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Old 06-10-2001, 09:24 PM   #1
SubieKidTK
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Arrow Why Swapping an EJ25 with an EJ18 is bad...Comments?

So here I am looking to take on this huge project this summer of taking a late model impreza L and converting the hell out of it. Basically what WRXgirl(Pam) did to the exterior of her MY93 L.

That isn't hard.

So then I have this great looking Impreza L with NO guts to speak of. EJ18 if it is MY93+ or possibly an EJ22 if it is MY95+. So that leaves me to consider swapping in an EJ25.

Then I run into some problems. Actually getting the engine into the car won't be so bad. I am more worried about a car built for an EJ18 being able to handle an EJ25, mainly the brakes. Should I be worried? I want ABS so not only would I install the engine but I would have to put in the WHOLE ABS system, brakes and all. And what about AWD? If the car happens to be FWD, I'd want to convert to AWD. How in the HELL does someone go about doing that??

Talk about biting off more than you can chew...

So unless someone tells me that I am misinformed or that doing all that isn't as hard as it sounds, I think I am going to try and find a MY95 with an EJ22. Problem is, in that model year the Imprezas with the EJ22 were automatic. How hard is it to change over to manual? I imagine a tranny swap can't be too bad, compared to an engine swap. Of course the EJ22(135HP) won't have the 165HP of the EJ25 but it sure as hell won't be as weak as the EJ18 with 110HP. It allows me some room to mod, right??

How much do you think it would be to do the tranny change-over? What parts would go into it? ECU problems? Experiences? References? Referals?

Sorry about being so long. This has all been floating around me head so I decided to get it all out and maybe get some comments too. Thanks all.

=Ty=
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Old 06-10-2001, 09:45 PM   #2
oldpreza
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i have a MY95 with EJ18 and it's a stick, and it's got ABS, AWD, 4 disc brakes. It doesn't have power windows or locks. No frills. I'd guess this is something that you might be looking for.

Upgrade brakes, upsized wheels, suspension, clutch, sway bar, EJ25 engine swap, u'd have a pocket rocket. If you keep the stock looks, it'll be a killer sleeper.

Hope it gives you some ideas.
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Old 06-10-2001, 09:50 PM   #3
WRXwannbe
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How about you stop kicking yourself in the butt and get a EJ22T turbo strongblock. If you are going to swap out the hell our the car might as well right? Or you can get a used WRX base model engine for like 3k including drivetrain. also it's not worth putting in the abs, and chances are it won't work the way you want it.

The impreza has the same frame no matter where you go in the world. Whoever told you it won't handle the extra power was feeding you a load or crap.

Even an EJ25 is good, But if you want to put a whole new engine wouldn't you want to go all-out? Swaping an engine is not hard but it's not easy, just know what your doing or you'll be payin 150hr for someone to do it.
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Old 06-10-2001, 09:55 PM   #4
96Lconversion
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Hey, I have a 96 2.2L, and the thing has definitely got some balls. I've driven an RS, and theres a difference, but I don't know if you'd want to go about spending thousands to drop in an EJ25. If your gonna do that, go all out, and get a JDM 2.0, or get an enjine from that company who beefs up Subaru engines, I forgot their name, someone help me out.
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Old 06-10-2001, 10:40 PM   #5
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I would say get a built engine from Cobb Tuning. However, I think 96Lconversion is refering to Paeco.
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Old 06-10-2001, 10:57 PM   #6
SubieKidTK
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Well that gets some thoughts moving...

So basically, if I want ABS, I had better get it with the car, right?

WRXwannbe-So you are saying that structurally, the Impreza body is the same, correct? If so, why is the L noticably lighter than the RS?

This would all be so much easier if I had to funds to do as I wish. Problem is, I don't. What makes it worse is it all depends on how much I can sell my car for and how much I can get the Impreza for.

I'm starting to feel more and more confident about settling on the MY95 2.2L Automatic.

Does anyone know about changing over from auto to manual? What is involved? Difficult? I was thinking if I did that, then I could put in a nice clutch, shift kit, and lightened flywheel.

Not only that but financially, the 2.2L would give me more breathing room to mod the engine(mostly bolt-on). Stuff like intake, cat-back and what-not.

Thoughts?

=Ty=
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Old 06-10-2001, 11:39 PM   #7
Sambo
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Yhea, here's a thought: Listen to the advice others have already given you.

If you are going to spend that much time doing an upgrade like that, why in God's creation wouldn't you go for the EJ22 closed deck? It would be a much easier swap (if such a thing is possible) and even if you went N/A you'd have a much better platform than the 2.5L for future mods. Turbo, higher compression ratios...

If you want a 2.5L *that* bad - by all means sell the thing you are driving now and get an RS. As you stated earlier, if you are short on cash, there isn't much you can really do. An engine swap - even if you do it yourself, will cost you a few grand. Maybe even more than if you did send it to Cobb b/c they know _exactly_ what to do. You'll likely spend a lot of time discovering things as you go along. Stuff that Trey and the gang have been over a dozen times before and have a known solution for...

My $0.02

-Sambo
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Old 06-11-2001, 03:08 AM   #8
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Its mainly lighter because it isnt carrying the added weight of the AWD system. The 1.8L is also lighter than the 2.5. Just less metal there.

And anti-lock brakes are nice, but you don't *need* them. Cars have been around for ages without. If you can keep calm in panic situations (not easy, I know), those non-ABS brakes will stop you just fine.

Sambo has it right, though. Take what you were planning on spending to do these serious internal upgrades, and put it towards a down payment on a used (or new, if the body style doesnt make you gag) RS. That's what I plan to do this fall.
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Old 06-11-2001, 04:55 AM   #9
wac
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Quote:
WRXwannbe-So you are saying that structurally, the Impreza body is the same, correct? If so, why is the L noticably lighter than the RS?
A few reasons:
1. ABS equipment adds weight.
2. Power sunroof adds weight.
3. Power locks/windows add weight.
4. The 2.5RS has beefier driveshafts than 1.8L Impreza's.
5. The 2.5RS has beefier springs and a rear swaybar. Some older Impreza don't have a rear swaybar.
6. 2.5RS motor is slightly heavier.
7. 2.5RS has bigger front brakes.
8. 16" alloy wheel and tire combo isn't that much lighter than 14" steel wheel and tire combo.
9. Some Impreza L's don't come with A/C and/or cruise control.

-WaC
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Old 06-11-2001, 07:49 AM   #10
PRODRIVEN
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How much are you looking to spend? Why not buy a used RS ('98 or '99) Then you have the abs, beefier awd drivetrain, EJ25, better interior than an older L model, sunroof. No need to upgrade wheels since it will have 16's. It will have no body work to do since it's already got an intercooler friendly hood, and the wing (you might want a different bumper if you get a MY98 though, but it's not necessary). Then buy a turbo kit for the ej25. I bet you could do this for under $19k
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Old 06-11-2001, 05:00 PM   #11
SubieKidTK
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el bumpo
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Old 06-11-2001, 10:16 PM   #12
SubieKidTK
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I'll probably be looking at around $1.5k-$2k to spend on the engine/internals. That is a rough estimate that could go up or down.

Actually, saving up for an RS is not an option. I won't have consistant work after this summer so making those payments would be impossible. I'm on an extremely tight budget and I want to get the best I can.

Someone has yet to answer my questions about the auto-to-manual conversion...anyone?

So I am thinking if the auto-to-maunal happens:
-Cat-back exhaust
-Cold air intake
-Lightened or Underdrive pulley
-???what else???

My thoughts are all over the place again so it is going to take me a while to get them organized.

=Ty=
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Old 06-12-2001, 04:38 AM   #13
dirk.gecko
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For that price? I'd maybe look for a trashed out / wrecked Impreza L with a stick. Then you'd be able to move the whole drivetrain over.

<shrug> Just a thought.
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Old 06-12-2001, 05:20 AM   #14
oldpreza
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you could get a lightened flywheel while doing that tranny swap.
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Old 06-12-2001, 05:42 AM   #15
RaceCarRiot
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hey, i posted this on another thread...but no one answered my cry for help! hehe

anyways, i have one concern about swapping a 2.5 into my L...can the FWD platform handle the added power?...not chassis-wise, since they're all the same...but rather my concern is i'll be roasting the drive shafts/cv joints out of the car...

(adam)
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Old 06-12-2001, 09:09 AM   #16
96Lconversion
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If I were you, the first thing I would worry about is a manual transmission. The only fun automatic car out there is a Porsche. Sticks make cars 100 times funner to drive, plus you have waaayyyy more control over the engine.
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Old 06-12-2001, 01:39 PM   #17
SubieKidTK
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I'm getting the feeling that either none of you actually read the whole post, you guys just like to ignore me, or that you just don't know so here it is again

Quote:
Does anyone know about changing over from auto to manual? What is involved? Difficult? I was thinking if I did that, then I could put in a nice clutch, shift kit, and lightened flywheel.
Would this be: cheaper? MUCH cheaper? or AS expensive as an engine swap?

I think all I do is research anymore...It'll be a great day when I actually apply all this research

=Ty=
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Old 06-12-2001, 05:27 PM   #18
oldpreza
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if you do the swap yourself, it'll be cheaper than an engine swap. call around the yards and get the tranny and flywheel. get a new clutch, shifter, etc etc and you'll be set.

get a Service Manual you give you an idea on what will be involved taking out the auto tranny and putting a manual tranny there.

hope that'll help and stop whining!

EDIT: of course it's easier in words. i also forgot to mention you'll need the cluch and brake padals.

[ June 12, 2001: Message edited by: oldpreza ]
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Old 06-12-2001, 07:33 PM   #19
Kevin Thomas
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Quote:
The only fun automatic car out there is a Porsche. Sticks make cars 100 times funner to drive, plus you have waaayyyy more control over the engine.
You have more control in a manual yes. 100 times more funner to drive? Nah! I don't like manuals, especially a manual trannied Subaru. To each their own! And yes...manual trannies are fun. I just don't like driving them. This is just my opinion!
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Old 06-13-2001, 12:02 AM   #20
Stubaru
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If you want to contend with the 1.8 vs the 2.5, mayhaps you should forget about the Impreza body all together, why not apply your abition of a 2.5 conversion into a Brat?
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Old 06-13-2001, 06:53 AM   #21
96Lconversion
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Well Kevin, your auto Subie must definitely kick a$$, but not now that your taking your turbo out. But I love manuals, I will probably never buy an automatic car in my life. That's just my humble opinion

[ June 13, 2001: Message edited by: 96Lconversion ]
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