My Subaru conversion in my 1974 Super beetle has been in for over 11 years now Here's just a quick look over it and an explanation of some of the work done
Came across this in my video suggestions and loved it. Great to see the practical side (how to) and not just how fast. Tried to fix up a factory fabric sunroof (late 60’s model) years ago but got put off by prices wanted for hot up parts and attitudes when asking about repower (was looking at 12A Mazda)...so sold it to a neighbor. Wanted standard look with extra power....love the subtle sledge hammer idea. Ended up for a NSU Ro80 so guess I didn’t learn anything
I have to blame you 100% for the inspiration you provided me to begin my subie swap journey. Beginning to see the light at the end of tunnel and very thankful for the videos you provided on the subject. Ken
Nice video i have a Subaru Forester 2009 i have 180,000 miles on it ej253 in it and still on the factory head gaskets and timing belt i no I’m pushing my luck but when you pay $2000 and drive it all almost 4 years with very little maintenance who cares cheap transportation that’s what I’m all about these days. I don’t really care about speed anymore.
Would love to do one of these conversions. My first car was a 74 L bug which sadly got scrapped by Nth Sydney council. Long story but but did get some dollars off them. Looking into the costs of setting up a decent bug tho it maybe cheaper just to buy an older 911 that is reasonable nic and know it will appreciate in value if you every want to off load.
Nice build 👍🏻 What is the rated power if the Subaru engine installed in your car? Have you upgraded the brakes? Should you look to install wide front wheels and tires, yet are concerned about the tire rubbing on the macpherson strut spring, John at Topline in Anaheim California has a strut conversion that uses smaller diameter coil springs. I believe that John uses Eibach springs. Tell John, that Chris -The Mailman referred you 👍🏻✔️🏁💯.
Hi Chris, the engine is a rather modified hybrid engine, 2.5/2.2 frankenmotor, it’s producing about 180hp. My car had factory front discs already but I have changed the back to disc as well and I already have wider wheels they’re 17x7” and to fit them I have the narrow coil struts from Topline you mentioned, they’re actually the first set Jon ever sent to to Australia back 16 years ago.
Love your build, I have an ej22 in my baja bug. I'm looking into doing a frankenmotor build soon. I'm curious to know what your compression ratio might be at, what head gasket and thickness you used is, and what fuel octane you run in it. I've read people can have too high of a compression ratio and have pinging. Thanks, I've been coming to this video for a couple years for all the good info that has been gathered.
Thanks Blake, it’s been about 10 years now since the frankenmotor was built but from memory it’s 11.2cr. I run it on 95ron which is 91 in the states, regular it pings on. It was built initially using oem Subaru gaskets but my engine guy wasn’t happy with them so switched to the cometic hybrid ones which are considerably thinner.
Did you use the original factory fuel hardline and a rubber return line? or did you run all new fuel lines? I appreciate your subaru swap videos they give great insight!
Unfortunately no, I didn’t have decent cameras back in 2009 when I did it, I’ve made a couple of vids detailing the cooling system and such though if you go back a few years.
Small detail, but have you a spare tire mounted? Love the conversion, and as always your videos cut to the chase. I have a 56 Oval project that will probably remain air cooled but would consider converting a later 70's Beetle.
Wow looks great I will be starting my conversion on a 73 super bug.. did you put heat in yours.. if so where did you put the core and how did you run it… great job thanks for the information
Thanks Joe, I did buy a heater for it originally but I’ve never fit it, just doesn’t get cold enough here but my plan was to move the battery up front for better weight balance and put the heatercore under the backseat ducted in to the heater channels.
Nice work Mate! I am guessing that the wiring Harness came from the donor vehicle? Was that difficult to sort out? I would like to do this conversion on a 72 Ghia, to replace its 1776. Thank you
I did a detailed video on it back in 2010. I built it to be as efficient as possible, summer here gets to 44c/112f. I changed the dash ducting abit since that video though.
@@BoostedVW I also live in NSW and know the heat but, I am building one in Vietnam where I also live. Aircon is essential! Thanks for your prompt reply.
Love what you've done. You're more mechanically-inclined than I am, but I've still decided to try and put a EJ20T DOHC into a 74 Beetle using the Subaru tranny (reversed). I'd appreciate some further information on your fuel & cooling systems. Should I ask them here publicly, or is there another way? I'm not a TH-cam expert either. Thank you.
I see that you have two fans on the upstream side of your radiator; what is the single fan on the downstream side of the radiator? Can you provide some more information on your A/C setup; I'm trying to decide whether I want to keep my A/C (doesn't look like many people keep it in swaps here in the U.S.). I will be reversing my Intake manifold to fit this EJ205 into my 72 standard beetle, and getting rid of the A/C and Pwr-steering compressors would make the TB & MAF fit better, I've been told. Did you reverse the IM on your car and, if so, did you need phenolic spacers to raise the IM above to where it would clear the belted items?
I’ve just got 2 fans on the rear side of the radiator. I did have one on the front of the a/c condenser when I first put it in but got rid of that about 10 years ago. I didn’t reverse my intake manifold as the a/c compressor doesn’t fit when you do and that was a necessity here in Australia and you need custom alternator mounts etc so I just made a throttle body inverter. I did a video on my a/c system back in 2010, some things have been changed since though.
The compressor is a stock Subaru one, I’m just using a universal condenser and under dash unit hooked to stock a/c vents. I did a video detailing it about 10 years ago.
Thanks, I haven’t daily driven for a few years, the new farm I working on now is down a rough dirt road not very forgiving to lowered car with low profile tyres. The state I live has annual road worthy inspections same as an MoT, annoying but it does keep unsafe cars off the road.
@@BoostedVW great that your bug passes the inspection. In my country you cant modify anything. Even converting drum brakes to original vw stock disc brakes isn't allowed here. I like your led light review to, i really want to upgrade one of my bugs with this but then i need to change it every year for inspection and thats a pain. Hope youre doing well there, happy holidays. And looking forward to seeing more of you soon. Greetings from Belgium
Thanks, you too. They are fairly strict here in Australia, some modifications are allowed but most major ones need to be signed off before they are legal.
What clutch and flywheel did you use? I have put a EJ 251 in my 1974 superbeetle. Having issue with clutch slipping... My flywheel and clutch is a 215mm.
Mine is a 200mm flywheel with an Exedy HD clutch. 215mm clutches are bus so should have been ok if brand new. Shouldn’t be too hard to get a HD clutch from Kennedy or similar for it.
@@BoostedVW Thanks for the info. In hindsight I should have gotten the 200mm. Just so much more to choose from... I was thinking bigger is better! Which it is, but not much good when you can't get the pressure plate you want for it.
@@BoostedVW ahh ok I was searching late into the night lol Is that a 4x130 lug pattern or did you use adapters/spacers (for clearance also) I’ve been going thru your other vids looking flor clues. This is the first super beetle I’ve ever liked (good job there lol) but yeah I’ve a 72 standard so no special coils, but the shock tower may be an issue without spacers. Are the mini rims 7.5” wide?
They’re 4x100, I redrilled my brakes to that pattern so no adapters or spacers. You can do the same on a standard beetle but you will lose some turning circle due to the wider wheels. Many people go with a narrowed beam to get around this.
Hi Adam, are you in Oz? Volksconversions on the Gold Coast is the place to get them in Oz, he’s been making them since the 70s. Kennedy engineering in the states is another that have been doing it along time.
Not really a fan of them, a mate has one in his beetle and they are very noisy and take a lot of work to fit, and here in Australia are also big $$, I can get 2 Subaru 6 speeds converted to fit vw for the same price.
@@BoostedVW must have missed it. Going the same route, aircooled parts in south africa has become insane expensive. The clutch is is a single or double unit?
Yes, that is my great dilemma....whether to have A/C or not. I don’t know how much of the firewall I have to cut out if I don’t reverse the Intake manifold.
With a turbo motor you have to cut the the firewall out regardless for turbo and intercooler clearance. With a non turbo engine you don’t have to cut it at all if you just reverse the throttle body like I have on mine.
I know my ignorance is showing, but why do you need the header tank? Is it because the radiator is so far from the engine? And since you have it, do you add coolant to it or to the radiator? It is my understanding that one doesn't need to access the radiator if there is an expansion tank. Thanks for sharing your experience.
The header tank is needed if the radiator doesn’t have a cap, it’s acting as the pressure release cap, it needs to be the highest point at the rear of the car to help any air bleed out.
Hi my name is paul lake from brisbane, building a supa beetle/ manxter with porsche brake and a subi 2.2 na. I had your number and spoke to you i few times. Ive lost your number. As iam struggling on a gearbox question to someone who actully knows what they are talking about. Thanks pal
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This is just an awesome and clean build. Im looking to get something similar done.
Came across this in my video suggestions and loved it. Great to see the practical side (how to) and not just how fast. Tried to fix up a factory fabric sunroof (late 60’s model) years ago but got put off by prices wanted for hot up parts and attitudes when asking about repower (was looking at 12A Mazda)...so sold it to a neighbor. Wanted standard look with extra power....love the subtle sledge hammer idea. Ended up for a NSU Ro80 so guess I didn’t learn anything
I’m about to do the swap in my kids baja. Your videos are very helpful!
Long time no see m8. Glad you’re back and posting. Stay safe
Great video great conversation keep up the good work buddy!
more uploads please!!! thanks for the update!
Couldn't resist sharing it on 1303 lovers group.
Nice to hear the old man that you have swallowed years ago.
Good video mate.
I have to blame you 100% for the inspiration you provided me to begin my subie swap journey. Beginning to see the light at the end of tunnel and very thankful for the videos you provided on the subject. Ken
Hi Ken, it can be a long and tedious process but the end result is worth it.
@@BoostedVW Sure hope so! Doing electrics and exhaust now, all at part-time pace.
Love it! Reminds me of my old red beetle.
You finally convinced me to do a conversion on my 1958 ...wish me luck
Love this bug. I am a huge fan of Subaru’s and VW’s. This is the best of both worlds.
sounds pretty gnarly to me! nice!
Nice work!
A few years behind but, thanks very interesting. Spotted a vw and contemplating. Cheers Craig
Hey mate..mine has been 15 years now, we were all some of the first to do the conversions. Good to see you still making small changes like me..ha
Thanks Matt, yeah always finding little things to improve.
Still love vw engines but I’ve Never regretted it for a second
Very neat. 👌
I like it. Good job. Awesome sleeper. Never sell it.
Thanks, will never part with that car, had it over 20 years.
Fantastic
Well here in 2024 I have a 1974 sti ghia and 2.5 swapped 1969 ghia 😎
very nice! suits the car!
Thanks!
Nice video i have a Subaru Forester 2009 i have 180,000 miles on it ej253 in it and still on the factory head gaskets and timing belt i no I’m pushing my luck but when you pay $2000 and drive it all almost 4 years with very little maintenance who cares cheap transportation that’s what I’m all about these days. I don’t really care about speed anymore.
Would love to do one of these conversions. My first car was a 74 L bug which sadly got scrapped by Nth Sydney council. Long story but but did get some dollars off them. Looking into the costs of setting up a decent bug tho it maybe cheaper just to buy an older 911 that is reasonable nic and know it will appreciate in value if you every want to off load.
i love those mini cooper wheels on her.
Thanks, actually picked them up for another project but they’ve made their way on to the beetle and suit it well.
oh wow, its been a long time
Nice build 👍🏻
What is the rated power if the Subaru engine installed in your car?
Have you upgraded the brakes?
Should you look to install wide front wheels and tires, yet are concerned about the tire rubbing on the macpherson strut spring, John at Topline in Anaheim California has a strut conversion that uses smaller diameter coil springs. I believe that John uses Eibach springs.
Tell John, that Chris -The Mailman referred you 👍🏻✔️🏁💯.
Hi Chris, the engine is a rather modified hybrid engine, 2.5/2.2 frankenmotor, it’s producing about 180hp.
My car had factory front discs already but I have changed the back to disc as well and I already have wider wheels they’re 17x7” and to fit them I have the narrow coil struts from Topline you mentioned, they’re actually the first set Jon ever sent to to Australia back 16 years ago.
I didn't see the battery location... 11 years was a good run and amazed still work.
Battery is still in the factory location under the back seat.
Many thanks.
Love your build, I have an ej22 in my baja bug. I'm looking into doing a frankenmotor build soon. I'm curious to know what your compression ratio might be at, what head gasket and thickness you used is, and what fuel octane you run in it. I've read people can have too high of a compression ratio and have pinging. Thanks, I've been coming to this video for a couple years for all the good info that has been gathered.
Thanks Blake, it’s been about 10 years now since the frankenmotor was built but from memory it’s 11.2cr.
I run it on 95ron which is 91 in the states, regular it pings on.
It was built initially using oem Subaru gaskets but my engine guy wasn’t happy with them so switched to the cometic hybrid ones which are considerably thinner.
@@BoostedVW awesome! Thanks for the reply. You have been a huge help👍🏻
Did you use the original factory fuel hardline and a rubber return line? or did you run all new fuel lines? I appreciate your subaru swap videos they give great insight!
Thanks, the stock fuel line is too small, I ran 2 new 8mm lines through the tunnel for supply and return.
Nice work but did you make a video of actual Built of the full conversion
Unfortunately no, I didn’t have decent cameras back in 2009 when I did it, I’ve made a couple of vids detailing the cooling system and such though if you go back a few years.
Small detail, but have you a spare tire mounted? Love the conversion, and as always your videos cut to the chase. I have a 56 Oval project that will probably remain air cooled but would consider converting a later 70's Beetle.
Thanks Thomas, I daily drove it and live out in the sticks so having a spare tire was crucial, had to use it a couple of times now.
Wow looks great I will be starting my conversion on a 73 super bug.. did you put heat in yours.. if so where did you put the core and how did you run it… great job thanks for the information
Thanks Joe, I did buy a heater for it originally but I’ve never fit it, just doesn’t get cold enough here but my plan was to move the battery up front for better weight balance and put the heatercore under the backseat ducted in to the heater channels.
Nice work Mate! I am guessing that the wiring Harness came from the donor vehicle? Was that difficult to sort out? I would like to do this conversion on a 72 Ghia, to replace its 1776.
Thank you
Thanks Russ, yes all the engine management wiring came from donor Subaru and stripped down to suit vw, I had that part done professionally.
I'd be very interested to see how your air-con is set up and how efficiently it works.
I did a detailed video on it back in 2010.
I built it to be as efficient as possible, summer here gets to 44c/112f.
I changed the dash ducting abit since that video though.
@@BoostedVW I also live in NSW and know the heat but, I am building one in Vietnam where I also live. Aircon is essential!
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Love what you've done. You're more mechanically-inclined than I am, but I've still decided to try and put a EJ20T DOHC into a 74 Beetle using the Subaru tranny (reversed). I'd appreciate some further information on your fuel & cooling systems. Should I ask them here publicly, or is there another way? I'm not a TH-cam expert either. Thank you.
Thanks Ken, feel free to ask here, there’s often a lot of other people that want to know the same things.
I see that you have two fans on the upstream side of your radiator; what is the single fan on the downstream side of the radiator? Can you provide some more information on your A/C setup; I'm trying to decide whether I want to keep my A/C (doesn't look like many people keep it in swaps here in the U.S.). I will be reversing my Intake manifold to fit this EJ205 into my 72 standard beetle, and getting rid of the A/C and Pwr-steering compressors would make the TB & MAF fit better, I've been told. Did you reverse the IM on your car and, if so, did you need phenolic spacers to raise the IM above to where it would clear the belted items?
I’ve just got 2 fans on the rear side of the radiator.
I did have one on the front of the a/c condenser when I first put it in but got rid of that about 10 years ago.
I didn’t reverse my intake manifold as the a/c compressor doesn’t fit when you do and that was a necessity here in Australia and you need custom alternator mounts etc so I just made a throttle body inverter.
I did a video on my a/c system back in 2010, some things have been changed since though.
Just a couple questions. Are the rims from a Mini Cooper and did you use blank rotor and have them drilled for that pattern?
Well spotted, yes they are.
Brakes are redrilled for 4x100
I'm curious about your HVAC system. Did you use something like vintage air? Or did you modify the Subaru system to fit the VW?
The compressor is a stock Subaru one, I’m just using a universal condenser and under dash unit hooked to stock a/c vents.
I did a video detailing it about 10 years ago.
Very interesting conversion and explanation. Do you still drive it daily, do you have some sort of car inspection in your country MOT?
Thanks, I haven’t daily driven for a few years, the new farm I working on now is down a rough dirt road not very forgiving to lowered car with low profile tyres.
The state I live has annual road worthy inspections same as an MoT, annoying but it does keep unsafe cars off the road.
@@BoostedVW great that your bug passes the inspection. In my country you cant modify anything. Even converting drum brakes to original vw stock disc brakes isn't allowed here. I like your led light review to, i really want to upgrade one of my bugs with this but then i need to change it every year for inspection and thats a pain. Hope youre doing well there, happy holidays. And looking forward to seeing more of you soon. Greetings from Belgium
Thanks, you too.
They are fairly strict here in Australia, some modifications are allowed but most major ones need to be signed off before they are legal.
Great video and install. What kind of gas mileage do you get?
Thanks, depends on the type of driving I’m doing but typically it averages 8.5L/100km which is 28mpg
What clutch and flywheel did you use? I have put a EJ 251 in my 1974 superbeetle. Having issue with clutch slipping... My flywheel and clutch is a 215mm.
Mine is a 200mm flywheel with an Exedy HD clutch.
215mm clutches are bus so should have been ok if brand new.
Shouldn’t be too hard to get a HD clutch from Kennedy or similar for it.
@@BoostedVW Thanks for the info. In hindsight I should have gotten the 200mm. Just so much more to choose from... I was thinking bigger is better! Which it is, but not much good when you can't get the pressure plate you want for it.
Sounds pretty good to me LOL
Are you running the original ECU that goes with the engine
Yes, 1992 Legacy/Liberty
Great car and discussion 👏👏
Which wheels and tires are you running?
Thanks, wheels and tyres are 17” factory Mini Cooper wheels 205/45
@@BoostedVW ahh ok I was searching late into the night lol
Is that a 4x130 lug pattern or did you use adapters/spacers (for clearance also)
I’ve been going thru your other vids looking flor clues. This is the first super beetle I’ve ever liked (good job there lol) but yeah I’ve a 72 standard so no special coils, but the shock tower may be an issue without spacers. Are the mini rims 7.5” wide?
They’re 4x100, I redrilled my brakes to that pattern so no adapters or spacers.
You can do the same on a standard beetle but you will lose some turning circle due to the wider wheels.
Many people go with a narrowed beam to get around this.
What wheels are you running? They look nice.
Thanks, they are 17” Mini Cooper wheels.
Hi, how much faster does the frankenmotor feel? I have a ej22 in mine right now trying to figure out if I should go turbo or 2.5 block.
The power difference isn’t huge, it’s the torque that improves heaps.
@@BoostedVW Gotcha thanks for the response, good to know. Torque seems to be the beetles specialty anyways haha
Hi mate any idea where to get the adapter plate so I can still use my Vw box?
Hi Adam, are you in Oz?
Volksconversions on the Gold Coast is the place to get them in Oz, he’s been making them since the 70s.
Kennedy engineering in the states is another that have been doing it along time.
whats the tyre size ?
Try the 5 or 6 speed porsche box that would do well
Not really a fan of them, a mate has one in his beetle and they are very noisy and take a lot of work to fit, and here in Australia are also big $$, I can get 2 Subaru 6 speeds converted to fit vw for the same price.
What need fuses for the ecu wiring
Needs a one minute summary at the beginning.
Did you do any gearbox modifications for the extra power?
Pretty sure I mentioned it in the video, i left it stock for first few years then put a taller 4th and super diff in.
@@BoostedVW must have missed it. Going the same route, aircooled parts in south africa has become insane expensive. The clutch is is a single or double unit?
Just a Heavy duty stock clutch.
Noyce !
Do more farming videos.
Yes, that is my great dilemma....whether to have A/C or not. I don’t know how much of the firewall I have to cut out if I don’t reverse the Intake manifold.
With a turbo motor you have to cut the the firewall out regardless for turbo and intercooler clearance.
With a non turbo engine you don’t have to cut it at all if you just reverse the throttle body like I have on mine.
I know my ignorance is showing, but why do you need the header tank? Is it because the radiator is so far from the engine? And since you have it, do you add coolant to it or to the radiator? It is my understanding that one doesn't need to access the radiator if there is an expansion tank. Thanks for sharing your experience.
The header tank is needed if the radiator doesn’t have a cap, it’s acting as the pressure release cap, it needs to be the highest point at the rear of the car to help any air bleed out.
Have a turbo?
I have a turbo for it, just never put it on as the engine is now too high compression for turbo.
With A/C ??
Yes, need it badly here in Oz.
do you have a heater?
I do have one but I’ve never hooked it up, don’t need one here
A/C ??
Is it ACed ??
Air conditioned?
Yep it is.
Did somebody say "Cat Flange" sniff sniff...
Hi my name is paul lake from brisbane, building a supa beetle/ manxter with porsche brake and a subi 2.2 na. I had your number and spoke to you i few times. Ive lost your number. As iam struggling on a gearbox question to someone who actully knows what they are talking about. Thanks pal