I did the conversion and I love the power and reliability but:

* you need to be mechanically inclined
* you have to budget about 150-200 hours to do it right the first time
(much less the second time)
* costs about US$3500 by the time your done

- Laurence

----------------------------------------
 Laurence Smith
 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
 90 Westy / 90 Subie 2.2 (in progress)
 87 GL / 91 Subie 2.2
----------------------------------------

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List
> [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> Of Robert Campbell
> Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 6:33 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Your Opinion: Subaru or not to Subaru (Engine swap)
>
>
> Gang,
> OK, I've been really looking into this.  My '91 Carat
> (Automatic, Air, PW, Central Locking) is still running
> strong.  But, I'm really considering an "upgrade" to a more
> powerful engine.
> So, what are the opinions on this?  Should I introduce a
> 2.2L Subaru motor to the mix?  OR do I give Boston Bob a
> call for one of his upgraded motors?
> I've looked, but haven't found any unhappy Subaru
> conversionites out there..... anyone on the list want to
> tell me how sad or happy they are with their conversion?
> I saw quite a few of you are happy with the Boston Bob
> engine, but I'd like to have more opinions on this subject.
> I'm looking to get a rebuilt transmission and final drive
> as well.... any recommendations on sellers of such items?
> (figured I might as well change out the 142K drivetrain
> along with the 142K engine)
> Thankfully, I'm in no rush to get this done, so I have a
> bit of time to make my decision.
> I'm looking forward to some feedback ya'll!
>     -Robert
>      '91 Carat, Automatic, 142K, South Florida
>