914 Subaru engine cradle? Options

[falconfp2001]

charliew:
I have some good ideas brewing with the cable shifter, just need time to prototype but ill look for that thread, thanks.
I have several different style transmissions, the starter is in the same position, the slave is different, one is on the front lip of the transmission, push style, used pretty much universally except in the early usdm WRX, 2002-2004 which is located on toward the back of the trans behind the clutch fork by about 4”
Either way that shouldn’t make much difference. As to the obx, yes it is a great thing to throw in but some guys with lighter hp and less budget it is an unneeded expense.

Also if you want to go really low center of gravity, get a dry sump set up and I will sell you one of my two prototype cradles (that are too low for normal systems) for cheap. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) it would be insanely low!

Bob: Thanks for the heads up, I did do some testing in that arena before I went ahead on ordering the test axles. I made the Subaru joint 30 spline, which I tested to fit 05-07 wrx DOJ (wich will fit the trannies that need a CV inserted and is the tri bearing style) as well as early 95-2000 leagacy/impreza 5mt DOJ’s (the female style CV, which is ball and socket type). I didn’t get my hands on a 02-04 wrx DOJ but once I had a verified system for both styls of transmissions I went ahead and got the test axle made. I will test the wrx soon, but from what ive seen it looks like impresa/leagacy stuff is the same through the years. On the other hand I know at least a 2000-2002 forester DOJ’s will not work, as they are 29 spline and it can be assumed that all foresters may not work. However this should not be a problem as the DOJ itself is interchangeable through all Subaru years.
You are right Subaru no longer sells just the DOJ, you have to buy the full axle from them, however I don’t think that is necessary as used axles are cheap and the DOJ rarely goes bad. Plus I think 1st Subaru parts or one of the other online retailers for OEM Subaru gear still sells several of the DOJ’s separately.
Also can you drive over here too? I want to see it too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Falonfp2001: yes originally it would have been easier to just use Subaru gears stuff, but my goal was to make it cheaper more accessible/universal for me and the rest of the 914 crowd. Also read post #51 for other reasons.

I'm interested in the Low cradle and would the low cradle be good for trying a EJ20TT install?

[IM101]

Well technically it will work for any subaru engine, just as long as it is set up with dry sump oiling system... which can be expensive... otherwise im planning on keeping the prototyps for future engine developments, like vw tdi or something.

something like this:

[falconfp2001]

Well technically it will work for any subaru engine, just as long as it is set up with dry sump oiling system... which can be expensive... otherwise im planning on keeping the prototyps for future engine developments, like vw tdi or something.

something like this:

Wow, maybe the next car.

[thenewwazoo]

I'm very interested in this thread - I actually spent my afternoon today positioning my EZ30 for a cradle build, but if you're making something I can buy, I've got cash in hand.

I found that with the right selection of parts, you can position the whole system (EZ/EJ + modified transmission) very high and forward with no cutting. I can take pictures tomorrow if you'd like, but the gist is using '06+ parts, and a WRX starter.

It looks, as well, like we have the same ideas regarding axles. I want to keep the stock 914-4 outers and use suby inners. To date, I don't think anyone's offered parts that will allow this, as Porscharu's "magic flanges" require converting to the larger outer CVs. Again, if you've got parts, I've got cash in hand. Hell, at the point, I'll pay for your specs. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Anyway, I'm up for helping you do development if you're interested in a paying beta tester. Shoot me a PM.

[abnrdo]

Very interesting. I may not have to build my own cradle afterall. It would be great to see your final product. I am doing an EZ30 swap.
Awesome work!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[thenewwazoo]

Just a quick note - if you're planning on building the cradle to bolt directly to the engine (that is, use isolators between the cradle/chassis instead of between the engine/cradle), you're limiting your market to the EJ alone. The stock EZ engine mounts are liquid-filled three-bolt mounts, and are not interchangeable with the EJ's solid 2-bolt mounts.

The stock Subaru subframes, however, accept the same single bolt and locator pin across the EJ and EZ engines, so a cradle built to accept the stock engine mounts will enable either engine type (and presumably the BRZ/FR-S/FT-86's FA20).

[IM101]

Interesting, I’d appreciate a picture of the mounts (on the block and/or off) if you have one handy. If that is the case, I will have to whip up a little change in the design as I definitely want the cradle to work with the 6’s as well. Shouldn’t be too difficult, I can just make the engine mount points work with the stock Subaru mounts.

However that means that the production run on the cradles will be delayed until summer. I’m in my last two weeks of the term and what little free time I had, has evaporated into term papers and projects.

[falconfp2001]

Well technically it will work for any subaru engine, just as long as it is set up with dry sump oiling system... which can be expensive... otherwise im planning on keeping the prototyps for future engine developments, like vw tdi or something.

something like this:

Wow, maybe the next car.

Actually now that I think of it, I think I like the dry sump system idea. Lets you go lower with the cradle and then you can have more turbo plumbing on top.

[Porcharu]

I'm very interested in this thread - I actually spent my afternoon today positioning my EZ30 for a cradle build, but if you're making something I can buy, I've got cash in hand.

I found that with the right selection of parts, you can position the whole system (EZ/EJ + modified transmission) very high and forward with no cutting. I can take pictures tomorrow if you'd like, but the gist is using '06+ parts, and a WRX starter.

It looks, as well, like we have the same ideas regarding axles. I want to keep the stock 914-4 outers and use suby inners. To date, I don't think anyone's offered parts that will allow this, as Porscharu's "magic flanges" require converting to the larger outer CVs. Again, if you've got parts, I've got cash in hand. Hell, at the point, I'll pay for your specs. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Anyway, I'm up for helping you do development if you're interested in a paying beta tester. Shoot me a PM.

Actually you don't need to convert to larger outside CV's the 914's CV's work fine on the outside. I know DBCooper has his car setup with stock outer CV's - he calls them 'fuses'

[Lennies914]

Any updates? I just bought my roller yesterday and bought the suby a couple of months ago.

[badmiata]

Awesome thread, you've got about a yr before I have paid enough debt down to start my project. I have ridden in DBCooper's car and that that thing is a monster. i hope in that yr you guys will haven ironed out all the kinks, I look forward to some advancements.

[IM101]

Im going to try and not jinx myself, but it seems quite close now... Im almost done with the prototype rev2 on the cradle. I had to go back and redo the mounts to be compatible with the 6 cyl motors. I plan to finish it in the next two days, and hopefully be able to set up for production next weekend, get all the laser cutting and tubing in early next week and do a production run of 10 the first weekend of august.

At that point i will be able to sell the basic drive line kit, including the cradle, axles, 2wd coupler (pictured below). The back plate is being a pain, the original machinist decided to move shops and had not gotten to the plates for months, so I pulled them and now am searching for another capable shop.

a shifting solution for the 901 and subi box is next on the list after that.

my apologies guys, going back and looking at my posts its laughable at how many times ive said, "really close, almost there," I promise at the time it really felt that way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)
Just seems like there's been setback after setback, starting a fab business is hard, who knew?!? but I'm still in this, trust me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)


single piece, high strength alloy, made here in the US (at the expense of any profit on the piece). really cool!

[falconfp2001]

Cool deal. If the cradle is going to run about 500 then I'm in for the cradle. The drive line stuff can be purchased later but I think the cradle for the motor and trans mounts is the main concern of everyone here.

Frank

PS I'll even take one of the lower R n D cradles you made previously.

[my928s4]

Any progress on the production run?

[IM101]

MAN IM PUMPED!

here is the update:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...p;#entry1720249

[matthepcat]

Very Cool! Talk about upsetting the RH crew that said to me, " You can't put a Subaru transmission in a 914".