Legacy GT Wagon conversion
Legacy GT Wagon conversion Hey all.
I guess a little background is in order. After going through 2 motors in my most recent subaru, I have decided to side-step the expense of having the same fate befall. She is a 2005 Legacy GT Wagon 5mt. My car was destined for RWD conversion, so going to SBC with RWD trans works fine for me!
As stated in my intro thread, I have been doing alot of research, and am actively planning out my build requirements. I will be purchasing parts as soon as my brand new on stand subaru engine sells, as my wife will tear my heart out if more stuff comes into the garage without anything leaving
.
I originally had planned on just doing the standard LS1 transplant, but after much debate, I believe I will be going with the L33.
Rough list of planned items:
-L33 Longblock (around 1200 bucks in my area with under 50k) Purchased
-LS9 Cam Purchased
-Comp 918 spring setup Purchased
-LS1 Intake (with injectors, rails, DBC TB) Purchased
-Harness, PCM
-T56
-Custom x-member/subframe (for obvious reasons)
-Block huggers
-Custom exhaust (already have columbia mandrel extreme build kit in 304SS)
And obviously there will be the nickel and dime items, as well as the "unforseen".
My goal on a NA engine I would like to see is around 375@whp, which I know these engines are completely capable of. I also like that the L33 seems to respond well to boost, as I am a fan of FI, and just so happen to have a brand new PT5858 sitting in a box. Although, that turbo would be small for this application.
Thoughts or opinions?
I will try to post some initial photos of the state the car is in for a baseline, and update when the ball starts rolling more quickly.
I guess a little background is in order. After going through 2 motors in my most recent subaru, I have decided to side-step the expense of having the same fate befall. She is a 2005 Legacy GT Wagon 5mt. My car was destined for RWD conversion, so going to SBC with RWD trans works fine for me!
As stated in my intro thread, I have been doing alot of research, and am actively planning out my build requirements. I will be purchasing parts as soon as my brand new on stand subaru engine sells, as my wife will tear my heart out if more stuff comes into the garage without anything leaving
.I originally had planned on just doing the standard LS1 transplant, but after much debate, I believe I will be going with the L33.
Rough list of planned items:
-L33 Longblock (around 1200 bucks in my area with under 50k) Purchased
-LS9 Cam Purchased
-Comp 918 spring setup Purchased
-LS1 Intake (with injectors, rails, DBC TB) Purchased
-Harness, PCM
-T56
-Custom x-member/subframe (for obvious reasons)
-Block huggers
-Custom exhaust (already have columbia mandrel extreme build kit in 304SS)
And obviously there will be the nickel and dime items, as well as the "unforseen".
My goal on a NA engine I would like to see is around 375@whp, which I know these engines are completely capable of. I also like that the L33 seems to respond well to boost, as I am a fan of FI, and just so happen to have a brand new PT5858 sitting in a box. Although, that turbo would be small for this application.
Thoughts or opinions?
I will try to post some initial photos of the state the car is in for a baseline, and update when the ball starts rolling more quickly.
Last edited by Dusty B; Dec 16, 2013 at 06:02 AM.
You fellas are absolutely right. Well, I'll start with a baseline of what she used to look like. Some pics of the engine I have sitting on stand that I decided not to put in also. If anyone has subaru friends I have tons of stuff FS on local boards and subaru forums for crazy cheap. Most everything is new! PM for details if you'd like.
Feel free to comment of my planned Motor/Trans setup.
Also, I'm aware that the stock R160 will not last long at all. When she shatters, I suppose I will move up to R200 and yet another fabbed subframe.
Pics of a couple things that are NOT going back in the car. So much more than this in the shop....
Feel free to comment of my planned Motor/Trans setup.
Also, I'm aware that the stock R160 will not last long at all. When she shatters, I suppose I will move up to R200 and yet another fabbed subframe.
Pics of a couple things that are NOT going back in the car. So much more than this in the shop....
Last edited by Dusty B; Nov 27, 2013 at 08:19 AM.
Thanks!
Oddly enough I had been watching your build for a little bit when I was in my lurking stages.
I recently got rid of my VERY clean alpine, Slicktop, E30. I had initially wanted to do the ls swap in that one, but it was SO clean that I would have felt horrible, and just sold it virgin w/coilovers and wheels.
My wagon is so far beyond going back to stock that I just figure "why the hell not?" Rotated turbo subarus are plentiful, but v8 swapped ones aren't as common yet.
So i'll apologize ahead of time again if I say or ask some dumb things in other parts of the forum, this is uncharted territory for me as far as the swap goes!
Oddly enough I had been watching your build for a little bit when I was in my lurking stages.
I recently got rid of my VERY clean alpine, Slicktop, E30. I had initially wanted to do the ls swap in that one, but it was SO clean that I would have felt horrible, and just sold it virgin w/coilovers and wheels.
My wagon is so far beyond going back to stock that I just figure "why the hell not?" Rotated turbo subarus are plentiful, but v8 swapped ones aren't as common yet.
So i'll apologize ahead of time again if I say or ask some dumb things in other parts of the forum, this is uncharted territory for me as far as the swap goes!
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Haha. That IS a brand new engine. I built that as a replacement before I decided I wanted to go with ls powerplant. Selling that engine will cover cost of l33 and t56 and then some!
Well the good news is I potentially have space freeing up as the subaru longblock, clutch setup, and FMIC appear to be sold. I have been evaluating things I can do in the meantime in preparation for the new powerplant to roll into the shop. So far on the list:
-Remove stock radiator, condensor, headlamps, and fenders (for scratch/dent puposes.)
-Drill out spot welds for radiator x-member. This will give me more room for ease of dropping and pulling swap engine over and over again as I know I will have to. And will also force me to consider relocating the x-member slightly forward for more space.
-Drill out spot welds and remove pitch stop mount on firewall. Will not be needed, and will give me another 2" of clearance to move the engine back in the bay.
-Considering just taking the steering rack out and removing engine x-member. ALOT of subaru ls1 swaps I've watched people notch and box stock x-member to adapt to needs. I really think just starting from scratch and using combination of box steel and DOM is the way to go. I have seen one fairly well documented LGT LS1 swap, and he cut up stock member to fit the LS1 with GTO pan setup. He THEN, sourced Outback subframe spacers to lower the cradle further to clear hood. I can not understand the point of this, and would just rather make a custom one to fit all my needs.
-Remove stock radiator, condensor, headlamps, and fenders (for scratch/dent puposes.)
-Drill out spot welds for radiator x-member. This will give me more room for ease of dropping and pulling swap engine over and over again as I know I will have to. And will also force me to consider relocating the x-member slightly forward for more space.
-Drill out spot welds and remove pitch stop mount on firewall. Will not be needed, and will give me another 2" of clearance to move the engine back in the bay.
-Considering just taking the steering rack out and removing engine x-member. ALOT of subaru ls1 swaps I've watched people notch and box stock x-member to adapt to needs. I really think just starting from scratch and using combination of box steel and DOM is the way to go. I have seen one fairly well documented LGT LS1 swap, and he cut up stock member to fit the LS1 with GTO pan setup. He THEN, sourced Outback subframe spacers to lower the cradle further to clear hood. I can not understand the point of this, and would just rather make a custom one to fit all my needs.
Anyone know off top of their heads what valley covers I need when I swap to ls2 intake? Do I just nab the stock ones for ls2? Haven't found a black and while posting on what to run when swapping over.
Pulled the bumper and started removing more parts. Soon ill be removing more Subaru specific items from under the hood. Get dark quick now.
Even after all the broken and down times, still made me reminiscent of the old days. New England Rally; 3 days, 2k miles, and a whole ton of fun. Team *******' waggin', #667 the neighbor of the beast.
Even after all the broken and down times, still made me reminiscent of the old days. New England Rally; 3 days, 2k miles, and a whole ton of fun. Team *******' waggin', #667 the neighbor of the beast.
Last edited by Dusty B; Nov 30, 2013 at 04:47 PM.
Very cool swap! If you could somehow keep it AWD by running an Audi 01E 6spd manual trans that would be wicked.... But costly.
What is the largest tire you can fit out back? I would only run a sticky R Compound like a Nitto NT01 if you want great traction. You'll figure it out quick enuf!
What is the largest tire you can fit out back? I would only run a sticky R Compound like a Nitto NT01 if you want great traction. You'll figure it out quick enuf!