What the heck is a GMA? [Archive]

FreeBMW

12-21-2002, 11:32 AM

Originally posted by wawazat
work on your car???:lol:

How'd it go John? Did you have to cut the lugs on the engine stand? Were the casters a pain?

Todd

yep...I saw-all the engine stand all to hell......but it fits nice now :D The casters worked ok....we had 3 guys to man handle the thing around.....

Thanks for the use of the goodies todd!

here is your reward:

http://www.freebmw.net/share/CarsBoatsBikes/Subaru/nasioc/EastMeetsWest2/DCP_1602.JPG

wawazat

12-21-2002, 11:52 AM

Glad everything worked for you guys. I bought new casters for the lift yesterday, but the bolt hole pattern, though the closest I could find, still didn't work. If I get some plate stock steel, can you weld some adapter plates on to the legs for me?

Have fun today guys. I'm off to fight the holiday hordes to finish my Christmas shopping:rolleyes:

Todd

yamarocket630

12-21-2002, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by wawazat
work on your car???:lol:

How'd it go John? Did you have to cut the lugs on the engine stand? Were the casters a pain?

Todd

yes and yes

yamarocket630

12-29-2002, 09:44 PM

And a big F****** toolbox on the back of the Lowe's rental truck!
Why is it every time Clayton picks up the camera, I have a gooofy look on my face?

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/ToolBox/DCP_0199small.jpg

Up pipe anyone?:devil:
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/Gutted_UpPipe/DCP_0226small.jpg

More teardown and inspection... preparing to weld in the bung for the oil temp sender.
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/dec29th2002/DCP_0215small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/dec29th2002/DCP_0230small.jpg

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/dec29th2002/DCP_0237small.jpg

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/dec29th2002/DCP_0242small.jpg

Oh, great, new bald spot!
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/dec29th2002/DCP_0196small.jpg

yamarocket630

12-29-2002, 09:51 PM

There sure was a lot of Chapstick in there!

...so it wasn't all work and no fun...:lol:
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/ChapStick/DCP_0206small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/ChapStick/DCP_0207small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/ChapStick/DCP_0208small.jpg

FreeBMW

12-29-2002, 09:54 PM

That lip balm sure gets around!

long live the chap stick!

Safir

12-29-2002, 09:56 PM

you beat me to teh bald spot joke yama! no fair!

so i'm guessing you don't need the MAPP gas anymore?

Hondaslayer

12-29-2002, 10:13 PM

John,If you could do me a teensy favor I would appreciate it much.I need to set the gap for the wastegate butterfly.If you could check on yours and tell me what the gap is?

Ben,

yamarocket630

12-29-2002, 11:55 PM

I assume you mean the closed gap?

I'll try to remember to check it, or stop by and check for your self.

2000vfr800

12-30-2002, 01:17 AM

Hey...is that your oil pan???

yamarocket630

12-30-2002, 01:23 AM

Yeah, I decided to take your advice and tap it for the oil temp sender now.

2000vfr800

12-30-2002, 01:33 AM

Cool...you can finger it all out and the help me with mine!!!

How's it going?

Boostup!

12-30-2002, 06:16 PM

Originally posted by 2000vfr800
Cool...you can finger it all out and the help me with mine!!!

How's it going? Yeah John, go finger your oil pan.:lol: :lol:

FreeBMW

12-30-2002, 06:25 PM

Originally posted by yamarocket630
Why is it every time Clayton picks up the camera, I have a gooofy look on my face?

Prolly cuz you ALWAYS have a goofy look on your face! :lol:

FreeBMW

01-02-2003, 01:35 AM

More work performed tonight.....

see pics at:

http://www.freebmw.net/Yamarocket630/SecretProject/

yamarocket630

01-03-2003, 12:37 AM

More work accomplished New Year's day...

Oil pan tapped for temp sender, exhaust manifold tapped and EGT probe installed radiator disassembled to repair broken mounting pin.
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/EGT/DCP_0249small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/EGT/DCP_0260small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/EGT/DCP_0262small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan1st2003/DCP_0244small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan1st2003/DCP_0275small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan1st2003/DCP_0277small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan1st2003/DCP_0282small.jpg

yamarocket630

01-03-2003, 12:38 AM

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/Radiator/DCP_0297small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/Radiator/DCP_0298small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/Radiator/DCP_0303small.jpg

And what post would be complete with out Chapstick?!

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/ChapStick/DCP_0280small.jpg

yamarocket630

01-05-2003, 02:44 AM

Much more work today...
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0306small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0325small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0344small.jpg

The car got a little lighter :eek:
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0348small.jpg

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0355small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0367small.jpg

yamarocket630

01-05-2003, 02:47 AM

Reinstalling the release bearing after cleaning and lubing the input shaft.

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/small.jpg

EJ25 for sale...:lol:
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0370small.jpg

Gonna have to change my plate soon!

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0387small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0397small.jpg

FreeBMW

01-05-2003, 03:26 AM

WEEEE

that was fun tonight!

Motor is out

next comes the wiring :confused: have you ever seen a WRX wiring harness.....it prolly is 45 lbs of wire & connectors.:eek:

2000vfr800

01-05-2003, 11:48 AM

Man...you guys are moving right along. Wish I was closer and/or not so busy.

Safir

01-05-2003, 11:49 AM

Nice wheel gap yama!

FreeBMW

01-06-2003, 09:11 PM

the wiring has begun!

http://www.freebmw.net/Yamarocket630/SecretProject/WiringHarnesses/

its amazing how many ghetto splices there are in a STOCK wrx harness....

Elwood

01-06-2003, 09:26 PM

man, that's scary!!!

TwoSeater

01-07-2003, 01:21 AM

You know John, it always catches me a little off guard on just how much you dare to be different! Please, in the name of all that is holy, DO NOT do the "Ron's Nissan" wiring job!!!! :lol: :lol:

rob

01-08-2003, 04:46 PM

John,

What is your plan for converting the wiring? Are you keeping the RS harness and adapting in the necessary WRX parts? Have you documented which wires/connectors need to be added/removed?

Anybody else think it's a bad idea to be doing this while drinking beer and watching TV? :) What would chapstick think?

-Rob

yamarocket630

01-09-2003, 12:38 AM

To answer a few questions, this will probably the best documented swap EVAR. I am using the RS harness for everything not related to the engine, ie lights, gauges, EVAP, HVAC, etc. I am using the WRX harness ONLY for the engine and ECU (stock WRX ECU) and mating the 2 harnesses together. This involves taking 2 WRX harnesses (Dash harness and engine compartment harness) and cuting out about 75% so that only engine related wiring remains. It's no small step to make that first cut on what's probably $1000 or more worth of harnesses, fortunantly I got em cheap. (thanks Hondaslayer!) Once the WRX harnesses are "pared down" to only the engine / ECU section and spiced back together, I have to remove the sections of the RS harness that control the engine. I will than have to integrate the two harnesses together... for example the WRX ECU will control the stock RS EVAP purge control solenoid through the stock RS body harness, by splicing circuit B134/2 from the RS harness to B137/16 at the WRX ECU.

The wiring is not for the faint of heart, but I am planning to document this well as in pictures of the harness routings, what is cut out and left in place, and most importantly, a cross reference for what circuits from The RS harness get spliced to the WRX ECU, and diagrams for the more complicated sections, like converting all the diagnostic connectors to work with both the RS ABS / SIR systems and the WRX ECU.

Hope that answers your questions... it's been fun so far, now back to drinking and cutting.

P.S. don't worry about the drinking... it WILL run the first time I twist the key.

FreeBMW

01-09-2003, 01:06 AM

Originally posted by yamarocket630
To answer a few questions, this will probably the best documented swap EVAR. I am using the RS harness for everything not related to the engine, ie lights, gauges, EVAP, HVAC, etc. I am using the WRX harness ONLY for the engine and ECU (stock WRX ECU) and mating the 2 harnesses together. This involves taking 2 WRX harnesses (Dash harness and engine compartment harness) and cuting out about 75% so that only engine related wiring remains. It's no small step to make that first cut on what's probably $1000 or more worth of harnesses, fortunantly I got em cheap. (thanks Hondaslayer!) Once the WRX harnesses are "pared down" to only the engine / ECU section and spiced back together, I have to remove the sections of the RS harness that control the engine. I will than have to integrate the two harnesses together... for example the WRX ECU will control the stock RS EVAP purge control solenoid through the stock RS body harness, by splicing circuit B134/2 from the RS harness to B137/16 at the WRX ECU.

The wiring is not for the faint of heart, but I am planning to document this well as in pictures of the harness routings, what is cut out and left in place, and most importantly, a cross reference for what circuits from The RS harness get spliced to the WRX ECU, and diagrams for the more complicated sections, like converting all the diagnostic connectors to work with both the RS ABS / SIR systems and the WRX ECU.

Hope that answers your questions... it's been fun so far, now back to drinking and cutting.

P.S. don't worry about the drinking... it WILL run the first time I twist the key.

Ya...what he said.....but Yama how do you twist a key???? dont you turn a key??

nothing but love for the swap! its going to be quite badass

yamarocket630

01-09-2003, 01:11 AM

Technically you twist it, turning usually implies a lever, like a window crank :lol:

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Streetman

01-09-2003, 01:17 AM

... for example the WRX ECU will control the stock RS EVAP purge control solenoid through the stock RS body harness, by splicing circuit B134/2 from the RS harness to B137/16 at the WRX ECU.
Well, duh.:rolleyes:

phong

01-09-2003, 12:28 PM

Thank you. Finally some light might be shed on this subject. No more i-speed "trade secrets". The only bad part is I have 1998 and the wiring is quite a bit different. But once again Thank You.
Dan

yamarocket630

01-09-2003, 11:28 PM

Originally posted by phong
No more i-speed "trade secrets". The only bad part is I have 1998 and the wiring is quite a bit different. Dan

I accept Paypal $$$$ Thanks, John:lol:

01-09-2003, 11:31 PM

Originally posted by yamarocket630
Technically you twist it, turning usually implies a lever, like a window crank :lol:

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Ya, you're right. Twisting implies imparting a torque which is what you are doing to the key. :)

JC

Safir

01-09-2003, 11:55 PM

a key is a lever, just with a short fulcrum...
Twisting implies deformation of the object being twisted (a lemon twist, do the twist) turning implies rotating an object. i'll have to go with turning the key

yamarocket630

01-10-2003, 02:05 AM

Originally posted by Safir
a key is a lever, just with a short fulcrum...
Twisting implies deformation of the object being twisted (a lemon twist, do the twist) turning implies rotating an object. i'll have to go with turning the key

So I guess it'll start the first time I deform the key.

mykrrrr

01-10-2003, 02:25 AM

yama - nice. :D

It's good your documenting every step but what about when the manufacturer changes looms or runs into a problem with a certain loom and has to substitute one loom for another to keep the production line running without stopping (not that I'd know anything about this... ;)) or they cut costs and change the looms mid production??? :rolleyes:

GOOD LUCK and please try to start the car up on a Saturday when I'm back in MI visiting. :)

OH...I don't have paypal. Can I write you a check from the bank of Ugonda??? I think I've got like 34443532555 bazillon dollars in my account there...atleast that's what the email I got said. :lol:

-mykr.

Rattler

01-10-2003, 06:34 AM

What about Twisted Sister?:confused: :eek: :lol:

Safir

01-10-2003, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by Rattler
What about Twisted Sister?:confused: :eek: :lol:

definently deformed ;)

christoph1371

01-12-2003, 02:04 PM

Great job yamarocket630 ! It's nice to see other people taking up the challenge and actually figuring the wiring out. Are you documenting the time (hours) each task is taking...like seperating the wiring from what you need vs don't need or actually soldering time?
I am curious to see how long it would take for someone doing a first time conversion. We, unfortunatly, drank to much beer, walked away frustrated, and didn't track any time for the first conversion. We did eventually build have a 6ft beer pyramid. The base was 45 beer cans:)

[QUOTE]Finally some light might be shed on this subject. No more i-speed "trade secrets". QUOTE]
I tell all the people the same things about the "secret"...thoroughly review the manuals and figure it out.... ahahahaha that's the big trade secret everyone complains about. Honestly it’s no secret. It just requires work. And unfortunately, yes, each MY has it’s own little SNAFUs, which = more work:(

Again, great job yamarocket630 !

Chris
i-speedusa.com

yamarocket630

01-12-2003, 02:50 PM

Yeah, the wiring has been fun... here's a quick pic of thr nearly finished harness... it's about 16 feet long!
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/WiringHarnesses/DCP_0547small.JPG

DoctorNick

01-12-2003, 03:04 PM

first off:
I can't believe you guys are argueing twisting vs turning :lol: (looks for nerd icon)

but second...

dayum, looks like so much tedious (sp) work! I woulda broken into a seizure and started to bleed from my ears after trying to do that :eek:

Can't wait to see the install photos :D

Streetman

01-12-2003, 03:43 PM

Yama-

Ever think, once you've gone through the headache of figuring out your harness, you'd like to do this for everyone else on the board that is doing a swap? It seems to be the one thing holding half the people up on doing a swap. Right now, the only solution is to learn to do what yolu are doing, or if you are close to someone who does swaps, pay fat $$ for them to do it. I see a nice niche where you could make some $$. Sure, go ahead and document it, and post it. But I can tell you right now, I'm not even about to attempt to follow that. I'd rather throw you my harnesses, and get then back plug and play.

BTW, I get a 10% marketing fee.

yamarocket630

01-12-2003, 10:34 PM

I kind of like the throwing fat money at me thing.

Update, things not going as planned...:(
The flywheel fits my motor but not the clutch... it seems I got a flywheel for a newer WRX engine and the bolt pattern isn't the same for the pressure plate as the older engine.
The engine crossmember is bent!:mad: this puts a major damper on the plans, as now I have to source another one...$$$ oh, well, like they say if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it... and I have to ask.:(

on to the weekly eye candy... a WRX/RS hybrid radiator... the WRX core (almost double the cooling capacity) with the RS top and bottom tanks that mount the radiator and fans correctly to the vehicle.

Simply pry back the tabs that hold the tanks on (carefully!) remove tha tanks and swap them, Compress the gasket underneath the tanks, tap the aluminum header back straight with a hammer and retension the tabs.
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/Radiator/DCP_0603small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/Radiator/DCP_0609small.jpg
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/Radiator/DCP_0703small.jpg

Streetman

01-14-2003, 06:18 PM

Pretty sweet move on the radiator. You ever get your member straight?:lol:

FreeBMW

01-14-2003, 07:10 PM

we did a little work last night.....

test fitted WRX sedan control arms :-) to bad they stick out WAY to far. did everyone know that a wrx wagon shares the EXACT same lower control arm as a GC car! So i have a bit of old school aboard my wagon!

as for the cross member....new one will be here for this weekend.

Special thanks to smilin john at hodges for the smokin deal on it!:)

work will resume this weekend & hopefully by late sat / early sun the motor will be in the car and all we will have left is wiring.

Quote of the evening from last night (John directed at me) "I'll make a mechanic out of you yet"

wawazat

01-14-2003, 08:11 PM

What did you guys do to solve the clutch/flywheel problem?

yamarocket630

01-14-2003, 08:32 PM

ordered a new one.

rob

01-14-2003, 08:48 PM

Originally posted by yamarocket630
To answer a few questions, this will probably the best documented swap EVAR.
<SNIP>
Hope that answers your questions... it's been fun so far, now back to drinking and cutting.

P.S. don't worry about the drinking... it WILL run the first time I twist the key.

Hey John,

Yes this answers my questions. Thanks for the information and hardwork on documenting for the subie cause. I would recommend putting a paypal "donations" button on the top of your reference page. Heck I would be willing to send some good Karma your way when I need to use the information.

If you left some of the dash WRX harness in, would you be able to adapt the WRX cluster (would it even fit) ? If not, I wonder if you will have any problems with RS guages not quite working properly with the WRX sensors and ECU.

Maybe you already answered this, but how much did you get all the WRX parts for to do the swap (if you don't mind sharing)?

-Rob

TwoSeater

01-19-2003, 09:52 PM

Again, i must say.......you are without a doubt THE most anal person i know, so i know this will be a "factory" job when completed. on that note, when ya gonna bail that stock turbo? If you remember our recent phone conversations, i have located said parts for project "2.5 ES", and will be in the market soon for goodies. by the way, i think i want to stay with original plans with horn :devil: i'll be the only one that'll know ( besides you)
keep me posted, and good luck........P.S. , FINALLY got that job i've been waiting on for over a year now........WOOO-HOOOO!!!! Beer @ cost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TwoSeater

01-19-2003, 10:05 PM

On twisting........ can't really agree on the deforming thing completely for following reseasons and examples: i've twisted several caps off beer bottles, throttle on my dirt bike, and twist-top on the mustard jar, all of which did not deform, however, when throttle was "twisted" , original position was retained after opposing force released pressure, i.e., i let go, and spring returned it to original position, same as which a key would after person lets go after engine starts, (well , at least most people let go) however, they must "turn" key to get to that momentary position in the switch. that said, I will now shut up.:)

FreeBMW

01-20-2003, 01:42 AM

BIG BIG things happend tonight!!!!

John is going to post as soon as he gets home!

All I am going to say is.......We made more progress in the last 3 days towards a running WRX/RS Hybrid than I could imagine possiable!

yamarocket630

01-20-2003, 02:18 AM

Lots more work done over the last three days, I'm too tired to post many pics now, but here's a few teasers.

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan18th2003/DCP_0856small.jpg

I have to make this all one harness again!!!! :eek:
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/WiringHarnesses/DCP_0922small.jpg

Even Paco got to help!

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/Paco/DCP_0810small.jpg

:devil: :devil: :devil:
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan19th2003/DCP_0947small.jpg

christoph1371

01-20-2003, 02:34 AM

Great progress!
Have fun soldering:)
chris
BTW: where is the SMJ going to be stashed?

DoctorNick

01-20-2003, 02:54 AM

ok few problems:

no goofy looking pictures of you jon & no chapstick. Therfor I think this is a fake!

FreeBMW

01-20-2003, 02:59 AM

Originally posted by DoctorNick
ok few problems:

no goofy looking pictures of you jon & no chapstick. Therfor I think this is a fake!

no chapstick tonight......

but here is funny one of John

http://www.freebmw.net/Yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan19th2003/DCP_0877.JPG

lbk16

01-20-2003, 08:26 AM

Congrats John! Can't wait to hear more about it.

2000vfr800

01-20-2003, 09:12 AM

Is it going to be at Hoota's tonight?

lbk16

01-20-2003, 09:14 AM

If it is, I will make sure that I am there.

yamarocket630

01-20-2003, 09:16 AM

Th SMJ is going to get cut out, the harness will be routed externally, so it's abiout 6 feet too long.

Unfortunantly, the engine was in only for a test fit to check for clearance issues, it has to come back out this week to install the new flywheel, hopefully it should be running next weekend.

Fred Zaplitny

01-20-2003, 09:18 AM

:eek:

It almost looks like a real GC8!

(looks at bankbook) Hmm.

wawazat

01-20-2003, 09:44 AM

Originally posted by lbk16
If it is, I will make sure that I am there.

It's John's birthday, but you'll only come if his CAR is there :confused: :lol:

Just kidding!

Todd

wawazat

01-20-2003, 09:47 AM

Originally posted by lbk16
If it is, I will make sure that I am there.

It's John's birthday, NOT the car's birthday:confused: :lol:

Todd

lbk16

01-20-2003, 09:48 AM

Todd, I know...its just really tough for me to get out there. That Hooters is really, really far from my office and from my house.

Fred Zaplitny

01-20-2003, 09:51 AM

Originally posted by lbk16
Todd, I know...its just really tough for me to get out there. That Hooters is really, really far from my office and from my house.

Now he's making excuses! But if the car was there......
:lol:

lbk16

01-20-2003, 10:23 AM

I already got John his B-day present...I got his ticket knocked down to a no-point violation. So, there!

I would really like to be there...but I have two things working against me...the office and the office.

christoph1371

01-20-2003, 02:04 PM

We debated over the SMJ and it's placement. Either cut it and solder more wires or keep it and find a place to stash all the goods.

The entire dash came out to find storage. Needless to say, we did discover ample "storage" space plus we ended up saving time on the soldering.

WRX 555 STi

01-20-2003, 07:02 PM

Hmmmm...That weld seam on the downpipe with the MIG welder...hmmmm...not good. I can see some spots that had a very thin weld wall. Hope you don't have problems once this thing hits 800oF+

Oh by the way, I am a professional welder that's why i took the time to talk ;) Hope it works for you guys!!!

~Anthony.

WRX 555 STi

01-20-2003, 07:02 PM

WRX 555 STi

01-20-2003, 07:02 PM

WRX 555 STi

01-20-2003, 07:02 PM

WRX 555 STi

01-20-2003, 07:02 PM

WRX 555 STi

01-20-2003, 07:04 PM

WRX 555 STi

01-20-2003, 07:04 PM

WRX 555 STi

01-20-2003, 07:04 PM

lbk16

01-20-2003, 07:12 PM

Whoa! An an 8X post!

wawazat

01-20-2003, 07:12 PM

and professional post whore! Nice job Anthony!!! :lol: :lol:

Todd

WRX 555 STi

01-20-2003, 07:39 PM

Oh what the heck...when i was hitting the submit button it didn't come up with the "thank you for posting" page...it just gave me a not responding page....oh ****

TwoSeater

01-22-2003, 10:22 PM

coming along nicely, i must say.......looks like i need to airbrush ya a new shirt for your car huh?:devil: :devil:

01-22-2003, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by WRX 555 STi
Oh what the heck...when i was hitting the submit button it didn't come up with the "thank you for posting" page...it just gave me a not responding page....oh ****

So delete them.

JC

yamarocket630

01-28-2003, 02:46 AM

BIG news in the next couple of days.

aspera

01-28-2003, 06:19 AM

Originally posted by FreeBMW
we did a little work last night.....

test fitted WRX sedan control arms :-) to bad they stick out WAY to far. did everyone know that a wrx wagon shares the EXACT same lower control arm as a GC car! So i have a bit of old school aboard my wagon!

Hi, I did a search and found this thread. Good luck on your swap. I hope it goes smoothly.

I was searching for info on the lower control arms. I have this idea that a WRX sedan owner could swap in wagon/GC control arms and fit 255 or even 265 tires up front. Would you mind measuring the contol arms if they are both handy? Thanks.

By the way. Can I have your tools?:) You guys have an awesome shop.

mykrrrr

01-28-2003, 09:02 AM

You guys have an awesome shop.
Best part is the motorized stairway. :D

Anthony - I think your mis-post was a whole page... :lol:

Yama - What flywheel are you installing???

-mykr.

Safir

01-28-2003, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by mykrrrr

Best part is the motorized stairway. :D

-mykr.

I dont think freeBMW agrees - seeing as he's scared ****less of it ever sicne it almost fell on him (or so i heard... he was probably halfway across teh room when it fell ;))

yamarocket630

01-28-2003, 08:26 PM

After long hours and lots of diesel fuel... these are the results.
From this...
http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan4th2003/DCP_0306small.jpg

With LOTS of this...

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan27th2003/DCP_1065small.jpg

Gets you this!!!

http://www.freebmw.net/yamarocket630/SecretProject/jan27th2003/DCP_1107small.jpg

:) :D :cool: :devil:

wawazat

01-28-2003, 08:30 PM

ALIVE!!!!!

spiralsmurf

01-28-2003, 08:38 PM

is it working now? oh man i hope you release instructions on how to do this or make a harness. hopefully by the time i have the $$ to do the swap i'll be able to do it myself.

yamarocket630

01-28-2003, 08:48 PM

it runs perfectly.. I have a slight connection issue with the fuel pump control module, I still need to source a connector.

Hondaslayer

01-28-2003, 08:50 PM

John, Did you end up using the underdrive pulley on the EJ20?

If not you selling it?

Hondaslayer

01-28-2003, 08:51 PM

Oh and what are you doing thursday night? I may steal the pump then cuz I'm installing gauges and oil pan on thursday

yamarocket630

01-28-2003, 08:53 PM

The UD pulley is on the 2.0

spiralsmurf

01-28-2003, 09:17 PM

so are you planning to let people know how to do this?

Crawford/I-Speed

01-28-2003, 09:40 PM

Congratulations Yama! Now you can see, truly, how painstakingly easy the conversion task is.

Chris

A few q's for you and everyone else;
How much time did you log into your project?
Do you think you can now make a harness to ease this lovely process?

yamarocket630

01-28-2003, 10:00 PM

I gues we probably had around 100 hours in it, including changing the cross-member twice, installing/removing/reinstalling the engine, gauges and all.

Actually, if I can source connectors, yes, making a plug and play harness wouldn't be that hard.

A question for you I-speed... I'm curious if you guys change the complete harness, or just cut and splice like I did? If you change the whole thing, how many connector bodies have to be changed?

spiralsmurf

01-28-2003, 10:13 PM

yamarocket: i'm pretty sure if you PM Gerry, he has all the stock ECU connectors.

Crawford/I-Speed

01-28-2003, 10:20 PM

We did try to swap out the harness once....and we will never do it again. Too Much time.
We cut, splice and solder. We have whittled the entire wiring process (getting it, seperating it, cutting it, soldering) to 20 or so hours.
Until we can find a system that can be used for all MYs ...then the manufacturing or harness is moot. It's not because it cannot be done. It is because of sheer economics. The amount of money it would take to make each MY and then trying to get the return on that investment (meaning the amount of conversions that would have to be done)is, at this point, not realistic.

Chris

spiralsmurf

01-28-2003, 10:30 PM

is there a significant difference between MY00 and 01? also could you just make the harnesses based on orders? like i would call you up and tell you i needed one. you would make it and send it to me.

yamarocket630

01-28-2003, 10:38 PM

Chris is absolutely right. I could use my own harness as a prototype for MY00-01 (no differneces in wiring as far as I know) but it would probably be very expensive to make.

Elwood

01-28-2003, 10:44 PM

congrats john!!!!

will it be at D&B tomorrow?

Jim

edit: just read the other thread... can't wait to see it done!

spiralsmurf

01-28-2003, 10:53 PM

what exactly would the harness do? would it connect the wrx ecu to the RS interior wiring? would any splicing be involved?

yamarocket630

01-28-2003, 11:02 PM

the harness (if I built it that way I wanted) would plug into the existing RS ECU connectors, and then route to everything else, no cutting involved, and you could tuck the original RS engine wiring up under the dash, or cut it out. That being, said, that's not the way I did my harness.

TwoSeater

01-28-2003, 11:08 PM

congrats john! land-line coversations with you dont do justice to the pics! (old adage-pic worth 1k words) very true. are you still going to manual boost control? i also noticed that whenever we are NOT working on something together, you are much more productive.........could this be to the constant B.S. we throw back and forth when we work together????:lol: by the way, will my steering wheel project interfere with the clock spring?????

spiralsmurf

01-28-2003, 11:10 PM

oh man. that sounds amazing. so you would just unplug the rs ecu, plug the connectors into your harness and the plug the other end into the wrx ecu?

yamarocket630

01-28-2003, 11:52 PM

Originally posted by spiralsmurf
oh man. that sounds amazing. so you would just unplug the rs ecu, plug the connectors into your harness and the plug the other end into the wrx ecu?

yes, exactly

spiralsmurf

01-29-2003, 12:29 AM

please make this. i will love you forever. :lol:

Crawford/I-Speed

01-29-2003, 02:46 AM

Yama,

Which other aftermarket parts did you put in?

We have dynoed a stock (It only has a lightned flywheel and ACT clutch)conversion at 180whp.

Did you put in cruise control?
Which part of the wiring did you find most challenging?

Chris
i-speedusa.com

FreeBMW

01-29-2003, 03:16 AM

you know john.....I look at those pics & still cant belive we did all that!!!

I am so happy it worked out!

that thing is SO fast....Toon better watch out!

I drove my WRX today for the first time in like 5 days....its so fast it scared me.....I have to remeber to not drive it for a few days....it makes you smile more!

Any new MIL besides 1230?

i will bring the scan tool to D&B.

Thanks for letting me be part of the swap....and thanks for the cool blue tool box ;)

lbk16

01-29-2003, 08:30 AM

Congrats again John!

Can't wait to go for a ride in the beastie...

mykrrrr

01-29-2003, 11:02 AM

I can't wait to see it when I come home to MI for a visit. :)

I might be rollin' in the G35 when I do stop by. :D

Great job John, et al. Clayton can we do a swap into my car @ your house??? John, I'll provide the beer for the wiring hell... :lol:

-mykr.

Boostup!

01-29-2003, 11:03 AM

So it's on the road already? Congratulations John! How's the engine's health? It sounded pretty good the first two times you started it up. I'm sure it'll be damn fast, can't wait to get a ride in it. We should set up a little picture taking session with our RS-T next to each other with the hood open. Long live the old school Impreza!

2000vfr800

01-29-2003, 11:09 AM

How about this Friday at the YC! Maybe we can get a good table this time with a hot waitress or two...

FreeBMW

01-29-2003, 04:15 PM

to all those that want to see the beast at its first public unveiling see this thread.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=306698

It will be there!

2000vfr800

01-29-2003, 05:28 PM

Unfortunately, I won't be so I have to hope for Friday.

lbk16

01-29-2003, 06:28 PM

I'm with Don. I can't make it tonight, but I would love to see the finished product.

yamarocket630

01-30-2003, 12:16 AM

Toon- the engine is EXTREMELY healthy!:eek:
Unfortunantly the BOV bleeds boost above 12-13 psi if i get into it hard, (it makes really loud squealing noises) it will hold up to 16 if I ease into the throttle. Stock BOV should be on by next week I hope. I also need to find a fuel pump controller connector, the wires wiggling around on the terminals keep setting a p1230 - fuel pump control module fault. I think that's why it wouldn't run the pump until I unhooked it and then reconnected it.

If the weather is decent Friday I'll try to make YC, and we can get that picture.

Originally posted by I-Speed USA
Yama,

Which other aftermarket parts did you put in?

We have dynoed a stock (It only has a lightned flywheel and ACT clutch)conversion at 180whp.

Did you put in cruise control?
Which part of the wiring did you find most challenging?

Chris
i-speedusa.com

I have a 12.5 lb Exedy flywheel, Samco intercooler hose, catless uppipe, catless 3" down pipe with a 3" cat in front of the midpipe and a Brullen N/A medium exhaust (very quiet now) and a Vishnu MBC... will have a stage 0 + turbo-back tuned unichip in a few weeks.

By best guess is around 270 crankshaft at 15 psi

I actually found the stripping out of the WRX harness to be the toughest part, the rest of it (the removal of the RS harness and integrating the two harnesses) was just time-consuming

I have a WRX cruise servo and control module on the way, I couldn't find a spot big enough for the stock RS servo... plus a vacuum operated servo would get bitter about positive pressure, which means a would have to have a dedicated electric vacuum pump or a large vacuum reserviour (more stuff that won't fit)

yamarocket630

01-30-2003, 12:27 AM

A brief write-up on this swap, with a few tips for those of you who are considering it.

First of all, if you are not very mechanically inclined (I was a professional mechanic for 10 years and now work for GM technical assistance - for those who don't already know), you should seriously consider paying I-speed or LaChute or Rallispec to do this for you.

You WILL learn A LOT about your car. IT IS a pain in the ***. Buy the Subaru wiring manuals before you even buy the engine, if they don't make sense, don't attempt the swap!!! I nearly wore out my 2001 and 2002 wiring manuals in 6 weeks.

A list of parts you WILL need or are strongly suggested.
WRX engine (obviously)
Power steering lines and the hard lines on the rack (or a lot of bending of the stock RS hard lines)
WRX cross-member
Fuel pump WRX or Walbro, Supra, etc
Fuel pump control module (suggested) I-speed, do you guys install one or do without?
WRX dash and front harnesses or pre-2001 WRX LHD front wiring harness, WRX ECU
Stronger clutch
Light flywheel (suggested)
all the misc bits, airbox, uppipe, downpipe, Boost control solenoid, etc.
STI or WRX trans mount (the stock RS trans mount is horribly weak)
STI engine mounts (suggested)
Upgraded radiator (suggested) Koyo or WRX / RS hybrid radiator
WRX throttle cable, or modify the RS cable bracket to shorten it about and inch ie cut and weld.
WRX power steering reservoiur and bracket (plus you have to fabricate an adapter, or get a pre-2001 WRX ie JDM bracket)
WRX wagon control arms, or WRX control arm bushings pressed into your stock control arms, or you will have to shim the stock control arm / stock bushing setup about 5-8mm to take up the extra width of the WRX crossmember.
A lot of time and patience.
Chapstik

FreeBMW

01-30-2003, 12:55 AM

yay chapstick!

swaps rule!

johns car is the way a GC/GM body style should have been!

Crawford/I-Speed

01-30-2003, 02:08 AM

We use the WRX fuel pump controller and relay in our conversions.

Here is a list like Yama posted.
http://www.i-speedusa.com/motor/wrx_conv.pdf

And yes the conversion process in a pain in the arse but oh those cars are sooo much more fun to drive:eek:

turbogc8

01-30-2003, 03:09 AM

after my swap was done. The only problem i had was that the fuel guage wouldn't work, and it threw the fuel level sensor code. Any suggestions?

spiralsmurf

01-30-2003, 03:26 AM

so any plans of producing details instructions or a harness?

yamarocket630

01-31-2003, 12:54 AM

Originally posted by turbogc8
after my swap was done. The only problem i had was that the fuel guage wouldn't work, and it threw the fuel level sensor code. Any suggestions?

The fuel level signal goes to the ECU as well as the gauge, so if you got a code and an inop gauge, I would guess the wire got hooked up wrong, or possible the sender may have gotton damaged when the pump was out.

yamarocket630

01-31-2003, 12:59 AM

Originally posted by spiralsmurf
so any plans of producing details instructions or a harness?

A harness probably not, I just don't think there is a market for a harness that would most likely cost 700-1000 dollars and still require some splicing. After rethinking my earlier post, I relaized it is not feasable to make one that requires absolutely no splicing, and would be specific to 2 model years. Detailed instructions? I might, but it will be a while, I have a lot going on right now.

Scooby South

01-31-2003, 01:58 AM

Being that I had to get most of the Parts for turboGC8's project...I agree with Yamarocket....However I am not far off to this myself.....as I am trying to find a motor as we speak....I am going with a 90-94 Turbo Legacy Front Crossmember so I don't have to shim up the front end...I Plan on a VF34 upgrade, Injectors, Uppipe , UTEC and a JIC GC8 Ti Turbo Back exhaust and maybe some small other goodies...I plan to keep the stock RS tranny untill I get all my goodies....then put a TYPE RA STi box in....Flywheel is already in as well as a good clutch....Thanks to Yamarocket and Adam out west for all the help...

Yamarocket...We Used the Fuel Contoller on TurboGC8's car...It wouldn't run otherwise....

Bill (Prestige Subaru)

spiralsmurf

01-31-2003, 04:27 AM

as i get closer to actually doing the swap, i'll let you know yama and maybe you'd be willing to make one harness. who knows what will happen, only time will tell.

rob

01-31-2003, 11:04 PM

Originally posted by yamarocket630

Detailed instructions? I might, but it will be a while, I have a lot going on right now.

What happend to "this being the best documented swap EVAR?"

Hondaslayer

02-01-2003, 12:35 AM

I'm sure John will document the whole process, Its only been running for a week!!! Give him a chance to enjoy it,Afterall he has more than earned it!!

Ben,

spiralsmurf

02-01-2003, 12:45 AM

i totally understand the joy he must feel, i mean i get joy out of any mod to my car regardless of how minor it is, i was just curious. i also want the same joy as john is experiencing.

Hondaslayer

02-01-2003, 12:59 AM

I dont think you want the "joy" john is feeling, Oh you mean the car???:eek: :eek: :lol:

TwoSeater

02-01-2003, 01:43 AM

OOOOUUUCCHHHHH!!!!!! Yama, you have been owned.
hehehehehehe, i love it! hey john, wont be making the trip to competition after all :( serious problems have arised.....hit me on the land-line, give ya the scoop.

yamarocket630

02-01-2003, 02:20 AM

documented? absolutely! I have pages of documents! organized well enough that anyone else can understand it? no.

I went to the trouble of learning how to do this all by myself, and could give give everyone who asked a :monkey: but I do plan to share when I'm good and ready. If you're that impatient, do it yourself.

Crawford/I-Speed

02-01-2003, 03:08 AM

Yama I didn't heared back yet. I will ping you as soon as I possible.

spiralsmurf

02-01-2003, 06:21 AM

i'm ready when you are dude. i'm months away from even really starting to piece my swap together.

rob

02-01-2003, 05:24 PM

Hey John,

No worries, I'm not really that impatient. I guess I misunderstood. There is a world of difference between "might document' and "will document it eventually." In the meantime, enjoy your ride.

-Rob

TwoSeater

02-01-2003, 11:41 PM

knowing John for over 13 years, I know that if he is "documenting", be prepared to wait for a bit. I also know that I have asked John for his advise on countless times, and I DO NOT rush him. John is without a doubt, one of , if not the best person for attention to detail I have came across. it will be EXACT, and no shortcuts. I know that before any information is disclosed, he will perfect his own, and if any, all "bugs" will have been worked out before any info is released. I respect him for that, as it would be easy to say "figure it out yourself", which i have never known him to do, unless he wants you to find the obvious that you oeverlooked,( to learn from it) or because he has been "pushed" to tell. i am in NO WAY bashing any one , but I realize that this swap is not for the mechanically-challenged, and any info should be considered a gift, not a demand on what people have done prior. I know if it was me, i would NOT expect the help or knowledge from him without a $$$, and this is not because i have known him for so long, it is because i know that ultimately, he is still saving me money, BIG TIME!... so take your time John, and enjoy the car. Then let out what info you want....

yamarocket630

02-04-2003, 12:10 AM

Still organizing wiring details to post later, I haven't forgotten.

spiralsmurf

02-04-2003, 01:40 AM

without question a donation would be made to the chapstick fund. whether you want to consider it payment or not is up to personal interpretation.

erice1984

02-27-2003, 04:33 PM

Wow, John I am impressed, mad props to you, and your crew. That is awesome.

-Eric

EDIT: I have no idea what this guy that posted below me was trying to say.

Streetman

02-27-2003, 04:56 PM

Hmmm....mad props.

How much horsepower would I see if I got, say, two mad props on my Brighton?

sscguy

02-28-2003, 12:09 AM

That's an absolutely amazing job man, you get huge amounts of respect from me. I was considering doing the same thing, but it's looking to be more daunting of a task than I anticipated, and I think my dad wouldn't appreciate me hogging the garage for so long. Just curious, do you have any numbers, hp, torque, 0-60, 1/4 mile or anything?

yamarocket630

02-28-2003, 12:32 AM

no numbers yet.

I haven't forgotten about posting up some details either. I should be working out the last of the wiring details (i.e. bugs) this weekend, then i can organize all of the info and hopefully post some.

scoobyimpreza

03-14-2003, 10:09 AM

i may have read it and forgot it, read to fast and didnt see it, or just skiped over it. what year/model ej20 is this?

thanks

Safir

03-14-2003, 10:39 AM

It is from a 2002 USDM WRX with like 15000 miles on it

mykrrrr

03-14-2003, 11:05 AM

yama's motor is a '02 EJ20 from a USDM WRX.

-mykr.

Fred Zaplitny

03-14-2003, 11:23 AM

It's an EJ20 from a 2002 USDM WRX. I know this because I just read it in the two posts above mine.
:p

mykrrrr

03-14-2003, 11:48 AM

Hey Froedrick...was it a '02 USDM WRX motor??? ;)

-mykr.

Streetman

03-14-2003, 12:45 PM

JDM?

mykrrrr

03-14-2003, 12:51 PM

USDM.

-mykr.

Streetman

03-14-2003, 01:31 PM

STi?

mykrrrr

03-14-2003, 01:34 PM

Whatever you want Streetie. :lol:

STi, Mugen, TRD, Mazdaspeed... :p

-mykr.

Streetman

03-14-2003, 02:24 PM

"Zoom, Zoom, Zoom"

Fred Zaplitny

03-14-2003, 02:25 PM

Enough already!

grimlock76

04-08-2003, 02:05 PM

bump

spiralsmurf

04-09-2003, 11:55 PM

so now that the car has been running for a couple months, do you have any upcoming plans to document the swap?

stimpy

04-21-2003, 03:21 PM

WRX wagon control arms, or WRX control arm bushings pressed into your stock control arms, or you will have to shim the stock control arm / stock bushing setup about 5-8mm to take up the extra width of the WRX crossmember.

Which approach did you take to get the crossmember installed? In looking at the crossmember pics, is the shim to take up the extra width between the control arm and the control arm mount on the crossmember? I'm just trying to figure this out since I've got conflicting opinions from both sides.

What preperatory measures did you take for the engine/tranny? I noticed you had some stuff torn down. Any suggested parts to replace before tossing the engine into the car? Thermostat, clutch, throwout bearings etc?

Also, thanks for all the pictures and I'm looking forward to reading any additional iformation you will provide.

-Jon

yamarocket630

05-26-2003, 03:08 PM

The hybrid has died...
I may not fix it... just don't know.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=363847

DoctorNick

05-26-2003, 05:31 PM

if they total it out. Rip out all the wireing and sell it to someone else with an 01 for there swap!!!!

stimpy

05-27-2003, 05:20 PM

That's really too bad. What did you do to spin the bearing?

-Jon

stimpy

08-18-2003, 10:31 PM

Bump cuz I'm sick of searching for this thread.

-Jon

Scooby South

08-18-2003, 11:05 PM

LOL...you KNOW its always on the back page...;)....bookmarked it along time ago...heheheheheh

Bill

yamarocket630

01-31-2004, 10:47 AM

Wow I forgot about this thread. Motor #3 (or would that be #4, or maybe even #5?) is on the way soon, then I just might sell the car.

stimpy

01-31-2004, 04:46 PM

Can handle your motors or what?

-Jon

BenBortner

06-02-2005, 01:01 AM

Which approach did you take to get the crossmember installed? In looking at the crossmember pics, is the shim to take up the extra width between the control arm and the control arm mount on the crossmember? I'm just trying to figure this out since I've got conflicting opinions from both sides.

-Jon
did you ever get word what he did about this issue?