...and The Beast runs!

Finally bit the bullet and put the wiring in!
Again the loom was modified by Richard at RJES and it went straight in, routed to be as neat as possible, then connected up the 4 wires as labelled....oil light, alt light, ignition and fuel pump.

Then "Fire up the Quattro!"

It fired first time and settled to a tick over straight away, unbelievable!

We took the Bus to Busfest for a shake down. Richard kindly gave it the once over and gave me a couple of tidying up jobs.

This weekend we went to Brighton Breeze. 460 miles and not a hitch.

This is the best thing I have ever done to my Bus!
It’s easier to drive, smoother and has a proper heater.
We bought all the conversion parts from Richard at RJES and everything we had was top quality and fit perfectly. It certainly made the job a whole lot easier.

It’s taken us most of the year to find the time to do it, but I reckon we have less than 2 weeks work in it!
It’s not difficult to do so, if you have been holding back from doing this I would suggest you get your finger out and DO IT!

Subaru install shots

 Engine is in, intake sorted, hoses fitted....oil and water has gone in too! Now where is that wiring loom.

 RJES Exhaust is a work of art!

Underside shows the radiator installed too. Still needs the air scoop back on though.

Subaru Sump

How about this nifty arrangement.
While the engine was in we worked out how much the sump needed to be clearanced.
We modified the stock sump by taking the volumn from where the oil drain is and adding it to the front where there is usually a large slope. The capacity is the same as stock and the dipstick works to the standard level too. We reduced the depth of the pickup, of course!

Engine in and Tank fitted

We have put the engine in so that the cross member can be positioned and welded.

Then taken out so that the tank could be installed. It sits on high density foam.
Told you it filled the hole!

Ali Fuel Tank

Here's our new fuel tank. We have made one as big as possible that will go through the hole!
It holds 70 litres, pickup in the bottom and cut for the stock fuel sender as standard and a return in the front face for the fuel injection.

More Subaru Work

This impressive beast is the cooling setup from RJES. It went in without a hitch and fits perfectly between the chassis rails. Can't get a pic of it fitted at the moment!

Also, had chance to repaint the red engine bay, Tart!

Subaru Exhaust Bracket

Here we have the RJES exhaust bracket in possition.
What an amazing piece of machinery!

Subaru spruce up!

Ooh, That looks nice!
New plugs and leads and a bit of sprucing up of the brackets and pulleys makes quite a difference.
We are going for suttle understated looks.

Subaru Exhaust Mount

Here we have fitted the mounting bolts for the RJES exhaust bracket.
The cover was marked out from the mounting holes, thn a small pilot hole drilled to check alignment. This was then opened out with a big drill!

Subaru Service

Our 2.0 Subaru motor gets a Service before going in. New cam belt and water pump, just to be sure.

Subaru Bellhousing installed

The Bellhousing has been installed and hung from the top mounting.
Clutch arm is in and thrust bearing installed, too. Note here you need the later, large clutch arm (20mm one) from the Late Bay/T25.

Gearbox Mount Modification

Because we have the later style box, we have to use the top mount from RJES.
Will be cutting the back face away to allow the RH side mount rubber to be moved away from the starter motor solenoid.

Here it is, installed! We are in danger of making some progress!

The Old Lump comes out!

A common site for all of us...the aircooled engine is actually out now. No turning back!
It went straight home to go back into Sam's 67 Beetle...That is due back on the road this year, too!

Wiring Removed

All that wire! This took longer than the engine to get out...and then had to take all the outer cover off before sending it over to Richard at RJES to work his magic.

Not much left in there now!
Time to get the car out to make room for the Bus.

Engine Removal

Out she comes!

Subaru Engine Conversion

Its taken a while to get going. Having bought this unsuspecting donor last November!
Its not a bad car either.