what is best engine conv. for classic bettle

[archie837]

I'd go Subaru legacy 2l iirc.

We were talking about this the other day. Apparently - don't know how true - only the late legacies will fit due to the early ones not being flat four??? Don't know though.

You need tothink carefully on this really and figure out what you're going for.

If it's utmost power, keeping it aircooled will cost you thousands to do, but me much prettier. Whereas an ej20 scooby lump will be more power out the box as standard.

But

You will need to uprate EVERYTHING. You will also need to incorporate a radiator and all the pipework to it, which will need to run the length of the car as obviously the engine is in the back - doable though.

Another one you could look at is a Mazda rotary engine.

Essentially you can have 2 out of these three - cheap, fast, reliable.

Have a look at tsr engine conversions website for some more info.

[Diamond Hell]

The issues with Subaru motors is that some have dual overhead cams per side, which is when you run into 'doesn't fit' issues.

You can overcome a lot of the fitment issues by converting to IRS, if your Beetle isn't already IRS.

Buy the sump off the shelf
Buy the mounting bar off the shelf
Buy the VW>Subaru clutch off the shelf
Buy the VW>Subaru bellhousing off the shelf

Much of this could come from: http://www.rjes.com/

If you want a proper challenge and to avoid watercooling in your conversion, you should build an Oxyboxer.  More here:

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=128601&sid=6ee79e9f0c7b5c0d94b9f6b047fd0f53

[AlexMozza]

Subaru Forester, I think that the more powerful version..?

[Diamond Hell]

Subaru Forester, I think that the more powerful version..?

It isn't.