1966 bus subaru conversion

[Stanleyn]

I m new at the VW world and Im building a 1966 Bus for my son.I am going to install a Subaru engine.I need to know what trans and axels I should use.I need to know the years.Should I use the IRS and what years and what alll do i need.I can fabricate anything.

[easy e]

Welcome to The Samba!

General tip...
Before posting a new topic... spend a couple minutes doing a search, to see if someone is already had the same problem... or if an issue has already been discussed.... or if you have a new twist on a problem where the title of that thread still applies (add to that thread).

I typed "Subaru" in the search box & selected "titles only" & came up with these results. (click here)

Good luck!
e
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aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List

[brettsvw]

[bubba]

[Stanleyn]

[brettsvw]

[bubba]

You can only run 12 volt.. The electronics on the Subaru are all 12 volt.
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for sale
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1587591

[brettsvw]

[Stanleyn]

I want to use Parts that I aquire,not new A/M.What year bus or bug for the trans,or irssetup.I,ll fabricate my own mounts or whatever I need

[brettsvw]

The problem with used transaxles is you do not know what the gear ratios are without tearing the trans apart.

With 30 plus year old vehicles, you don't know if the trans is original to the car.

You still have not answered the questions to get help.

Reductionboxs or no reductionboxs
Stock height or lowered?
Swingxale or IRS?

Here is a link with 26 pages of info for VW transaxles.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143138
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My 59 kombi build.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=635003&highlight=

My buggy build.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=558601&highlight=

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=289807

[Stanleyn]

My plans for the bus is to lower it,install Subaru engine.I dont think I need the reduction boxes.I see Wolfgang has a kit for the IRS.What year bug would be the best for the conversion.

[60freak]

IRS, Bus trans 002 or 091 (just get whole ass end from a late bay window bus and fab it into your split) Get a Subaru EJ255 STi motor with the complete wiring harness. Mate it up to the bus trans using kennedy engineering plate. Done.

[Stanleyn]

Like I said in the beginning Im not a VW guy.I build hotrods including the chassis.This is my sons Bus that i,m building for him.So I dont know what your numbers mean.Could you tell me the names and years of the donors I should look for.

[60freak]

Personally with that much power I would prefer a 091 trans (aka 6 rib), which is found in 76-79 bay window bus, it's the strongest bus trans.

[60freak]

http://www.kennedyenginc.com/Pages/EngineOptionList4cyl.aspx

I know there is at least one other company offering adapter/conversions but I can't think of their name(s).

[skills@eurocarsplus]

having done several conversions in bay window's I can tell you the 091 is a poor choice in the factory gearing.

I don't want to sound like a douche, but I will anyway

what I have learned is the Subaru is a bit finicky...you are going to want to match the power band of the engine to overall gearing. it has to do with overall rpm's and water pump speed.

additionally, just stuffing a radiator in it will not (usually) work. do your math on the cooling system.

I would stay away from a turbo just for simplicity sake. I built a healthy 2.5 NA with some tricks, can pull 75+ in 3rd. at 115 (with more pedal to go) the bus just got plain scary to drive. it has all new suspension and is dropped and properly set up.

when you get these issues sorted, you'll be a happy camper. the 002 transmission has the crappiest stock gearing for this conversion. the Subaru is very happy at 3-3,200 rpms, not the 4-4,200 a aircooled spins at freeway speeds
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[cru62]

Please start reading the wealth of info in various threads on this site. Since you are starting from scratch VW-wise there will be answers to questions you never would think to ask.

Rebuilding a stock bus is daunting enough with years of experience. Building one like you are wanting is a whole different thing. It is great that you already possess fab skills. But you will be combining parts from other years and types of VWs along with at least one completely different make. Educating yourself about what and how to realize that goal will help prevent you ending up with either a pile of parts and a cut up bus or an undrivable POS.

The folks on this site and this Forum in particular will be a great resource. They are ready, willing and able to help you. But you need to meet them on common ground. Look at other threads that are similar to what you want to do. While that may seem like a waste of time, trust me, it will save you loads of time and more money than you can imagine.

Also, we all like pics. Throw us a bone or two. There are a lot of closet Suby guys lurking here.
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[skills@eurocarsplus]

[cru62]

Oh, I have been following your stuff. And I have a grip on the handle. I just haven't had the right bus to do it to yet. Someday, someday.
_________________
"My biggest worry is that when I die, my wife will sell all my parts for what I told her I paid for them"-Jon

Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.

Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[WM971252]