AKgringo - 7-18-2015 at 03:42 PM
I know that some off-roaders have used the Subaru engine in their formerly VW powered racers, but is it a reasonable swap to try to put one in a
Samui, Tracker, or Sportage type 4x4?
I know there would be issues in figuring out some sort of engine mounts, adapters for the transmission etc, and getting the electronics to match
up,but is it a practical swap?
I would need to hire a better mechanic than I am to take the lead, and it does not have to pass smog.
Bob and Susan - 7-18-2015 at 03:58 PM
why re-invent the wheel?
they make a kit
http://www.suzukiconversion.com/suzuki_v8.htm
go dog go
AKgringo - 7-18-2015 at 04:35 PM
Thanks B & S, I found that site, but I have not heard back from them about a Subaru conversion. I want that little flat four cylinder, not a v-6
or v-8.
chuckie - 7-18-2015 at 04:39 PM
I am sure someone makes a kit for a Samurai...I have seen a Boxer four in one....We had some paper work on it, I think, when we were converting to VW
Diesel...I'll check .....
Bob and Susan - 7-18-2015 at 07:34 PM
if anyone can assist these are the people...
they have assisted me in the past
http://www.petroworks.com/
they are in fallbrook caiifornia
willyAirstream - 7-20-2015 at 06:58 AM
Subieworks.com or subieworks on FB, they build high performance engines for offroad and rallies and carry all the conversion stuff.
su's
captkw - 7-20-2015 at 09:48 AM
Also Ck out ...rally-tech.com for goodies and kits
Anything is possible
durrelllrobert - 7-20-2015 at 10:05 AM
Back in the 60s I changed the 50? hp engine in a VW Karmen Ghia to a 100 hp Corvair. Since the rotation was 180 different I also had to find a 6v
starter that turned the right way and fit onto the Corvair. The biggest problem was that it had only 1 speed forward and 3 in reverse until I figured
out haw to change the ring gear and pinion.
AKgringo - 7-20-2015 at 10:22 AM
I appreciate the leads provided, thanks B&S, chuckie, willie, capt!
I can find lots about Subie engines (which is one reason I like them) and I find plenty about re-powering Samuri/Tracker 4x4s, but have struck out so
far on a union of the two.
I already have a Sportage which uses a Mazda designed engine and transmission, but there are plenty of Zukes around if that swap works better.
chuckie - 7-20-2015 at 10:24 AM
Bob< (laughing) I think we all did that! We Corvaired a VW bus, and had great fun getting 80 MPH runs in reverse....We were gonna leave that way
but we ran out of beer.....Our engine was a 180HP Supercharged Corvair....Block long wheelies in the Bus...so cool...
AKgringo - 7-20-2015 at 10:33 AM
In 1970, I did the same thing with a dune buggy when I swapped the standard trans axle with one from a bus to get lower gears and more clearance. One
gear forward, four in reverse!
Even after I turned the ring gear to the correct side, the performance wasn't an improvement.