Blue Porscheru Conversion, Subaru 2.5 SOHC NA with Suby Tranny Options

[R_u_dd]

Blue Porscheru Conversion

I started this project back in May of 2014 and wanted to share the journey with my friends and family.
There's something appealing to people about taking a left-for-dead vehicle and bringing it back to life.
I hope this build thread is a bit different than the others. It's a Subaru conversion which is not as common.

I am/was a newbie. This is my first car restoration, if you can call it that.
My welds are not pretty, but I've improved and learned throughout this process.
This is a great car for a first restoration. It's light, simple, and very cool- mid engine with a targa top.

This is the plan- We are starting with a 1971 tangerine 914 with light to moderate rust, nothing too serious.
The original engine was a 1.7. Like so many other 914's it ran but has been sitting for a long time.
The engine seems too far gone to try to rebuild it= lots of rust and corrosion.

Powerplant: 2003 Subaru Impreza TS 2.5 SOHC, Natuaral- No Turbo, Why? Plenty of Power for me and no turbo lag. See Engine Choices thread.
Transmission: Subaru 5MT 2003 Impreza TS
ECU from: 2003 Subaru Impreza TS
Electronics: Wiring Harness simplified by Small Car Performance
Axles: 944 axles and CV's with Subaru inside CV- 4 lug for now.
914 suspension.
No fender flares
Voltage Blue Metallic: (Honda color), Painted Sail Panels.

Before Pictures

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1301.photobucket.com-17072-1486250894.1.jpg)

The Future Look- Concepts

The 914 visualizer, a very cool app.

Current Look:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/www.imgur.com-17072-1607919164.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/www.imgur.com-17072-1607919164.2.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/www.imgur.com-17072-1607919165.3.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1301.photobucket.com-17072-1459666779.1.jpg)



Contents

Axles
Blasting Glass Bead Videos
Battery Tray Area
Battery and Tray
Budget Scenarios
Brakes
Bumper - Valence
Clutch
Electronics
Engine Discussion
Engine Mount
Engine Work
Floor Pans and Engman Kit
Fuel Pump
Fuel Tank (Cleaning with Electrolysis)
Paint Prep and Metal Work
Paint Prep Continued
Radiator
Seats and Interior
Seats Re-upholstery Links
Transmission
Transmission Mount
Videos

This thread is for entertainment purposes only. I am not a certified mechanic.
There are many that have pioneered the suby conversion before me, but this
is my story.

Hope you enjoy this thread!

Chris

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1301.photobucket.com-17072-1486249676.1.jpg)

[JRust]

Just for a reference. I bought the Sawtooth build from Dean. It has a 2001 SOHC NA 2.5 with a performance build & performance heads. Running an aftermarket Stinger ECU from Outfront. Equal length header to a single exhaust. It dyno'd at 158 to the rear wheels. It pulls great & I love driving it. So just wanted to get realistic HP numbers for you. It's fine seeing it on paper in places. It always seems to drop in the real world application though.

On all your welding of your floors & long kit. I have not seen any type of door brace. It's pretty easy to get a twist in your chassis or mess up your door gaps. Just hoping you did in fact have it braced with all your welding. If not I'll keep my fingers crossed it is all good. Looks like you did a good job installing the floors. Really great progress on your car bud. Following your thread closely (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[R_u_dd]

Just for a reference. I bought the Sawtooth build from Dean. It has a 2001 SOHC NA 2.5 with a performance build & performance heads. Running an aftermarket Stinger ECU from Outfront. Equal length header to a single exhaust. It dyno'd at 158 to the rear wheels. It pulls great & I love driving it. So just wanted to get realistic HP numbers for you. It's fine seeing it on paper in places. It always seems to drop in the real world application though.

On all your welding of your floors & long kit. I have not seen any type of door brace. It's pretty easy to get a twist in your chassis or mess up your door gaps. Just hoping you did in fact have it braced with all your welding. If not I'll keep my fingers crossed it is all good. Looks like you did a good job installing the floors. Really great progress on your car bud. Following your thread closely (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

The HP should be double the original car regardless of what I end up with at the wheels. If the original engine was rated at 80, and the new engine is rated at 165. I would assume both engines would lose a proportional amount of horsepower in the drive lines.

I was very careful on the welding. The car had bigger issues though to start with since it had been hit a couple times (and covered with bondo). The gaps are definitely off, but it's not a show car. My body guy has some tricks up his sleeve to fix this though...

My gaffes are worse then my gaps though...

[DBCooper]

I would assume both engines would lose a proportional amount of horsepower in the drive lines.

You're going to be in for a pleasant surprise. Engine's have evolved a lot since the 60's but transmissions have evolved as much or more. Manufacturers are looking for better MPG anywhere they can find it, so drive-line losses that used to be to 25 percent or more are now down to 15 percent or less. Better mileage is good, of course, but more important is that it'll feel like almost triple the horsepower instead of double. So it's going to be even more fun than you thought! Bonus!!