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Subaru Engine Conversion for a '74 Kombi - Part 1

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.

Subaru Engine Conversion for a '74 Kombi - Part 2


Cross member detail. The weld on the radiator pipe will be changed to a bolt
and plate detail.


View of the engine bay.


Top view. A pod filter is yet to be installed on the right side.


Custom fabricated exhaust installed and bolted to the stock Subie headers.

The Kombi is now running well, with a few bits and pieces yet to be done to complete the mechanical side of things.
A fascinating project to get a look at!

Very nicely done, I hope to see more on this project.

It would be nice to see a full custom exhaust (uneven of course) to give the Kombi a boxer rumble.

TOONGA

Sweet as!

I've seen many conversions that also use the custom "stumpy sump" as many say it hangs too low compared to the stock VW donk. And a custom exhaust should also tuck that exhaust up nice and high too

I am concerned about that radiator mount position - I've seen them mounted there before but on a slight angle with the leading edge lower than the trailing edge, then a basic bit of cowling front and rear to help scoop some air through it. I guess the theory here is not to run the thermo fans all the time.

I'd definitely recommend a Watch Dog engine alarm system on this setup as it will give a very accurate reading without needing to reference the cooling system - good if things get too hot or you loose your coolant

Steptoe can attest more to this!

Cheers

Bennie

Thanks for the comments there.
Cheers.