Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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WRX LS1 swap, had someone really done it.

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Old 08-06-2006, 09:08 PM
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Default WRX LS1 swap, had someone really done it.

I have been looking around for another platform for a LS1 swap. I am currently doing a LS1 in my FD. I would like to find a fairliy light, under 3,200lbs rwd 4 door car to swap one in. I think a WRX would be a great plateform. Should have clearence in the stock tunnel for the tranny, rear diff can handle 400hp stock. Would eventually swap in a solid axle. They are pretty eassy to come by these days and not very pricey but not cheap. Also with the way the flat 4 bolts up it makes it fairly easy to swap in the V8. I have looked around but just found some dead ends. Does anyone know of a completed swap in a WRX. Thanks for the help.
Old 08-06-2006, 09:50 PM
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WRX is not a good platform, im sorry there drivetrain is some of the weakest out there. They use the old Daustsun R180 differential that came in 510's. Unless you have the means to swap in atleast a R200 if not a ford 9 inch I do not recomend the swap. I also believe but am not sure that the engine compartment is very tight and short due to the face it came factor with a flat 4, so hood clearence might be an issue.
Old 08-06-2006, 10:10 PM
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this guys got an ls1 in a scoob, check it out here
Old 08-06-2006, 10:57 PM
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I was told the V-8 can fit under the hood becuase of the fact they run a top mount intercooler on top of the flat four so it gives a little more room. As far as the rear diff I plan on putting in a 9" anyway shouldnt be to bad. I will have to try to find some more info.
Old 08-06-2006, 10:59 PM
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As for that link I looked at that earlier. I read some more on it on another forum and it sounded like he never got it running and then moved on to something else without finishing it.
Old 08-07-2006, 01:58 PM
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Only the new STI's use the R180 rear diff... and some of the older GC8 Jap STI's that you guys dont get in the US.

Nearly all other models use the R160, which is NOT going to handle 400bhp in 2wd form.
Old 08-07-2006, 02:58 PM
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there is a guy here currently working on one. he's got the motor in but he's not to the point of having all the fab work done and up and running. does fit but it's very tight.
Old 08-07-2006, 04:01 PM
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Well I plan on a 9" or something similar going in right away. I am thinking about starting with a 2.5rs and just doing a solid rear end and other suspension work right away. As for the guy currently working on one is he a member of this forum and is there anymore info to be found. Thanks
Old 08-07-2006, 05:16 PM
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I think you will get really good at using a plasma cutter in the engine bay if you go forward with this conversion. First thing to do is measure the distance between the strut towers in the Subaru. If you need to do any major cutting to those... it may not be worth it.

The WRX/LS1 swap you have been pointed towards has been ongoing for about a year. You may finish yours faster than that one if you are motivated enuf
Old 08-07-2006, 06:38 PM
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Ya I will have to take some measurments. But it looks like he was able to fit it in without cutting the strut towers. I would assume there is enough room sense a flat 4 is quite wide. But I will look into it more. Another problem will be getting all the gauges to work. I assume I would just have to run some aftermarket autometet speedo and tach.
Old 08-07-2006, 06:39 PM
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The upside is I already have a plasma cutter and a miller 220 mig welder.
Old 08-07-2006, 07:42 PM
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The only other cars I would like to do the swap in would be a 99-up bmw 3-series and the only good part of those cars is there engines they have way to many wiring problems and just about everything else. And I havnt even seen a swap atempted in a e46 yet but alot e36's. The other car would be a IS300 but I think I would be better off turbo charging the 2jz instead in I went that route. So it look likes the wrx is the 1st choice as of right now.
Old 08-08-2006, 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by 300zxls1
The only other cars I would like to do the swap in would be a 99-up bmw 3-series and the only good part of those cars is there engines they have way to many wiring problems and just about everything else. And I havnt even seen a swap atempted in a e46 yet but alot e36's. The other car would be a IS300 but I think I would be better off turbo charging the 2jz instead in I went that route. So it look likes the wrx is the 1st choice as of right now.
I have seriously thought about swapping one into my wife's IS300 to make it an IS600!! But the car needs to be paid off and off warranty before I am allowed to tear into anything like that. It's a nice car, just needs more grunt. A V8 would do that nicely....
Old 08-08-2006, 09:51 AM
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The lexus would also be a very nice swap but there stock engine can handle 500hp so it makes more sense to just turbocharge them, I think.
Old 08-09-2006, 05:19 PM
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Anyone else got any info I think I will be using a 04-05 2.5RS to start with and run a LS1 6-speed and 9" rear end. The goals will be around 400whp from cam, headers, tune and some home head porting.
Old 08-10-2006, 07:01 AM
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you could always try and keep the 4WD by using a skyline box!?!?!? that way the rear diff wouldn't be hit sooo hard with all the torque!

Chris.
Old 08-10-2006, 08:18 AM
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It would be so much work to keep it awd and it would just be more problems in the long run. I would rather do RWD.
Old 08-10-2006, 01:16 PM
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their not that hard to do! i know the cossy guys over here are doing more and more Skyline gearbox conversions! and i bet the T56 bellhousing could be made to fit the Skyline box!

or you could just stick the transfer case onto the back of the T56!! thats been done with supra boxes!

then you just need a front diff and your away! well then there is the welding and stuff but it could be done. and you would keep the feel of the scooby

Chris.
Old 08-10-2006, 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 300zxls1
The only other cars I would like to do the swap in would be a 99-up bmw 3-series and the only good part of those cars is there engines they have way to many wiring problems and just about everything else. And I havnt even seen a swap atempted in a e46 yet but alot e36's. The other car would be a IS300 but I think I would be better off turbo charging the 2jz instead in I went that route. So it look likes the wrx is the 1st choice as of right now.
+1

Good looks, can buy 325i cheap, throw on M3 bumpers and side skirts and you have a damn good looking 4dr. Only drawback is it is hard to get very much tire under there, but 255s fit okay
Old 08-11-2006, 07:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Derek 357i
+1

Good looks, can buy 325i cheap, throw on M3 bumpers and side skirts and you have a damn good looking 4dr. Only drawback is it is hard to get very much tire under there, but 255s fit okay
then drop a LS into it!

Chris.


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