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Bolt-in subaru engine conversion:

Our bolt-in conversion package uses parts from Smallcar and Kennedy Engineering and several unique solutions to provide a standardized package that bolts up to the vanagon with no splicing of wires or cutting/modification of the body. It retains stock ground clearance, fits easily under the vanagon deck-lid (2WD and 4WD), and uses the stock vanagon transmission. Subaru engines are flat engines just like the original vanagon engine, so the fit is a natural, and it looks like the factory put it there (they should have!)

This turn-key package is ready to bolt in and run and has been engineered to include all parts you may need to install it in your water-cooled vanagon. It comes with the complete cooling system, hookups for power steering, and a complete air intake. Once you have removed the old waterboxer engine, there are a minimum of connections to mate it to your vanagon - bolt the engine to your transmission and attach the carrier bar to the body, snap together four electrical plugs, and connect five coolant hoses. Connect the fuel hoses, power steering, and install the shields. We can even supply the package with a full brand-new exhaust already assembled to truly minimize your time spent on the installation.

For syncro owners, the 4-cylinder conversions retain your stock ground clearance (the SVX cuts off the approach angle somewhat.) For off-roaders, the stock skid plate can still be installed with an extension modification to extend the bars further to the rear and attach to the carrier bar just like stock.

At this time, the 4-cylinder engines are available in turnkey kit form for home installation. Over the past year we have engineered the EG33 SVX 6-cylinder engine to be available as a turn-key kit also on a limited basis. Currently we are offering it for installation by shops only. We can help find a qualified shop near to you for the installation, or ship your van to us and we can take care of it. Call or email us if you wish to discuss an SVX installation.

The 4-cylinder kit can be installed by most amateur mechanics with a space to work and basic tools. Basically, if you have enough tools and ability to remove your old engine, installing this turnkey package should pose no difficulty. Contact us to discuss it if you have any concerns about this option.

Alternatively, your favorite independent mechanic will have the skill to install the engine. An estimate of installation time for a mechanic not familiar with the kit would be 15 to 20 hours, a reasonable estimate for any engine conversion installation. The time can vary depending on familiarity with vanagons and other variables with your particular vehicle. Once you are serious about purchase of the kit, you can have your mechanic contact us for details of the installation.

Far and away the most popular conversion we offer is the EJ25 SOHC engine, and the price for the basic conversion package is $7600. These engines typically vary in mileage from 20k up to around 40k miles.

For the SVX conversion information and pricing, see our SVX page.

Conversion Includes:

New KEP or Smallcar engine adapter
New Smallcar mounts
New Smallcar header exhaust
Subaru computer and wiring harness interface to vanagon
Shortened oil pan (retains stock ground clearance)
Reversed coolant manifold cooling system
All hoses, coolant, other fluids
Power steering and power brakes if fitted
new oxygen sensor, as needed
New rubber engine mounts

Automatic transmission:

The automatic is not a problem to convert but involves some extra work and extra parts.

Automatic transmission $200 extra

Options

Radiator $200 (recommended for early vanagon)
New standard clutch $200 (fine for most applications)
New Luk HD clutch $275 (for off-road or other heavy use)
New full stainless exhaust** - $575

An EJ22 engine displayed as a turn-key installation package, complete with license plate dipstick access and full exhaust options. For the quickest and easiest install, we can supply the most complete package with the full exhaust and heat shield already installed.