Impreza L --> 2.5RS --> EJ20 swaps

Clutch784 · 08-25-2003, 06:45 PM

I'm wanting to start an Impreza project and my budget is a little tight. I was entertaining the thought of buying an Impreza L and swapping an EJ20 into it. Is this possible? And if so, how hard would it be to do? The L would be the chassis I'd be swapping the motor into since I don't have enough money to afford anything higher up in the Impreza line.

After the engine, I'd like to get the styling of a 2.5RS. I was talking to a friend of mine and he said to make the L look exactly like the RS, the only things needed would be the front bumper and the rear wing. How accurate is this? What other cosmetic differences are there between the L and the RS? How difficult are they to do?

THe answers to these questions will greatly determine the decision of purchasing an Impreza L for my project car. I know this is my first post on here but hey, gotta start somewhere! Thanks a lot!

-Andy

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atmosphere · 08-25-2003, 11:09 PM

You'll need 2.5RS side skirts if they fit an L and it doesnt already have them. Now correct me if Im wrong but the L has a 2.2L engine? If this is the case you prob need to do a tranny swap in conjunction with the motor swap.

stimpy · 08-25-2003, 11:56 PM

Take a look at the FAQ. It should answer a lot of your questions.

-Jon

Clutch784 · 08-26-2003, 01:49 AM

Thanks guys.

geronimo66 · 08-26-2003, 09:23 AM

I just had this done to my MY00 L, I now have a complete MY02 WRX under my L

To do it right you should do the UP pipe and downpipe and cat back at the same time... I changed my trans and rear diff also to match the WRX. (I bought the whole drivetrain from one car.) I also bought a Yoshio ECU from the guy, and I bought gauges to keep tabs on the new motor.

All said I think I spent 10k on the swap so far, I have yet to do any body work other than the hood, which is a VIS CF hood with OEM scoop.

Homemade WRX · 08-26-2003, 01:24 PM

I just did this swap into my 94 and it's well worth it. I have a few minor problems that are being fixed (i.e. A/C). The cost of the whole project came in at under $7000 including the cost of the car!! I highly recommend the swap.
Take it easy, Micah McMahan

Clutch784 · 08-26-2003, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Homemade WRX
I just did this swap into my 94 and it's well worth it. I have a few minor problems that are being fixed (i.e. A/C). The cost of the whole project came in at under $7000 including the cost of the car!! I highly recommend the swap.
Take it easy, Micah McMahan

This is exactly what I wanted to hear! $7000 is RIGHT at my budget! Thanks again!!!

boarder206 · 08-26-2003, 05:49 PM

Depending on the year of your Impreza L, you might have to spend a little more on the RS(look). If it is 97+ then all you have to do is wing, which on some is actually the same as the RS sedan. The coupe has the higher sitting wing. The hood, front bumper, and side skirts. However if you have an L earlier than 97 then you have more to change over. The lights are shaped slightly different and those need to be upgraded to a 97+ headlight. From there you either have the normal looking lights, or the crystal lights that went on the RS I believe in 99 and also onto the OBS in 99. Also the front grill will need to be changed out. This is almost a worth while upgrade as the lights are much brighter and have an overall better look. A couple things on your swap, make sure it is a AWD L. You don't have to swap over the tranny, but it might be a very good idea. If you go with the auto, they are increadibly good and are the same as the RS, but you will still want to upgrade a bit. Consult the likes of I-Speed, or Lachute as to what you will need to do the swap. The only big hurdle is the wiring which is a pain in the arse. Have fun... peace. ~Erick

08-25-2003, 06:45 PM	#1
Clutch784 Scooby Newbie Member#: 42331 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Lexington, KY Vehicle: 2008 BMW 328xi Black	Impreza L --> 2.5RS --> EJ20 swaps I'm wanting to start an Impreza project and my budget is a little tight. I was entertaining the thought of buying an Impreza L and swapping an EJ20 into it. Is this possible? And if so, how hard would it be to do? The L would be the chassis I'd be swapping the motor into since I don't have enough money to afford anything higher up in the Impreza line. After the engine, I'd like to get the styling of a 2.5RS. I was talking to a friend of mine and he said to make the L look exactly like the RS, the only things needed would be the front bumper and the rear wing. How accurate is this? What other cosmetic differences are there between the L and the RS? How difficult are they to do? THe answers to these questions will greatly determine the decision of purchasing an Impreza L for my project car. I know this is my first post on here but hey, gotta start somewhere! Thanks a lot! -Andy * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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08-25-2003, 11:09 PM	#2
atmosphere Scooby Newbie Member#: 37641 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: San Diego Vehicle: 98 Impreza 2.5 RS	You'll need 2.5RS side skirts if they fit an L and it doesnt already have them. Now correct me if Im wrong but the L has a 2.2L engine? If this is the case you prob need to do a tranny swap in conjunction with the motor swap.

08-25-2003, 11:56 PM	#3
stimpy Homicidal Maniac Moderator Member#: 1612 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Austin, TX Vehicle: 2008 STI	Take a look at the FAQ. It should answer a lot of your questions. -Jon

08-26-2003, 01:49 AM	#4
Clutch784 Scooby Newbie Member#: 42331 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Lexington, KY Vehicle: 2008 BMW 328xi Black	Thanks guys.

08-26-2003, 09:23 AM	#5
geronimo66 Scooby Specialist Member#: 26929 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Macomb Twp. MI Vehicle: 2000 Impreza with Gremilins	I just had this done to my MY00 L, I now have a complete MY02 WRX under my L To do it right you should do the UP pipe and downpipe and cat back at the same time... I changed my trans and rear diff also to match the WRX. (I bought the whole drivetrain from one car.) I also bought a Yoshio ECU from the guy, and I bought gauges to keep tabs on the new motor. All said I think I spent 10k on the swap so far, I have yet to do any body work other than the hood, which is a VIS CF hood with OEM scoop.

08-26-2003, 01:24 PM	#6
Homemade WRX Scooby Guru Member#: 33782 Join Date: Mar 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: 3MI Racing LLC Vehicle: 96 bastard child search FIRST, then PM!!!	I just did this swap into my 94 and it's well worth it. I have a few minor problems that are being fixed (i.e. A/C). The cost of the whole project came in at under $7000 including the cost of the car!! I highly recommend the swap. Take it easy, Micah McMahan

08-26-2003, 05:49 PM	#8
boarder206 Scooby Newbie Member#: 9222 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Seattle Vehicle: 1995 Impreza Lw/EJ20 Silverstone Metallic- NSX	Depending on the year of your Impreza L, you might have to spend a little more on the RS(look). If it is 97+ then all you have to do is wing, which on some is actually the same as the RS sedan. The coupe has the higher sitting wing. The hood, front bumper, and side skirts. However if you have an L earlier than 97 then you have more to change over. The lights are shaped slightly different and those need to be upgraded to a 97+ headlight. From there you either have the normal looking lights, or the crystal lights that went on the RS I believe in 99 and also onto the OBS in 99. Also the front grill will need to be changed out. This is almost a worth while upgrade as the lights are much brighter and have an overall better look. A couple things on your swap, make sure it is a AWD L. You don't have to swap over the tranny, but it might be a very good idea. If you go with the auto, they are increadibly good and are the same as the RS, but you will still want to upgrade a bit. Consult the likes of I-Speed, or Lachute as to what you will need to do the swap. The only big hurdle is the wiring which is a pain in the arse. Have fun... peace. ~Erick