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-   -   Bug (VW kind) with EJ257 hybrid & SC46 (https://www.scoobynet.com/projects-40/960350-bug-vw-kind-with-ej257-hybrid-and-sc46.html)

Richard Olafsson 29 December 2012 02:14 PM

Bug (VW kind) with EJ257 hybrid & SC46
 
Hi everyone, I've been using this site a fair bit over the years but never put up my projects. I've got a full build thread running on pistonheads but thought I'd share some of the more scooby specific stuff on here as I didn't find all my answers and it may help out some others..

I bought a standard beetle cabrio with plans of doing a fairly simple early WRX engine swap and just enjoing it..
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/cab_1.JPG

Unfortunately once I started to get into it there was no way ANYTHING quick was going to happen so I decided to go all out and do the job properly with Porsche gearbox, brakes etc etc and future proof for a bigger subaru powerplant for later on.
Inside the heater channels (sills)
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/cab_channel_1.JPG
Rear quarter needed replacing
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/quarter_cut.jpg
Radiators built in to the front end while it was all apart
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/rads.jpg
Body mods for new wheels
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...ing_wide_1.jpg
More space for the engine
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...d_panels_2.jpg
Air intake built in to the rear wing
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/wing_intake_1.jpg
Panel filter built in to the inner wing
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/wing_intake_9.jpg
Just about squeezes in!
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/rear_frame_5.jpg
Painted in my single garage
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/body_etch_2.jpg
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri..._painted_2.jpg
Back on the chassis
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...polished_1.jpg

Some pics of the complete chassis, some serious modifications were required for the Porsche G50 transmission (fitted with LSD)
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/floors_4.jpg
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/floors_5.jpg
OBP pedal box to tune the 996 brakes and provide the trans with a hydraulic clutch
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...bias_cable.jpg
All ready for the body
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...sis_gasket.jpg

Infected by sti 29 December 2012 02:20 PM

Fair play fella, that is a very good job :thumb: I must be honest I quite like the look of that, it has a good stance about it, bet that will be a good bit of fun, and a reall head turner with that boxer rumble :norty:

Richard Olafsson 29 December 2012 02:27 PM

I tried to cut and shut a subaru dash in but I don't think it really looked right
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/scooby_dash_3.jpg
so ended up modifying the stock dash for some Porsche gauges
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/dash_view_2.jpg
a few days work to strip down the subaru loom to something more suitable
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/wiring_2.jpg
road legal!
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/mot.jpg
I fitted a new sonnenland roof
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/roof_settling.jpg
Before farming out the only bit of the build, the sewing!
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...d_interior.jpg
The original early RA engine, stripped and painted
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...ck_painted.jpg
wrinkle cam covers & intake manifold
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...er_wrinkle.jpg
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/inlet_wrinkle.jpg
coolant manifold flipped around to better suit the cooling line layout
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...ne_painted.jpg
sump cut up to give me a bti mroe ground clearance
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/sump_cut.jpg
maintaining capacity
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri..._shortened.jpg
exhaust manifold DIY ported
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/ported_header.jpg
and wrapped
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...er_wrapped.jpg
stainless 3" bellmouth turbo back exhaust system
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/bellmouth_1.jpg
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/exhaust_1.jpg
just about ready to go back in
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...e_detailed.jpg
Legacy air/water intercooler
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...ecooler_in.jpg
fuel tank cut up and modified/baffled for subaru internal pump
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/fuel_pump.jpg
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...odified_in.jpg

Richard Olafsson 29 December 2012 02:44 PM

I then blew the engine! A crack opened up on the oil pick-up pipe so I bought another one which I also blew up on track (detonation).

I popped over to see David at API who are local and went through some options and decided to go for a 2.5 conversion.

I found a rebuilt shortblock on ebay and bought that
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/ej257.jpg
It was supposedly rebuilt due to a failed ringland but the pistons all looked the same so we stripped it down to be sure
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/ej257_split.jpg
It has the later good rods & black crank so a pretty good basis
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...crank_rods.jpg
API honed the block for some forged supertech pistons
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/ej257_honed.jpg
I checked all bearing clearances and replaced the big ends with ACL
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...lastigaged.jpg
pistons ready to go in, all rings gapped
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...tech_rings.jpg
all going back together!
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...sy_pistons.jpg
shortblock all ready
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri..._pistons_2.jpg
Seemed a shame to put back early WRX heads so I rebuilt some V4 sti versions
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/v4_sti_head_1.jpg
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...head_shims.jpg
ARP head studs
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri..._arp_studs.jpg
coolant manifold modified again for the extra block breather
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri..._man_mod_2.jpg
RCM sump baffle plate
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...ump_baffle.jpg
I also decided to make up a larger bore crosspipe, similar to the grimmspeed ones
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...pipe_parts.jpg
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...ipe_tacked.jpg
some phase 2 fuel rails modified to fit, along with a set of 740cc Nismo injectors
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...njectors_3.jpg
All pipes were cut and re-flared to convert to reverse parallel feed at the same time, it only took a simple bracket to correct for the different manifold mounting positions
New toys arrived! SC46 billet turbo & Aeromotive FPR
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/SC46.jpg
Intake modified for my air filter installation
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/SC46_intake.jpg

Back together and roughly running, jus to get some oil circulating and make sure all was good!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/rBhGtrmA_TE

I'll update with a couple of other pictures later. Next step is to get the ESL fitted and Bob Rawle up to re-map it. I'll try not to blow this one up!!

IainMilford 29 December 2012 03:01 PM

Looks great, nice to see something completely different :)

trails 29 December 2012 03:17 PM

Cool as hell.

CharlySkunkWeed 29 December 2012 03:25 PM

Id be worried going up against this ! Got my eyes opened before



super_ted 29 December 2012 03:44 PM

Amazing project, nice to see something different.

Richard Olafsson 29 December 2012 04:04 PM

Here's the engine as it stands now, brackets made up for FPR and oil catch tank.
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...back%20_in.jpg

I've just been for a quick run around the block to make sure it's all working. I wound the pressure right down to minimum to compensate for the fact that the injectors are twice the size of the old ones that the ECU thinks are still there but also the additional capacity of the 2.5 to balance things out a bit. I doubt the injectors were atomising particularly well as it didn't drive particularly well but it idles great..

Waiting for a 97-00 MAP sensor and then it's time to get Bob up to work his magic for a running in map!

Richard Olafsson 29 December 2012 04:11 PM

Cheers for the comments guys, it's more about building something different for me, I like a challenge!
The gearing really isn't right for the 1/4 mile but I'll be giving it a go. From my engine spec the rods will probably be the weak link to protect, from what I've read on here and been told these rods should be good for 450bhp road use so that will be my upper limit. I may have to upgrade the chargecooler to get there but have a plan for that already:
https://i419.photobucket.com/albums/...8/100_4525.jpg

super_ted 29 December 2012 04:12 PM

Bob mapped my wagon recently & did an amazing job, you won't be disappointed.

g7prs 29 December 2012 04:12 PM

Fantastic. Looking forward to hearing how the map goes!

mrmadcap 29 December 2012 04:29 PM


Originally Posted by Richard Olafsson (Post 10922496)
Here's the engine as it stands now, brackets made up for FPR and oil catch tank.
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...back%20_in.jpg

I've just been for a quick run around the block to make sure it's all working. I wound the pressure right down to minimum to compensate for the fact that the injectors are twice the size of the old ones that the ECU thinks are still there but also the additional capacity of the 2.5 to balance things out a bit. I doubt the injectors were atomising particularly well as it didn't drive particularly well but it idles great..

Waiting for a 97-00 MAP sensor and then it's time to get Bob up to work his magic for a running in map!

Great project Richard, any chance of more pics of the bug?

Richard Olafsson 29 December 2012 04:29 PM

Here's the full spec I compiled for Bob:

EJ257 2.5l sti shortblock
ACL big end bearings
Late hawkeye rods
Forged supertech pistons (99.5mm), NCP rings
Shortened oil sump
RCM oil baffle plate
Reversed coolant manifold
External thermostat on engine outlet
Rebuilt V4 STI cylinder heads, hard edges smoothed
Subaru 1.6mm metal multilayer head gaskets
ARP 11mm head studs
Black wrinkle finish cam covers
Phase 1 inlet manifold, spare bosses removed
O-ring sealed tuffnol inlet manifold spacer/insulators (Advanced Automotive)
custom turbo inlet from cold air intake
Nismo 740cc/min injectors on modified phase 2 fuel rails
Aeromotive FPR on reversed parallel rails
HRC 310 lpm fuel pump
Scooby Clinic SC46 billet turbo
New-age subaru coilpack conversion
Ported exhaust manifold with custom 2" stainless crosspipe, all wrapped
Oil breather tank system, split from intake
Subaru Legacy RS chargecooler with Bosch pump, pace radiator
Stock recirculating dump valve
Gizzmo EBC
3" bellmouth turbo back exhaust system, single 3" straight through magnaflow muffler

Richard Olafsson 29 December 2012 04:32 PM

Here's one of the back end:

http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/roof_screen.jpg

If you want all the details the full build of this (and my previous cars) is on my website: http://www.ricola.co.uk

Once it's back running properly, I'll be able to sort out the photoshoot for a Volksworld magazine feature..

Rich

jaymaxy 29 December 2012 04:52 PM

Cool :thumb::thumb::thumb:

Jolly Green Monster 29 December 2012 05:04 PM

Very nice

mervil 29 December 2012 08:25 PM

I don't normally like Beetles but that is cool as hell!! :cool:

Badger_88 29 December 2012 09:23 PM

Real nice build! Nice colour too, What is the paint code?

yellowevo 29 December 2012 09:49 PM

Excellent job .boy that will be a fast car

scby rex 29 December 2012 10:17 PM

Very nice work, I love the suby/porsche/old vdub conversions.

Kwik 30 December 2012 06:42 AM

As the number plate says FKN L :thumb:

Richard Olafsson 30 December 2012 10:21 AM

:) I didn't notice that in the number plate for ages, kind of suits it though!

Can't remember the paint code off the top of my head but it's the original colour, 'Schwartz metallic'. It was also used on Mk.1 Scirocco Storm special editions in the late 70's..

scoobygaz1 30 December 2012 10:34 AM

Excellent work can`t wait to see what it produces and great write up :thumb:

MOTORS S GT 30 December 2012 10:40 AM

In one photo you show the coolent manifold you have modded to miss what you call a breather union, its not a breather its a balance port between heads & block, with your heads it has nowhere to connect, its best blanked off with a bung or core plug, you can't use it as a breather as its unbaffled, & will pump large amounts of oil into a breather system.

Must say its the best Subaru engine into a beetle i have seen, a proper thought out conversion, top job.

Richard Olafsson 30 December 2012 10:44 AM

Cheers! I've done a subaru swap before, probably one of the first in the country in about 2000 on my old speedster replica with a MY98 uk turbo lump so have learned from the experience.

If you look carefully you can see that I have blanked off the central 'balance port'. I did consider adding ports to the cam covers but didn't bother in the end.

MOTORS S GT 30 December 2012 11:02 AM


Originally Posted by Richard Olafsson (Post 10923436)
Cheers! I've done a subaru swap before, probably one of the first in the country in about 2000 on my old speedster replica with a MY98 uk turbo lump so have learned from the experience.

If you look carefully you can see that I have blanked off the central 'balance port'. I did consider adding ports to the cam covers but didn't bother in the end.

Yes i can see it now, no point adding the cam covers to the system, i have some core plugs that delete the union if required, makes a nice neat job, the union removes easily with bit of heat.

Richard Olafsson 30 December 2012 01:32 PM

Thanks, it's all out of sight and done now, I did try some gentle heat on it before but it didn't want to budge.

Richard Olafsson 20 January 2013 06:52 PM

Oil breather tank hanging off the back, there wasn't much space anywhere else! I also made up a new bracket which supports both the oil pressure senders and the Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator

http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...back%20_in.jpg

I was advised by my mapper that the old Legacy chargecooler would be limiting my performance so it was time to upgrade. I considered an air/air using enlarged ducts built into the rear wings but I don't really think I've got space for it. I eventually found a very good thread on using a frozenboost type 14 chargecooler. It is apparently good for 700 CFM / 600 BHP and one person reported that when running 22psi he sees a maximum of 10 degrees above ambiant but normally only about 5 degrees which is pretty efficient in my book!

2 weeks later and this arrived in the post:
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...enboost_cc.jpg

I wasn't satisfied that the system would be working well without trapping air so I decided to drill and tap a bleed point. I drilled on a tilted table on my pillar drill very cautiously as I didn't want to wreck the core! Turns out the end tank isn't completely solid as it looks but cast and it hollowed out a bit with extra clearance to the air core so wasn't too bad to do. A small M6 bolt with O-ring will serve as a manual bleed.

http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabri...c_bleedtap.jpg

The turbo pipe I made up to join to the chargecooler inlet. 2" going up to 2 1/2" with a fitting for the reciculating dump valve. I had off-cuts of stainless lying around from old exhaust system build so I'm sure it will do the job fine. The 2 1/2" end joins to the chargecooler with a 3" to 2 1/2" silicone reducer elbow.
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/turbo_cc_pipe.jpg

You can see a strap supporting the weight of the chargecooler off the frame above via some rubber washers to isolate it. Just in sight is a filler cap from a Suzuki motorbike which has the correct size fittings for the water pipes.
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/cc_fitted.jpg

Finally I had to some some re-shaping of the bulkead panel to clear the end tank.
http://www.ricola.co.uk/images/cabrio/cc_bulge.jpg

Now it's ready for the running in map on an ESL daughterboard, just hope the recent snow doesn't delay things...

Richard Olafsson 24 January 2013 07:52 PM

Update from the mapping session..

The engine runs really well, nice and smooth with very good early turbo spool. By the end of the run the new chargecooler was still stone cold so all in fairly happy! The downside is that the clutch can't take the torque, we were limited to just under 1 bar boost pressure which is fine for running in but I'll have to sort out an uprated one before getting Bob to do the final map up to full boost.


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