Back in 1988, I was 20 years old and my sister had not long ago got her driver's license. My mom gave her her 1982 Honda Civic. My mom and stepfather bought the neighbor's 1982 Subaru GL. There were plenty of times I changed 🛢 and filter on that car. After looking at the engine and realized it had certain things in common with the the engines in the VW Beetle and the Bus, I could see that it was possible to run a Subaru engine in a VW. There modifications that would have to be made but it could be done. Hence I was dreaming up a Bugaru and a Busaru and now I find that they really do exist.
@@jv1990 Is the Beetle engine a true boxer or is it a flat engine? One crank pin per two opposed cylinders or one per cylinder? I can't seem to find that out. But yeah they have the same firing order so if the headers are using the same lengths as the Beetle you get the same sound which is of course awesome! Not much beats the sound of a Beetle, though the Subaru deep rumble is a very close second :P
I saw the bugaru on CL. Love that project man! I once tried restoring a 93 Legacy EJ22T including a paint job in my garage. NOT EASY ! Amazing engine and hope she finds a good home! I hope you and Miguel are good up in Durango, miss seeing you all. Cheers! PS. Bugaru sounds mean
Oh that’s awesome that you already saw the CL ad. And yeah, that engine is amazing. So simple but so powerful. Swing by the shop next time you’re in Durango.
I just found this channel. I really think these swaps are neat. Do you have a step by step guide on what is involved with a swap. This is something my son and I may explore.
Man you have some nice empty, long, straight roads out there! I'd be nailing that sucker! Too bad we can't go anywhere here in the UK without hitting traffic or speed cameras.
I know you sold this already- but just curious how cool it ran with the radiator set up you used up front? Did the airflow turn out adequate to keep the temps in check when it was under load? Great job here- I think this is a great solution for any bug- louvers up front would work just as well as the slots that the factory put on the Super Beetle- and Subaru engines produce for more power then VW's - for far, far less money!
Love the videos been following the builds for a while, I'm putting a 2003 2.5 SOHC non turbo in my Baja now, how do you run your physical throttle cables for non "drive by wire" motors and still get full throttle range out of the motor? The Volkswagen stock pedal throw is only about an inch so I'm trying to come up with a new way but wanted to know how you ran yours to get some ideas. Thanks!
Bud great bug. What tranny did u use? I have a turbo wrx that i will mount in my 75 bus. Can i still use the original bus tranny with the adapter plate? Will the tranny handle the hp from the turbo wrx
It’s up front in the spare tire holder area but you can see more info about it here: BUGaru Engine Conversion th-cam.com/play/PLMH5LJmjYxZNzDJL8Nntv2GMvDnDROOu_.html
Now I want a Subaru powered VW Bug...thanks!
I want a Vanagon with a Subi 6 cyl
Own a 75 bay window I’m thinking about putting a Subaru in and just stumbled upon your channel. Super glad I did, love it
Hey Olpono, I’m glad you found it - welcome to the club! Hopefully you’ll find some helpful info.
Back in 1988, I was 20 years old and my sister had not long ago got her driver's license. My mom gave her her 1982 Honda Civic. My mom and stepfather bought the neighbor's 1982 Subaru GL. There were plenty of times I changed 🛢 and filter on that car. After looking at the engine and realized it had certain things in common with the the engines in the VW Beetle and the Bus, I could see that it was possible to run a Subaru engine in a VW. There modifications that would have to be made but it could be done. Hence I was dreaming up a Bugaru and a Busaru and now I find that they really do exist.
One of the things I like, is that the Subaru engine still kind of sounds like a bug!
Like a bug, but with MOAR POWAH!
Yup because they are both designed similarly. Boxer engjnes
@@jv1990 Is the Beetle engine a true boxer or is it a flat engine? One crank pin per two opposed cylinders or one per cylinder? I can't seem to find that out.
But yeah they have the same firing order so if the headers are using the same lengths as the Beetle you get the same sound which is of course awesome! Not much beats the sound of a Beetle, though the Subaru deep rumble is a very close second :P
@@Avetho no idea lol considering the vw was made in Germany i wouldn't doubt its a true boxer and not a flat. Idk I have never worked on one.
@@jv1990 Well, I guess its time for me to get my researching glasses on and dig out my Googling skills XD
I saw the bugaru on CL. Love that project man! I once tried restoring a 93 Legacy EJ22T including a paint job in my garage. NOT EASY ! Amazing engine and hope she finds a good home! I hope you and Miguel are good up in Durango, miss seeing you all. Cheers! PS. Bugaru sounds mean
Oh that’s awesome that you already saw the CL ad. And yeah, that engine is amazing. So simple but so powerful. Swing by the shop next time you’re in Durango.
Your videos helping me out a lot.
Good job Mick, looks like a blast to drive
Thanks Adrian!
Loved it! Thank you for sharing! We missed you! Looking forward to the future projects.
Thanks Rayane, I appreciate the support and look forward to the wonky future projects too ;)
the Beetle is adored all over the world
I found a bug with no motor and wrecked WRX by my house. I am so tempted to start one of these.
That bug hauls arse now! Well done Mick!
Yeah, its pretty ridiculous. Death trap for sure ;)
Nice to see the end result sounds great.
Thanks, sorry it took so long for a video!
I just found this channel. I really think these swaps are neat. Do you have a step by step guide on what is involved with a swap. This is something my son and I may explore.
Man you have some nice empty, long, straight roads out there! I'd be nailing that sucker! Too bad we can't go anywhere here in the UK without hitting traffic or speed cameras.
are you able to put the hood(trunk) down with the new engine? nice build man!
Ah Mick. Can't believe you off loading the bugaru. Can't wait what new projects are in store amigo.
-Alex
Thanks mate, I think you’re going to dig the new projects ;)
I know you sold this already- but just curious how cool it ran with the radiator set up you used up front? Did the airflow turn out adequate to keep the temps in check when it was under load? Great job here- I think this is a great solution for any bug- louvers up front would work just as well as the slots that the factory put on the Super Beetle- and Subaru engines produce for more power then VW's - for far, far less money!
Going to have to do this swap on a Baja I have waiting to get done.
Nice to see a new video mick..Alex in st cloud Minnesota.
Thanks Alex, I hope your bus project is coming along well.
@@Busaru unfortunately its not,
Love the videos been following the builds for a while, I'm putting a 2003 2.5 SOHC non turbo in my Baja now, how do you run your physical throttle cables for non "drive by wire" motors and still get full throttle range out of the motor? The Volkswagen stock pedal throw is only about an inch so I'm trying to come up with a new way but wanted to know how you ran yours to get some ideas. Thanks!
Is the Subaru flywheel and clutch larger than the VW Aircooled engine clutches
Building a none turbo version known turbo version would have bought this one:( still like the Journey thank you
The Best sleeper ever
What transmission did you use? I’m building a bug and don’t want to blow the stock trans any help would be appreciated.
3:27 Nice. mission passed! respect +
That is a bad ass car.
Good day. What transmission did yu use on the bugaru?? I am working on a ghia swap and curious
Subaru's engines are watercooled. Where is the radiator?
Thanks mate great video
What's the fuel economy on one of these
I guess it's sold, post not found ..
I just buy a bug in I want to do that swap
is it still for sale?
I may have missed somewhere but what car did that engine come out of?
Bud great bug. What tranny did u use? I have a turbo wrx that i will mount in my 75 bus. Can i still use the original bus tranny with the adapter plate? Will the tranny handle the hp from the turbo wrx
I used the stock transmission in this bug. Your 75 should be fine as long as you do rolling starts and don’t dump the clutch all the time.
Loved it, Tesla powered bug next?
I want to do a similar build. Is the bug awd?
How much did u sell the bug fir
Hey man, what is that OBD2 multigauge that you have?
hello, what transmission box did you use for this swap, original box of the volkswagen?
An original transmission won’t last too long, if you’re looking for power you’ll have to have Rancho build a transmission for you.
Lol that's freaking great dude
It’s a blast, for sure!
What was the motor out of? And what year?
next phase, find a V8 and challenge to a drag and post on TH-cam, okay?
Is it still available?
The VW transmission, does it stand up to the Suburu engine????
I’m doing some what the same but with a WRX motor, and no it won’t, it will yard sell a stock transmission. Rancho built my supersubaru transmission.
Added A/C to it ?
Ultimate sleeper?
Is this thing still for sale?
Still for sale?
Sweet! You got a tesla. Can wait to see what you do with it. Guess the leafs are on hold now.
Haha! Good eye. A Leaf is currently in the shop being torn down.
You need a new glove box lid catch ;)
Quick release glove box
Did you sale it ?
if I had the money but I dont
Where is the radiator located?
It’s up front in the spare tire holder area but you can see more info about it here: BUGaru Engine Conversion th-cam.com/play/PLMH5LJmjYxZNzDJL8Nntv2GMvDnDROOu_.html
@2:35 "Crazy" speeds on American public roads or being a crazy speed lunatic freak? Keep on dreaming. :D You have to be sane to go fast. ^^