Subaru engine swaps
 

Hey guys,
Making a long story short....I currently own a modded Talon but it (like all Talons) is prone to breaking down.

I have owned a couple Subaru's in the past (I currently have a 95 Legacy Wagon) and I have never had problems. They seem to be very reliable cars and are built very solid.

I have been looking into replacing my Talon with a 98-01 RS 2.5 2 door.
If purchased the vehicle would have either a WRX or STI motor swapped in immediately.
I have looked in to both swaps and I test drove a 98 with an STI swap on the week end. It was very fast but the body needed some work.

I am leaning towards an STI swap above the WRX. Any suggestions on one over the other? Building the EJ20t is another possibility...
Information online has been pretty vague and I have not found too much information on what exactly needs to be done. Especially when it comes to the harness. I am a mechanic so I would prefer to do as much of the work myself as possible.

Any information regarding the swaps would be AMAZING!
Any questions, concerns, or comments you have that could be useful to me would also be greatly appreciated.
As well, are there any local shops that are familiar with these swaps?

Thanx for the help

- Tyler

Well if you are mechaniclly inclined(sp?), then you should have no problem running standalone. It doesnt have to be an expensive standalone as such like megasquirt can do it. Im not framiliar with Subaru's but their AWD system is much like the Audi's Quattro system and the driveline seems simple. I'd start by figuring out if the stock RS 2.5L tranny will bolt to STI/WRX motor and if so, will you need a STI clutch or a RS. Is the STI/WRX motor bigger(longer/wider) because if its one or the other the drive shaft might need to be extended or shortened. Are the motor mounts the same?

Do ALOT of research before starting any project..

well thats the problem...I can't find enough info.
I know that the STI swap includes the entire drivetrain and matching the stock vehicle body harness with the STI engine harness...

Well if its just matching gho and find the wiring harness schematics for both cars and work one step at a time.

Exactly! However I am trying to research right now to make sure it is that simple. It is not a cheap swap and I want it done properly...

I think I found a shop in guelph that does the swaps and I am going to call them tomorrow...

Im sure it isnt cheap but the way it works is like this;

Fast and Cheap = Not reliable
Cheap and Reliable = Not fast
Fast and Reliable = Not cheap

I hope you have a garage..Take it one step at a time and get an engine hoist while your at it :)

ok dude first of all go to 25rs.com and read up on swaps there.

Yes you can swap sti engine into rs, tranny will match, will need different clutch tho, one is pull other is push. Need full harness and if using stock ecu your ok or get a standalone like hydra or something. Good shop to call is planet motorsport in guelph.

Good luck .

btw 2.5 rs is the best looking subaru shell imo.

Thanx Joe,
I have actually already contacted Planet Motorsports and I am heading there in the morning for help.
I will check out 25rs.com right now

for some reason 25rs.com is not working??

oops sorry its rs25.com ..

lol......much better
thank you

hello
you mentioned that you have a 95 legacy
have you had any issues with the car or know of any issues with 95-96 Legacy's
I'm thinking of picking up a 96 AWD Brighton Wagon just auto and AC.
Just curious and wanting to know from owners if there is anything to look out for

thanks in advance