JDM Ver 8 swap

D-Rodman · 09-04-2012, 03:01 PM

I'm considering swapping a jdm version 8 engine into my 02 wrx wagon. It's just my daily driver and will stay just that but I like to have a little fun every once in a while. Talking to Japan domestic imports for the engine and ecu, they are nasioc vendors. I can't decide if spending a little extra $ to get the ver 8 spec c. Looking to keep the swap as simple as possible, will a spec c conversion add complexity ? Just looking for some wisdom from guys that have done a jdm engine swap, comments welcome. Help me understand better. I've searched nasioc for hours, just need a little more personal feedback. I Understand I'll have to use a jdm ecu and do some additional wiring. What else Do I need to know?
Thanks in advance for your time and input.

Doug

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666stars · 09-04-2012, 03:09 PM

No difference for install, same wires needed for avcs. If its only a few hundred Bucks difference go for the spec C

Good read
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=823167

kayen · 09-04-2012, 03:18 PM

Look at the EJ207 Info Thread that has been nicely compiled by: Vlad. This thread is much smaller compared to the older EJ207 Thread and has none of the garbage.

EJ207 Info Thread

vogun16 · 09-04-2012, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Rodman

I'm considering swapping a jdm version 8 engine into my 02 wrx wagon. It's just my daily driver and will stay just that but I like to have a little fun every once in a while. Talking to Japan domestic imports for the engine and ecu, they are nasioc vendors. I can't decide if spending a little extra $ to get the ver 8 spec c. Looking to keep the swap as simple as possible, will a spec c conversion add complexity ? Just looking for some wisdom from guys that have done a jdm engine swap, comments welcome. Help me understand better. I've searched nasioc for hours, just need a little more personal feedback. I Understand I'll have to use a jdm ecu and do some additional wiring. What else Do I need to know?
Thanks in advance for your time and input.

Doug

Hey Doug,

The V8\V8 spec C are no different in install complexity (easy).
Good call in Japan Domestic Motors, they are a standup vendor and very easy to work with.

Vaughn

D-Rodman · 09-04-2012, 05:21 PM

Thank you everybody, I'm feeling confident about doing the swap now. Just have to make the final decision on ver 8 spec c or regular ver 8. Its a $400 difference, no big deal but I'm the frugal type.

vogun16 · 09-04-2012, 05:25 PM

Luckily I saw both at Japan Domestic Motor when I was there last week

D-Rodman · 09-04-2012, 05:33 PM

So which one did you get? Spec c?

vogun16 · 09-04-2012, 05:45 PM

I all ready got an engineV7/transmission/brembos/seats/wheels/lights etc through Wais. This time I picked up some new brakes.....

D-Rodman · 09-04-2012, 05:49 PM

I see, you are a jdm addict, I guess I'm just getting started.

jdm05 · 09-04-2012, 06:15 PM

Nice build, love those calipers and wheels. So jdm!

azscooby · 09-04-2012, 07:04 PM

I would have to say that a spec c will be a little more involved since you will have an oil radiator as well as a transmission cooler.
That means the car will have outlets and inlets for these but most likely the actual coolers (radiators) will not be included with the swap. It's an easy fix to convert these to a regular setup.

With the spec c you get the vf36, which imo is the best DD turbo out there, and I really want one!

You also get a better intercooler.

amroof · 09-04-2012, 07:21 PM

I would also say spec c or a v9 same setup as v9 spec c minus the oil cooler out put and the vf36 but same cams.

and to make your life super easy hit up Ia performance on there avcs kit for easy install.

http://www.iaperformance.com/product...oducts_id=3217

He is a stand up guy!

But all in all they will both require almost the same amount of work. And make sure you get a non immobilized ecu. the V9s come with them and some late version 8 or ask the company you are getting the engine for to make sure you get a 581 ecu from a v7.

Torquey · 09-04-2012, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amroof

I would also say spec c or a v9 same setup as v9 spec c minus the oil cooler out put and the vf36 but same cams.

and to make your life super easy hit up Ia performance on there avcs kit for easy install.

http://www.iaperformance.com/product...oducts_id=3217

He is a stand up guy!

But all in all they will both require almost the same amount of work. And make sure you get a non immobilized ecu. the V9s come with them and some late version 8 or ask the company you are getting the engine for to make sure you get a 581 ecu from a v7.

Is this for certain?! 'Cause I am about to get a v8 with late build date (Feb 04 according to the oil cap), and comes with a ECU# 22611AH581. I'd be pretty pissed if it ends up being immobilized.

BTW OP, definitely get the Spec for just $400 more... if not for anything, but just for the VF36 (like azscooby mentioned). May wanna make sure that it is what actually comes with the motor, by looking at the inscription on the compressor housing. Good luck man... I'm planning to do my swap next week!

D-Rodman · 09-04-2012, 09:52 PM

Thanks again everybody, I'm under the impression that the immobilize is not a problem with my 02 wrx, will have to check on that again.
I've decided the regular version 8 is fine for my dd and will put the saved money towards a new timing belt and the additional wiring.

Doug

D-Rodman · 09-06-2012, 10:57 AM

Engine and avcs wiring ordered, can't wait.

azscooby · 09-06-2012, 12:44 PM

Make sure, if you haven't yet, to read through the ej207 owners thread, it will be worth the time spent and will probably answer any questions you may still have.

Good luck!

lukeskywrx · 09-06-2012, 08:57 PM

THe 581 ecus are not immobilized, the later v9 STI ones are almost all immobilized and it has been found the V9-spec C ECUs are not immobilized. I run a 581 ecu on my v9 spec-c swap but I use the carberry SD rom, I requested a 581 ECU when I bought my motor because I did not want to risk an immobilizer and have to wait on a new ECU.

In addition spec-C motors and transmissions almost NEVER come with the coolers. They usually just cut the hoses so you are on your own for coolers.

THose RA-R brakes make me feel all tingly.......me want.

D-Rodman · 09-07-2012, 02:40 AM

I went with a version 8 engine, no risk of Immobilizer nor oil radiator issues, I considered the spec c but i want to keep the swap as simple as possible. Going to keep the stock downpipe and hope my 3" catback plays along nice. Will probably run on the stock ecu settings. I alway run high grade 93 octane from Sunoco or mobile. I'll teat it nice and not beat on it till I figure out an aftermarket downpipe and tunning.

stlnation · 09-07-2012, 06:00 AM

hey d-rodman did you look into these guys?

http://www.jdmracingmotors.com/jdm-e...V9-EJ207-Turbo

im eyeing the v8 on there.

Vlad · 09-07-2012, 07:45 AM

I may add a section about oil radiators to my write-up and one dedicated to AVCS.

By the time I finish writing, you'll see how the oil radiator is not really that expensive.

I did have doubts about reliabillity, but have been running my setup for more than 1.5 years now and I think I can advise for it.
I have not had any track day with my engine yet though.

Don't even think about putting a used oil radiator on your engine. I have a brand of new, cheap, OEM fitting radiator that works. A used radiator, just like a used cooler can bring debris into your engine's oil and kill it.

Hey, those Sti 6 pot brakes used to be incredibly expensive, I hope you got a good price.

D-Rodman · 09-07-2012, 09:02 AM

I purchased the engine package from Wais at Japan Domestic Motor, $3500 shipped, no transmission. didn't really shop it around, the guy is a vendor here, gets good feedback and has a 60 day warranty policy. I'm a small business guy, I know people need to make money and put food on their table. It's not so easy to make money this days. I have no regrets so far but I still don't have my parts to start the job. I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for all your help and feedback everybody.

lukeskywrx · 09-07-2012, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlad

I may add a section about oil radiators to my write-up and one dedicated to AVCS.

By the time I finish writing, you'll see how the oil radiator is not really that expensive.

I did have doubts about reliabillity, but have been running my setup for more than 1.5 years now and I think I can advise for it.
I have not had any track day with my engine yet though.

Don't even think about putting a used oil radiator on your engine. I have a brand of new, cheap, OEM fitting radiator that works. A used radiator, just like a used cooler can bring debris into your engine's oil and kill it.

Hey, those Sti 6 pot brakes used to be incredibly expensive, I hope you got a good price.

I just bought a simple oil cooler for transmissions and engines from amazon and fixed it on the front of my radiator, only cost 50$ and works great.

I have tracked my motor and the thing just loves abuse, and the BB turbo really gives great response. It is just like any other factory motor as long as you take care of it. I have no doubts that in a daily driver it will go 200K.

stlnation · 09-07-2012, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Rodman

I purchased the engine package from Wais at Japan Domestic Motor, $3500 shipped, no transmission. didn't really shop it around, the guy is a vendor here, gets good feedback and has a 60 day warranty policy. I'm a small business guy, I know people need to make money and put food on their table. It's not so easy to make money this days. I have no regrets so far but I still don't have my parts to start the job. I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for all your help and feedback everybody.

good info. where does he list his for sale motors?

neozero497 · 09-08-2012, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Rodman

I purchased the engine package from Wais at Japan Domestic Motor, $3500 shipped, no transmission. didn't really shop it around, the guy is a vendor here, gets good feedback and has a 60 day warranty policy. I'm a small business guy, I know people need to make money and put food on their table. It's not so easy to make money this days. I have no regrets so far but I still don't have my parts to start the job. I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for all your help and feedback everybody.

3500 shipped is good for that motor.

Were are oyu?

D-Rodman · 09-08-2012, 09:16 AM

New York.

09-04-2012, 03:01 PM	#1
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 2005 92x - 02 wrx silver 92x-wrb bugeye wag	JDM Ver 8 swap I'm considering swapping a jdm version 8 engine into my 02 wrx wagon. It's just my daily driver and will stay just that but I like to have a little fun every once in a while. Talking to Japan domestic imports for the engine and ecu, they are nasioc vendors. I can't decide if spending a little extra $ to get the ver 8 spec c. Looking to keep the swap as simple as possible, will a spec c conversion add complexity ? Just looking for some wisdom from guys that have done a jdm engine swap, comments welcome. Help me understand better. I've searched nasioc for hours, just need a little more personal feedback. I Understand I'll have to use a jdm ecu and do some additional wiring. What else Do I need to know? Thanks in advance for your time and input. Doug * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

09-04-2012, 03:09 PM	#2
666stars NASIOC Supporter Member#: 221364 Join Date: Aug 2009 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: 2002 Wrx EJ207 Ver 8 Wrb Dccd 5 speed now!	No difference for install, same wires needed for avcs. If its only a few hundred Bucks difference go for the spec C Good read http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=823167 Last edited by 666stars; 09-04-2012 at 03:17 PM.

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09-04-2012, 03:18 PM	#3
kayen Scooby Specialist Member#: 57287 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Kalamazoo, MI Vehicle: 2002 Bugeye STi MY03 Fozzy XS	Look at the EJ207 Info Thread that has been nicely compiled by: Vlad. This thread is much smaller compared to the older EJ207 Thread and has none of the garbage. EJ207 Info Thread

09-04-2012, 05:21 PM	#5
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 2005 92x - 02 wrx silver 92x-wrb bugeye wag	Thank you everybody, I'm feeling confident about doing the swap now. Just have to make the final decision on ver 8 spec c or regular ver 8. Its a $400 difference, no big deal but I'm the frugal type.

09-04-2012, 05:25 PM	#6
vogun16 Scooby Specialist Member#: 93206 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: somerville, MA Vehicle: 02 WRX.... JDM V7/8/9 RA-R Rotated	Luckily I saw both at Japan Domestic Motor when I was there last week

09-04-2012, 05:33 PM	#7
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 2005 92x - 02 wrx silver 92x-wrb bugeye wag	So which one did you get? Spec c?

09-04-2012, 05:45 PM	#8
vogun16 Scooby Specialist Member#: 93206 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: somerville, MA Vehicle: 02 WRX.... JDM V7/8/9 RA-R Rotated	I all ready got an engineV7/transmission/brembos/seats/wheels/lights etc through Wais. This time I picked up some new brakes.....

09-04-2012, 05:49 PM	#9
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 2005 92x - 02 wrx silver 92x-wrb bugeye wag	I see, you are a jdm addict, I guess I'm just getting started.

09-04-2012, 06:15 PM	#10
jdm05 Scooby Specialist Member#: 180155 Join Date: May 2008 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: washington Vehicle: e85 05 wrx PSM	Nice build, love those calipers and wheels. So jdm!

09-04-2012, 07:04 PM	#11
azscooby Scooby Specialist Member#: 115297 Join Date: May 2006 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Mesa, AZ Vehicle: 2002 ej207 vf34 WRB	I would have to say that a spec c will be a little more involved since you will have an oil radiator as well as a transmission cooler. That means the car will have outlets and inlets for these but most likely the actual coolers (radiators) will not be included with the swap. It's an easy fix to convert these to a regular setup. With the spec c you get the vf36, which imo is the best DD turbo out there, and I really want one! You also get a better intercooler.

09-04-2012, 07:21 PM	#12
amroof Scooby Specialist Member#: 211224 Join Date: May 2009 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Aurora, CO Vehicle: 2005 Mystical UniCorn FXTi	I would also say spec c or a v9 same setup as v9 spec c minus the oil cooler out put and the vf36 but same cams. and to make your life super easy hit up Ia performance on there avcs kit for easy install. http://www.iaperformance.com/product...oducts_id=3217 He is a stand up guy! But all in all they will both require almost the same amount of work. And make sure you get a non immobilized ecu. the V9s come with them and some late version 8 or ask the company you are getting the engine for to make sure you get a 581 ecu from a v7.

09-04-2012, 09:52 PM	#14
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 2005 92x - 02 wrx silver 92x-wrb bugeye wag	Thanks again everybody, I'm under the impression that the immobilize is not a problem with my 02 wrx, will have to check on that again. I've decided the regular version 8 is fine for my dd and will put the saved money towards a new timing belt and the additional wiring. Doug

09-06-2012, 10:57 AM	#15
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 2005 92x - 02 wrx silver 92x-wrb bugeye wag	Engine and avcs wiring ordered, can't wait.

09-06-2012, 12:44 PM	#16
azscooby Scooby Specialist Member#: 115297 Join Date: May 2006 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Mesa, AZ Vehicle: 2002 ej207 vf34 WRB	Make sure, if you haven't yet, to read through the ej207 owners thread, it will be worth the time spent and will probably answer any questions you may still have. Good luck!

09-06-2012, 08:57 PM	#17
lukeskywrx Scooby Specialist Member#: 59837 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Arizona Vehicle: 2004 Spec-C Type RA What MAF? -Speed Density!	THe 581 ecus are not immobilized, the later v9 STI ones are almost all immobilized and it has been found the V9-spec C ECUs are not immobilized. I run a 581 ecu on my v9 spec-c swap but I use the carberry SD rom, I requested a 581 ECU when I bought my motor because I did not want to risk an immobilizer and have to wait on a new ECU. In addition spec-C motors and transmissions almost NEVER come with the coolers. They usually just cut the hoses so you are on your own for coolers. THose RA-R brakes make me feel all tingly.......me want.

09-07-2012, 02:40 AM	#18
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 2005 92x - 02 wrx silver 92x-wrb bugeye wag	I went with a version 8 engine, no risk of Immobilizer nor oil radiator issues, I considered the spec c but i want to keep the swap as simple as possible. Going to keep the stock downpipe and hope my 3" catback plays along nice. Will probably run on the stock ecu settings. I alway run high grade 93 octane from Sunoco or mobile. I'll teat it nice and not beat on it till I figure out an aftermarket downpipe and tunning.

09-07-2012, 06:00 AM	#19
stlnation Scooby Newbie Member#: 321805 Join Date: May 2012 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: St. Louis Vehicle: 2002 Jdm v9 STI Blue	hey d-rodman did you look into these guys? http://www.jdmracingmotors.com/jdm-e...V9-EJ207-Turbo im eyeing the v8 on there.

09-07-2012, 07:45 AM	#20
Vlad Scooby Specialist Member#: 46135 Join Date: Oct 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY Vehicle: 02 WRX Powered by Sti V9 Spec C	I may add a section about oil radiators to my write-up and one dedicated to AVCS. By the time I finish writing, you'll see how the oil radiator is not really that expensive. I did have doubts about reliabillity, but have been running my setup for more than 1.5 years now and I think I can advise for it. I have not had any track day with my engine yet though. Don't even think about putting a used oil radiator on your engine. I have a brand of new, cheap, OEM fitting radiator that works. A used radiator, just like a used cooler can bring debris into your engine's oil and kill it. Hey, those Sti 6 pot brakes used to be incredibly expensive, I hope you got a good price.

09-07-2012, 09:02 AM	#21
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 2005 92x - 02 wrx silver 92x-wrb bugeye wag	I purchased the engine package from Wais at Japan Domestic Motor, $3500 shipped, no transmission. didn't really shop it around, the guy is a vendor here, gets good feedback and has a 60 day warranty policy. I'm a small business guy, I know people need to make money and put food on their table. It's not so easy to make money this days. I have no regrets so far but I still don't have my parts to start the job. I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for all your help and feedback everybody.

09-08-2012, 09:16 AM	#25
D-Rodman Scooby Specialist Member#: 110078 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island N.Y. Vehicle: 2005 92x - 02 wrx silver 92x-wrb bugeye wag	New York.