The boys at East Lismore Automotive, in Lismore NSW have been working on a pretty interesting project lately and I
thought I would post up a few details here....
This project involves a c.1974 VW Kombi and a Subaru EJ22 motor. The owners were looking to have the original & tired
VW engine reconditioned, but a suggestion from the mechanic was then offered to install a second-hand Subaru EJ22
(2.2L) motor from a '94 Liberty. This project was considered as a cheaper solution to a detailed and time consuming re-build on the original motor.
A brief search on the web and Youtube will reveal that this is a pretty popular conversion, all round the world
and often carried out in a variety of ways with regards to details. However this was "a first" for Michael and Darren (Macca) at East Lismore Automotive.
The entire conversion has been detailed to use standard, easily obtained components & parts where possible
and to also consider "ease of maintenance" as a priority. The full motor and loom were sourced from the local wrecker.
Once the engine conversion is done, the van will be off to the body shop for rust repairs and panel work. The owners
are doing a thorough job on this Kombi.... all the best to them!
Here are a few pics covering the work:
The c.1974 orange Kombi
Rear view, EJ22 motor already installed.
No exhaust installed as yet. Note that Macca tells me this motor actually
rides a little higher than the original, despite the appearance.
Custom fabricated cross member and under-slung radiator beyond.
The original VW auto transmission remains in place. The trans is mounted to
the motor with an adaptor plate specially sourced.
An AU Falcon radiator with twin thermo fans. All original Ford fixings are
retained with a simple frame support. A custom steel plate at the leading edge (right side of view)
of the radiator is yet to be installed.
View of the radiator.
View of motor.
