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Subject:Re: Vanagons and Megasquirt EFI controllers
From:Scott Daniel
Date:Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:33:32 -0800

RE ....
On 11/13/2013 5:48 AM, Max Wellhouse wrote:
> If I ever do a Subi conversion, I'll either use this system or buy a
> used windows unit off ebay .  There should be maps set up for a stock
> 2.5 SOHC on their website forum making the switch pretty painless.
> solder 4 different FI connectors and  figure out the ignition changes
> andTPS mounting andthat should do it.  Would sure beat havin

Having done numerous subaru engine conversions I can say that in almost
all cases, there is *nothing* wrong with how they run in a Vanagon !
Like nice fat power curve ..
very similar to a waterboxer's, only lots more, better throttle
response, more fuel economy, and another 1,000 rpm to play with.
Done well...they are super sweet.
   Once set up and working right ..
in my experience they tend to just stay that way. At least all the ones
I have built are like that..
Get 'em right to start with ..they 'hold a set-up' very, very well.
Much, much better than a waterboxer in that required for sure.

Everything subaru does is about '4 times' as well-built ..or more
evolved tech over what VW has in the waterboxer.  Really ..a waterboxer
engine looks like a lawn mower engine after you've played with 4 valves
per cylinder, far better breathing, knock sensor ignition, no
distributor and things like that.

As for doing the wiring harness...
at least for some people there's no reason to pay anyone $ 600 to do the
harness.
I have even seen a harness done by a conversion specialist shop that was
quite bogus, and had to be gone over completely.

And they are not that hard to do at all.

I see no reason to not use the Subaru electronics ....they are about
'perfect' , and I'm extremely  picky about what I consider decent and
acceptable, and I wouldn't lightly say subaru conversions, done well,
are awesome.

Can't wait to dive into a Legacy 2.2 harness I just got.  Heck..
by far, the hardest part of doing that harness is getting it out of the
dead Legacy car. That was just awful work.  Converting it to use in a
Vanagon will be a piece of cake.
Scott

Scott