EJ20 into 90's Impreza conversion on a budget.
Thread Starter
1337 H4x0r
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
EJ20 into 90's Impreza conversion on a budget.
I'm playing around with the idea performing EJ20 conversion into an older Impreza as fun/track vehicle that I won't mind smashing around. I'm hoping to start by locating an inexpensive Impreza that is equiped with AWD and working 5MT. I'm looking to some of you guys for some suggestion on finding something usable but very cheap so my wife doesn't freak out too much. 
I know some of you have researched this and I'm just hoping to get some ideas.
I know some of you have researched this and I'm just hoping to get some ideas.
Guest
Posts: n/a
I'd go with the EJ22 (personal fav engine of mine) .. cheaper to find than a EJ20.. hell you can get em in working condition from junkyard for around $500.
I'd suggest a Ver5-Ver6 front center rear diffs.. and axels etc etc.. thats the expensive part.. and a type RA 5 speed (or at least the gearset..)
hardest part of the swap is the wiring..
and a 95-00 Impreza L (RS) would be my choice.. stay away from the brighton.. but definately go coupe.. either the 1.8 or the 2.2 NA varieties.
I'd suggest a Ver5-Ver6 front center rear diffs.. and axels etc etc.. thats the expensive part.. and a type RA 5 speed (or at least the gearset..)
hardest part of the swap is the wiring..
and a 95-00 Impreza L (RS) would be my choice.. stay away from the brighton.. but definately go coupe.. either the 1.8 or the 2.2 NA varieties.
Sucks to be You!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Last months Sport Compact car had an excellent article on the swap/conversion. Everything they say was easy except the wiring harness.
__________________
I'm meaner, stronger, and way more bitter than you are! So don't FUCK with me!
I'm meaner, stronger, and way more bitter than you are! So don't FUCK with me!
Firemedic / Local 4420
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
5-speed AWD Coupes are hard to find. Florida dealerships didnt get alot of them. So if you find one it usually from up north and has alot of body rust. Thats why I settled for my car a, 2WD AT Sedan.
IF you are doing a swap its just a little more work to convert the drivetrain.
Kyle
IF you are doing a swap its just a little more work to convert the drivetrain.
Kyle
__________________
Last edited by M249SAW; Mar 1, 2004 at 04:42 AM.
Guest
Posts: n/a
yeah.. if your gonna replace the drive train anyhow.. get a 2WD..
new 2.2L block goes for about $1400 these days.. and you can put WRX heads on em.. or different sorts of 2.5 heads to get different CR's .. www.legacycentral.com has some REALLY cool info on the 2.2 engine if you decide to go that way.. including a write up by a guy who was running his legacy 2.2 @ 30 psi on the drag strip and taking it to 9K RPM .. on a stock internal car with lower comp heads (i think 98 2.5) ... basicalyl the block is almost exactly what was in the 22B and is one of the strongest blocks subaru made.. alot of people thin its stronger than the STi's 2.5
new 2.2L block goes for about $1400 these days.. and you can put WRX heads on em.. or different sorts of 2.5 heads to get different CR's .. www.legacycentral.com has some REALLY cool info on the 2.2 engine if you decide to go that way.. including a write up by a guy who was running his legacy 2.2 @ 30 psi on the drag strip and taking it to 9K RPM .. on a stock internal car with lower comp heads (i think 98 2.5) ... basicalyl the block is almost exactly what was in the 22B and is one of the strongest blocks subaru made.. alot of people thin its stronger than the STi's 2.5
Thread Starter
1337 H4x0r
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
I honestly was hoping to avoiding swapping the transmission, diff and axles or at least until something snaps and needs to be replaced. My understanding is that if you're going to swap the transmission you really open up a whole big and expensive can of worms with other things that are required such as the clutch, axles, diff, etc. The wiring actually seems pretty easy and well documented but just time consuming.
Zate, The reasoning as why I wanted to stick to the EJ20 is that they can be aquired for around $1,000 in working condition with <50k miles including ECU, and entire WRX wiring harness. The one I have my finger on right now just needs a turbo. Also, the USDM EJ20 ECU can easily be reflashed for supporting mods.
Kyle, how much did you end up paying for the 2WD AT Sedan?
Zate, The reasoning as why I wanted to stick to the EJ20 is that they can be aquired for around $1,000 in working condition with <50k miles including ECU, and entire WRX wiring harness. The one I have my finger on right now just needs a turbo. Also, the USDM EJ20 ECU can easily be reflashed for supporting mods.
Kyle, how much did you end up paying for the 2WD AT Sedan?
Thread Starter
1337 H4x0r
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
Originally posted by M249SAW
I payed $750 for my car
I payed $750 for my car
Firemedic / Local 4420
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
I bought it from our used car lot. It runs liek a champ and has no mechanical problems other than the A/C doesnt work.
Thus far I have not started my drivetrain swap as I am preparing the chassis to handle all the extra power.
I have done the following:
99 RS Wheels/Nitto NT450 tires
Front Subaru 4-pot brakes w/DBA slotted rotors
Rear drum-to-disc conversion with DBA Slotted Rotors
Goodridge stainless lines
Whiteline Front and rear strut bars (In my closet at home)
Whiteline Front and rear sway bars (In my closet also due to waiting on STi rear trailing link set)
Various JDM Cosmetic stuff (Taillights, corner lenses etc)
Thus far I have not started my drivetrain swap as I am preparing the chassis to handle all the extra power.
I have done the following:
99 RS Wheels/Nitto NT450 tires
Front Subaru 4-pot brakes w/DBA slotted rotors
Rear drum-to-disc conversion with DBA Slotted Rotors
Goodridge stainless lines
Whiteline Front and rear strut bars (In my closet at home)
Whiteline Front and rear sway bars (In my closet also due to waiting on STi rear trailing link set)
Various JDM Cosmetic stuff (Taillights, corner lenses etc)
__________________
Guest
Posts: n/a
then get a 98 2.5 RS (around 5-8K) and drop the EJ20 into it... the tranny and drivetrain will do ok with a 227 HP engine in it..i wouldnt beef it up too much though.. or drive it with too much prejudice.. you'll need STi or upgraded stuff if your going for alot more power. A 2.5 RS.. interior stripped out to race weight and a WRX engine would be a nice solid 13 second car i would imagine.. be great for autox or road course with some suspension work.
I'd rather buy a used L for < $1000 a 2.2 for less than $500 and spend the rest of the $6-8K on drive train / EM and suspension... 350 HP and 2600-2700 lbs = mucho fun
I'd rather buy a used L for < $1000 a 2.2 for less than $500 and spend the rest of the $6-8K on drive train / EM and suspension... 350 HP and 2600-2700 lbs = mucho fun
