ekk1

I have coilovers already. 10k was for the engine budget alone. I've already spent 2k or so this year upgrading everything that has given up over time. Mirrors, headlights, bumper.

My budget is flexible but I did some reading and found I can probably make the engine where I want it for around 10k. I realize the transmission will be the next to go, and I'm mentally prepared for that.

I've looked up a lot of brakes. And I will be getting 4pot wilwood for the fronts and 2pot for the rears.

The question on this thread was all about the motor originally and I was just curious about getting in something I've already invested into. I've tried to stay on topic as possible.

The suspension stuff is something I'm familiar enough with and spent enough time reading, to know where I want it to be. The budget moving forward for those bits hasn't really changed.

I'm sure by the end of this build likely to be atleast a year or so away will be well into the 20s as far as cash goes and I'm ok with that. I sat on this car and only replaced the failures for nearly 10 years and I'm ready for a project that I can take to a track, and autox events and be competitive and have fun. I did so on a mostly stock (aside from coilovers) subaru more than I care to admit and the engine has finally met her end.

edit: nevermind.

I hear you. We all like what we like no hating on that.

I worked at Lexus for a while and those are generally easier cars to work on. Subarus are not bad in my opinion, now Audi on the other hand can burn in hell. Even with a lift, shop tools, special tools those things fought you every step of the way I hear VWs are much the same.

Yeah, I'm just not giving the subaru a fighting chance. I'm going to have plenty of practice when I pull it and I'm sure I will figure out where all the ease is at.

I will never, ever, ever etc. touch another german made car with a tool in my life. My ex had a bmw that was a nightmare and I never even got into the engine. I'd rather work minimum wage changing subaru spark plugs for the rest of my life than dare into the world of "german engineering". Their f1 team is pretty good though.

It sounds like your used to 3S's. I have about equal time wrenching on Toyota's and Subaru's. I find Toyota models are made for mechanics with small hands. If your complaining about spark plugs, the two FWD based V6 Toyota I had required pulling the upper intake manifold to change the rear sparks plugs. It was a good 4-5 hour job, much more work than removing the intake box and tight space for spark plugs on Subaru.

 

Anyways, I don't think Subaru is really not all that hard to work on besides the boxer design putting the heads against the frame rails. The Subaru motors are at least one of the easier motors to pull since you have to pull the pull to remove the heads.

You're probably right, the 3s has everything relocated/upgraded for ease of use as well. Oil filter is relocated behind the driver side light (right side of car) and the manifold and turbo is planted right behind the radiator, it's all very convenient.

Circumstantially I will have to get over my easy work and try to give the subaru's another shot in a patient world, and just learn to pull the engine when I need to get stuff done with it.

For the record, I am the proud owner of small hands, not trump sized but dainty nonetheless.

My goal as it stand at the moment, will be buying a new shortblock, sending off my old heads to be machined and upgraded with titanium.

Finding a tried and true shop/ kit for a t4 sized turbo, getting an exhaust made or bought from a reputable source that supports an ewg (would love suggestions), upgrading the fuel system and seeing where that gets me.

I started with the idea of 10k as a budget, but I'm also hoping that I can find space in there to get some larger brakes, but probably not. I figure getting the motor as close to a reliable 400 is a decent starting point.

If the world were more perfect the toyota would've fit the bill well, and with some serious man hours aside leave plenty of space in the budget to get the brakes/suspension up to a higher standard.

Again, I geniunely appreciate all the feedback, and begrudgingly accept that swapping is more nightmare than I'm prepared for.

I've been doing some more reading and research, and yes not swapping seems like the simpler option. I've been looking into options as far as rebuild.

I was quoted at around 12-16k for a built bottom end, which I don't necessarily agree on. However, unless something miraculous happens I will likely be looking into a shortblock and sending the subaru heads out.

I appreciate everyones time and opinions. I will abandon the idea of sticking a old faithful here and sit on it for a while longer while I try to find a recipient for it.

If anyone has any other opinions or suggestions I gladly welcome them. Otherwise this one is closed.

Thanks everyone.

I was only using the spark plugs as an example.

So while I don't disagree with some of the things you're saying. The main point made earlier is that I already own the 3s and it's already built up to 400hp.

Say what you want about the engine choice but I'm partial to it. I'm still weighing options but either going to stick with the ej and invest some money into it, or swap in my other engine.

My only issue with the ej is working on it. I prefer to do as much work I can on my own, and the ej is by far the most obnoxious engine overall I've ever had to wrench on. I'm not saying its a bad motor by any means, but I'm use to playing with toyota's.

I will continue researching shortblocks and such and maybe just sitting on the 3s for a while longer.

as someone who paid to have their whole done a decade ago, this will be odd.

 

if you have to pay $5500 to have someone wire in a different engine, why? seems like a waste of money. for that dough, you could a top of the line IAG shortblock and spend the rest of your money on making a 700hp monster lgt.

I see your point, and I'm still considering options, because I too thought the 5500 was pretty steep.

The issue I see, is buying a shortblock, heads, turbo, and the grocery list of supporting mods. I still would be cleaning out a solid 10k to build a monster.

I'm not necessarily against the idea of having a ridiculous legacy, but I also hate working on the ej25. Changing a damn spark plug is beyond annoying.

I'm still strongly considering all options, but if you have some valid suggestions on where to go for the shortblock option I'm happy to research it.

I've also been trying to find a good home for my 3s as I love the motor and everything about it. So if someone comes across an abandoned ae86 coupe that doesn't cost 15k to get home I'd listen to that too.

There are a few interesting swaps on here. One member was in the process (may have completed) of swapping in a 4G63 into his LGT.

 

Forum member, k00laid83, stepped up where AVXdc wasn't any more, and began making harnesses for the JDM double din dual HVAC panels. Other member, BagRidersJohn (John Hall), has been building wicked cars and requested k00laid83 help with a few wiring projects. Not sure how involved k00laid83 is, but couldn't hurt to reach out to him.

 

As for seats, Chocoholic005 has some Evo X Recaros just about ready to go in the classifieds section. These seats are almost a direct swap into our cars and offer a great factory sportiness. PM him for more info. Or comb through his build.

I will reach out to them, I appreciate you sending options over thank you.

First thing is to find the pin-out of the MR2/whatever it was used in/came out of and compare the I/O to the LGT one. That way you have an idea of what, if anything is common. I wouldnt expect much but If you have the donor and the harness(es) at least you could see the various I/O and if its worth the time.

 

Could be fun or a nightmare. I remember there was a member that swapped in a buick engine to a 05-06 LGT it came out nice.

 

 

As far as the transmission if this is coming out of FWD car you will need to use all of your fab prowess to mate the Subaru 5MT OR find a MT with a non-integrated bell housing and fab that up as long as the spline count matches.

So the donor car is a jdm swapped celica, but it is unfortunately fwd. My goal is going to be mating the stock 5mt from the subaru. I was told I might need to do a bit of cutting, but that much should be just fine. I am in company of some solid folks who've done stupid swaps before.

I was quoted from P&L $5500 dollars give or take for doing a full ecu and harness build for the car. They just want the engine in the bay and transmission mated before they do the work. It seems steep but also I like the idea of having a professional doing the wiring and I can get it tuned on the spot. However, I'm still open to suggestion if someone wants to tackle something like this.

Fair enough, I'll try to get some photos of the 3s, however it hasn't been pulled from the car it's currently stored in.

The subaru 2.5 is completely stock aside from the spt intake engine wise.

This is going to be on the longer side, but I will try to be concise.

I've owned my 05 lgt for approx 10 years now, and the engine is finally starting to give in to age. I've put more money keeping it running and stock lately and I believe it is finally time to pull the engine for a full rebuild.

That being said, I've been holding onto a pretty well built JDM 3s-gte that makes more power and incredibly easy to work on.

The easy part of the swap in my opinion will be any fab required as I've plenty of experience in that department. However, I don't have nearly enough expertise or knowhow with the ecu.

My goal is to keep the electronics stock and or the current parts I've put in as far as mirrors lights and (my favorite of all) the gauge cluster.

I'm hoping to either A. Fit the stock 5mt to the 3s, or if I need to get it rebuilt to accept the lovely little Toyota motor.

So my questions to all of you are,

1. What should I look to do and expect with ecu swapping? And I would greatly appreciate a point in the direction of company or individuals who can do some wire harness work.

2. Thoughts on transmission usage, should I get one built to fit this bill?

3. New seats are going to be important, however I'd like to keep the heating aspect to them as I do enjoy using this car in winter, anyone know where to get some heated racing seats that fit the legacy?

Any help or positive opinion is greatly appreciate. While I know I'm bastardizing a great car slightly I'd prefer any hateful bashing of abandoning my subaru to stay minimal as I will also be building that motor in time to put into something I feel it belongs.

Thanks in advance guys.