are still good for 150-200hp NA which is plenty for a little bug. I went with the EJ251 heads and EJ255 shortblock combo because I knew I would be turbocharging my motor and wanted close-to-factory reliability. Also, make a friend at the Subaru dealership! When it comes time to find those bolts or hard-to-get pieces, having a resource at the dealership is invaluable.

@Jim Barrows Yikes! That's a good idea if you want a less reliable, less powerful, and more expensive motor

Thanks for the support! The plate is already installed so unfortunately I cannot take the measurements. I ordered mine here amzn.to/39twtGJ or you could go straight to the source here www.kennedyeng.com/

I am not. If you want to see the “final” assembly, you can check out a more recent video like this one ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-I1aez6oCMNE.html

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Thank you for the support! The longblock is the combo of an EJ255 shortblock (08+ 2.5 WRX, 03+ FXT, etc.) and EJ253 heads (+03 Impreza). It is essentially a turbo block with NA (SOHC) heads. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks for the support! Because of the continued feedback similar to what are you describing, we have already posted a version without music. Here is a version without music, if you prefer ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html Also, we are doing our best on the most recent videos to improve sound quality, please let me know what you think!

I'm highly considering getting another gearbox in sooner than later. I have a Subaru 5 speed that may be the right candidate!

Honestly I am not exactly sure. If the VW auto transmission has the same bolt pattern as manual, you may be able to use that. The other option would be putting a Subaru automatic transmission but I'm not sure a reverse pinion is being made for the auto. I'd check subarugears.com/ best of luck!

Haha thank you for the support! Trying to add some comic relief!

Yes! Stock transmission with the KEP adapter kit. It drives very well and gearing is actually a pretty good match for the engine/turbo. I've never really laid on it but everything has held together great. I just upgraded to bigger wheels and better tires, so if something is going to break it will happen now lol. If the stock transmission goes, I'll probably change to a Subaru transmission over an upgraded Type 1 unit.

@@RatchetMotors okay awesome, I’m starting the process of swapping a stock ej205 into a 72 super beetle and was trying to price out what I would need, not gonna worry about a tranny, thanks

For now, yes. I will be keeping the stock transmission and differential for the time-being to keep costs down but do plan to upgrade some point later down the road.

Hi Victor, thanks for the support! You can do this conversion just as I have with any Subaru EJ motor (ej18, ej20, ej22, ej25) which came in most Subaru’s from early-90s to 2015ish. It really depends what displacement you are looking for and other options like throttle by wire or turbo. Good luck!

Thanks Jon Paul! Always appreciate some positive feedback and I agree, in the end it should be what I want. I believe the shortblock is out of a 2007ish WRX (EJ255) and the heads are off of a 2001 Impreza RS (EJ251).

Ratchet Motors that’s cool, mines an ej20 in a splitscreen kombi so that 2.5 litre with turbo will fly!

An ej20 Kombi sounds awesome! Any suggestions/recommendations based on your experience with VW/Subaru combination?

Ratchet Motors Hi Mate, use the factory ecu that came with the engine to avoid headaches, fuel system, in tank or external pump, external can be a bit noisy. Cooling system use a factory radiator should work fine, mines an wrx one and operates off the ecu, also set up a temp gauge on the dash and use the factory sensor to keep eye on temp, mine sits at 190deg all the time. I use two fans to push air over rad, you may mount vertically. Mount the heater core higher that the rest of the plumbing so you can bleed the air out of the system. Air in the cooling system means high temps guaranteed. Use engine mount subframe from Subaru and modify to fit bug. If it’s a 2007 engine then the may have engine immobiliser in factory ignition key, mount complete barrel and key in a hidden place so you can remove key and car won’t start if someone breaks in. I’ve got loads more but don’t wish to bore you! Haha

I got the EJ255 shortblock off craigslist and had the EJ253 heads from a previous project. I’m pretty much piecing together left over parts around the garage to keep this build budget friendly. I would suggest a junkyard or JDM importer if you are looking to do the same as I still ended up spending more than I wanted between different hardware, sensors, and other components that didn’t come with the shortblock or heads.

The clutch I purchased from Cip1: www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC-C10-5149-KT I chose the following options with the hope of holding the torque of the turbo EJ25: K.E.P. 2100LB Clutch Plate Heavy-Duty Cushion Lock disc BEST OF LUCK!

Thank you

Sorry for the delay! I am using an off-the-shelf Type 1 clutch from CIP1 www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D5149%2DKT. I went with the 2100lb KEP Clutch Plate and the Heavy-Duty Cushion Lock Disc but that is just personal preference and based on my motor combination. Long story short, if you use the KEP engine adapter for the Subaru motor to VW transmission, you can use any Type 1 clutch for that transmission. Thanks for the support!

Haha yes I agree! At this point I’m only responding to positive feedback. I agree about spark plug clearance, I’ll most likely be trimming a little more of the body or at least adding access holes. Initial trimming was only to physically fit the engine but a lot of maintenance items still need to be considered, like you mentioned. Thanks for the support!

Hi Juan! I live in North Carolina, originally from Massachusetts. For the flywheel, I ordered a KEP adapter from Amazon (amzn.to/2xfBh5l). For the clutch, I ordered the 2100 KEP clutch plate and Heavy-Duty Cushion Lock Disc from cip1 (www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC-C10-5149-KT)

@@RatchetMotors thanks a lot!!! Did you change the brakes?

Brakes and suspension are going to be our Phase 2 of the project, don’t have a definite plan yet but they will certainly be upgraded for the increase in power

@@RatchetMotors ok, I really want to make a similar proyect, but here in Ecuador is very expensive, for this reason I will do slowly. Thanks a lot!!!

That’s awesome! Let me know if you have any other questions. You can always reach out via email at ratchetmotorsnc@gmail.com. Good luck!

Yes, the Subaru motor can be mounted directly to the original vw gearbox using a Kennedy Engineering adapter plate. I bought mine on Amazon amzn.to/39DT04n

@@RatchetMotors Thanks which sabru motor use?

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

It’s really a Frankenstein. Shortblock is ej255 (I think from 08 WRX). Heads are EJ251 off a NA Impreza. Allows me to boost safely and keep the simpler SOHC heads. Thanks for the support!

Thank you!

Sonic

Thank you! What are your projects?

@@RatchetMotors stuffing an1880s motor in a boat.

@Jim Barrows Borat, is that you?

The shortblock is EJ255 which can be found in 2004-2013 Forester XT and 2006-2014 WRX I believe. The heads and intake manifold are from an EJ251 (2001 Impreza RS but can be found in many other 2.5 naturally aspirated Subarus)

Ratchet Motors Hi there thanks for replying to my question. What are you thoughts in regards to the wiring? I have been thinking about doing one of those conversations for many years, but sick to the stock or work the stock engine and convert then to anything bigger than 1600. Cool project. Also liked your wood cart to move the engine. Keep it up 👍 Thanks for sharing.

My plan for wiring is to merge the engine harness from the EJ251 with the universal harness from DIYAutoTune.com I think this should be relatively straightforward and will only require a few additional connections that won’t be in the original Subaru harness (fuel pump, oil and fuel pressure sensors, etc)

Thanks for the support! If you’re into V8s we have a lot of Crown Victoria content as well. More on this beast very soon!

@@RatchetMotors done the crowns do like this v.w my first car was a 56 small rear vw bug any way I like this one

Thanks for the feedback! We actually have a version now without music (which can be found in the description) if you’re interested. We appreciate the support and are going to be trying a new format in our upcoming videos, let us know what you think! Wiring video will be hitting RU-vid this weekend.

Good ears! ;)

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Here is a version without music, if you prefer ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Thank you for the support! We are working to improve audio quality on our newer videos.

Thank you for the support! We are working with the music RU-vid provides currently but have heard the numerous complaints. Here is a version without music, if you prefer ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Thanks for the feedback, we've tried to improve the audio quality in more recent videos!

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Here is a version without music, if you prefer ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

buen día adreita. hablo muy poco español pero por suerte tenemos Google Translate. Te envié un correo electrónico

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

C-? You're too generous.

Talk about beating a dead horse... In case you missed, there is now a version that does not include music. Continued comments about the same problem (which has been resolved) adds no value for anybody.

@@RatchetMotors Don't misunderstand me; I think the music is fine. I don't mind the choice of tunes. The reason I've bothered to comment is because everyone else seems to be complaining about there being music at all. I think music adds a nice touch, though. B Is For Build uses music to great effect, for example. What I want is for YOUR VOICE to be LOUDER. If you want, you can do them without music, and that's fine too, but even the one you did without music is so quiet (especially when you're talking about the custom made flywheel with the right spacing) that I have to turn up my computer's volume so much that when other system alerts come through on my computer like for a new email coming in, it's like the old Maxell cassette tape ads.

Here is a version without music, if you prefer ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Thanks for the support!

@@RatchetMotors video was good though

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Sounds like a perfect candidate for a swap. I don’t care about resale or what other people find desirable. This is a project for me

@@RatchetMotors sorry guy, sincerely...but I've always had a severe dislike for any attempt to improve on Ferdinand Porches design...ie: it was the perfect car. I've used points off a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower in a 1972 VW Thing ...aka: the Safari in the jungle on the Yucatan Peninsula 60klm from nowhere and had more to give till I traded it for a 78 Westphalia

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

That’s a great story! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bFnhLBYjyko.html my opinion is people should pay better attention because this has been resolved. People just love to complain