heli-mech's EG33 swapped rally-x wagon.... FOR SALE

[heli-mech]

I have owned this old 1995 Legacy L wagon for the past 6 years. It stared out as a base model L, 2.2L 4eat and has over 400,000kms on her now.

A few years ago the car was lifted on on 2004 Forester XT suspension, Homemade teflon rear strut spacers, 215/70R15 Dunlop Graspics, 1999 Forrester 15" steelies. She worked great and handled suprisingly well, but was underpowered.
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/P5020146.jpg

It was about this time I started collecting parts for a rally-x car build. By the fall of 2009 the Legacy had been deregulated to a woods road and snow storm beast, but I really hoped to find a 2dr 5spd GC as a platform for my rally-x car.

I had always loved the idea of swapping an EG33 into a non-SVX platform. I had found a local guy with a low mile eg33 sitting in the corner of his garage. We talked about it a few times, but since it came with no ecu or bulkhead harness. I decided to pass on it.

The last week of November 2010 I got a surprise phone call, the owner of the eg33 was cleaning out his garage and needed to make space. He offered me the engine for free .....
I counter offered to trade it for a bottle his favorite booze. The next night I left the house with a 40oz bottle of rum and returned home with an Eg33.

I decided to swap the EG33 and all the parts I had been collecting into the Legacy. I purchased a complete 92 SVX LSI with a blown trans from a junkyard, stripped the harness and ecu. Parted out the remaining shell and kept the second complete EG33 as a spare.

I basically started this project on the first of December 2010. The goal was to have the car completed and ready to compete at the BAC rally-x on my birthday Mar 13th/2011. The swap was up and running within a month. I daily drove her for a few weeks sorting out the bugs in Jan and Feb. The car pulls like a freight train, and runs smooth with no issues. It builds rev's quick and is surprisingly fast for an old fat wagon. The sound of the H-6 is amazing, the magnaflow is a little to loud for my tastes......but will work for now.

She was prepped and ready for the rally-x on the 13th as planned ........ and then I got the flu.
I will be ready to go again on the 28th of this month, and will hopefully update with some pics and vids from the event. Here is a list of the current mods and some pics of how she sits right now.

- 92 EG33 H-6 swap
- 06 STI springs on legacy wagon GR2's (1/2" spacers in the rear)
- 98 Legacy GT front sway bar
- 92 Turbo Legacy wagon rear sway bar
- aluminum sway bar links
- 92 Turbo Legacy wagon front brakes
- 98 Legacy GT wagon full interior
- 06 Impreza rear sub-frame/lateral links
- 04 Forester XT Cat Back
- Magnaflow 14827 muffler
- 0.080" aircraft grade stainless steel skidplate
- Hakka 5's on 15" forester steelies
- rally mud flaps and reinforced inner fenders
- K&N panel filter

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Picture012-1.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Picture015-1.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Picture017-1.jpg

[httrdd]

Oh yea you are speakin my language! Have any vids?

[heli-mech]

No vids yet. I hopefully will get some next weekend. The car is running really well, pulls very hard off the line. My friends Ej205 swapped RS just barely pulls on it, it is surprisingly quick for an old wagon.

I picked up a 4:11 5spd today from an '00 RS. I plan on swapping the 5spd in by the end of the summer. Just need to find a decent cheap clutch that will handle the abuse, and the 3-piece tranny bracket.

[TGX4776]

someone needs to make you guys a grill

[httrdd]

Lol I need to find one I can gut. Mine is too complex to work. I think there is an outback grill that has a differnt frame to it. I have plans to bolt it to the bumper already.

[Zac]

Nice! Exhaust and 0-60 vids??

[heli-mech]

Here are a few quick vids, should have some action footage later on in the week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuS4HIsVPLY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKS0VRmUMv8

[httrdd]

Cool! Sounds good.

[heli-mech]

Updated the video clips.

[heli-mech]

Here are some action shots from the last BAC rally-x event. Overall the car worked very well, and was dealt minimal damage. A set of rally tires are next on the to do list, as well as some extra protection for the fuel tank
and rear diff.

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Rally-X/_mg_5417.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Rally-X/_mg_5262.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Rally-X/_mg_5250.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Rally-X/_mg_5396.jpg

[SeriousSubaru]

MORE INFO NOW!!!!!

[heli-mech]

MORE INFO NOW!!!!!


What do you want to know? Ask away......

[SeriousSubaru]

unfortunately you by passed my biggest swap problem with a 95 instead of a 98... however I would love to see build pictures if you got them!

[heli-mech]

unfortunately you by passed my biggest swap problem with a 95 instead of a 98... however I would love to see build pictures if you got them!

Whats the big "problem" difference between the 95 and 98? :smt017

Sorry no build pics. The engine swap and cooling system fabrication took the better part of a weekend. The wiring took a few days to sort out. This was not my first swap or harness merge, so I am fairly comfortable and efficient at stripping and labeling suby hardness's now. The hardest part is in the prep work of the harness to get it ready for the splice.

[SeriousSubaru]

OBDII compliance in my state

[heli-mech]

OBDII compliance in my state

I see..... thankfully there are no emissions compliance in my province yet. :smt023

[StatGSR]

what radiator are you using? any chance you could take a few more pics of how you ran your cooling hoses? are you using an inline fill cap?

[chuckthefuk]

bad ass!

[heli-mech]

what radiator are you using? any chance you could take a few more pics of how you ran your cooling hoses? are you using an inline fill cap?

The radiator,filler neck, hoses, fan and overflow are all junkyard parts form a variety of different vehicles. There is limited space at the front of the legacy for a radiator, and reusing the legacy or svx radiator proved to be impossible.
Here is a list of what I used for the cooling system.

-92 Saab 900 turbo radiator copper/brass (modified inlet and outlets to match the diameter of the SVX plumbing)
-02 Durango 5.9L filler neck (trimmed the overall length,and the hose barbs to allow the suby hoses to fit)
-04 Honda Odyssey overflow bottle
-Various subaru upper and lower rad hoses.
-12" flexalite fan

I designed the cooling system off of "httrdd's" but was unable to make it fit the space that he did. So i cut and welded in a new lower rad support, and redesigned the upper rad support center section for clearance. The upper now bolts in place, and captures the new radiator forward of the OEM position. I also had to remove the inner mounts off the headlights,and trim some metal out of this area for clearance.

Overall the cooling system works really well. The car is easy to service, and does not get above half on the OEM legacy gauge even after two minute "rev-limter bouncing" laps at the rally-x.

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Picture023.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Picture022.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Picture019-1.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/Picture018-1.jpg

[heli-mech]

bad ass!


Thanks man....... good to see another canuck on the forum.

[StatGSR]

reusing the legacy or svx radiator proved to be impossible.

while its not impossible to use the svx rad (i did see https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?p=192382#p192382 ) its just not simple or what i would really like in the long run (don't really like my rad being so low and the first thing to bash into the ground). once i actually bother to spend the time to figure out why i can't get mine to run correctly i will also be redoing the whole cooling system.

thanks for some new ideas! I really think i am going to have to cave and loose the hood latch, i just really want to avoid dong that.

Here is my short list for the cooling system
universal aluminum radiator
get inline thermostat housing to move it to the top of the engine (supposed to help these engines from overheating)
get inline filler neck
sort out the over flow
customize as needed to mount the new rad

[heli-mech]

I really think i am going to have to cave and loose the hood latch, i just really want to avoid dong that.


Yeah the "hood pins" were an unfortunate side effect of the redesigned upper rad support. I am not a big fan, but they get the job done.

[grayguy]

Maybe it's Possible to use one latch on each side of the hood like a jeep Cherokee does, it'd take a little work but I bet it's doable.

I'm still planning on reworking the stock latch to work when I do my eg33 swap, hopefully that starts soon

[heli-mech]

Maybe it's Possible to use one latch on each side of the hood like a jeep Cherokee does, it'd take a little work but I bet it's doable.


The biggest problem with the EG33 swap is space up front. Any options for a hood latch really depends on the style/size/location of the rad and other cooling components. My Legacy is not a DD and is only used for Rally-x events, that's why i opted for hood pins over a stock latch install.

[grayguy]

Yeah, I know what you mean, it was a challenge when I tabbed StatGSR's car to keep the stock latch, other sacrifices were made, mostly because of time frame.

[httrdd]

The radiator did not fit due the one I have listed being a differnt size than stock from a 900 T.

[heli-mech]

The radiator did not fit due the one I have listed being a differnt size than stock from a 900 T.

Well that makes sense. If this Saab rad doesn't hold up I plan on replacing it with this set up from Griffin.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GRI-1-26201-X/

I only have one more Rally-X race left this season and we don't resume again until the fall. All our events run from October until April, so it should hold up fine. I have a long term plan of sourcing a 1st Gen legacy sedan and moving the swap and other parts over. Unfortunately 1st gen's on the east coast of Canada are pretty rare and rusted out. I have family in MD so I am always on Craig List searching for a hopeful candidate.

[httrdd]

I an sure you can pick up a 1st gen cheap here in the states. Use this web site to search all of craigslist in a certain distance. Searchtempest.com.

[heli-mech]

Thanks man :smt023

[httrdd]

Oh and that radiator might be too tall. I belive I had 13.5 inches max to fit the radiator nicely. And for me I was lucky it tucked under the top radiator support.

[StatGSR]

^ what he said, i wish i would have saved the one i found on summit that was "perfect"

oh, maybe i did...
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GRI-2-56185-H/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GRI-2-26185-H/

my only concerns with those are the cooling capacity...

I have to look up on griffins site what the last letter in the part number means, i know it changes something... for example, here is 5 versions of the 56185 radiator...
http://www.autopartsdealer.com/search.a ... rm=2-56185 (http://www.autopartsdealer.com/search.aspx?searchTerm=2-56185)

http://www.griffinrad.com/drag_car.cfm ok it looks like X means it has a fill neck, H does not

that said, i think this is the one i would like...
http://www.autopartsdealer.com/griffin_ ... 956-p.html (http://www.autopartsdealer.com/griffin_aluminum_drag_race_radiators-p57956-p.html)

[SubaruJawn]

:eek:
an EG33 ?!

and here i wanted to put an EZ36 in my XT6 and My Legacy L Wagon

but wiring scares me :smt099

[httrdd]

You were going to put the 3.6R engine in your car? Not worth the money if you ask me.

[chuckthefuk]

Standalone makes any swap EZ

[SubaruJawn]

You were going to put the 3.6R engine in your car? Not worth the money if you ask me.
i wish i could. is what i was saying


Standalone makes any swap EZ
link plz

[heli-mech]

I am planning on swapping my EG33 swapped legacy to a 5spd. I picked up a 4.11 5spd from an 98 RS and plan on running it with a stage 2 or 3 clutch and a HD pressure plate.

I am wondering if this transmission will hold up behind the EG33's added torque? I am only hard on the car off pavement, and only run it once or twice a month.

I don't want to dump a ton of cash into a 6spd or aftermarket gear set, just trying to keep it cheap and simple.

[heli-mech]

Had her out for the final rally-x of the season. Its was raining like a bastard. I ended up tearing a fender liner and swamping the air filter on one of the early laps. Had to swap MAFS and limp home. Not the best day,but it was still fun. I am going to reinstall my 04 Forester XT suspension with bigger tires over the summer, she is to low on the STI springs and is taking a beating. Also going to put in a diff-lock switch and a welded rear end. Stay tuned in the fall, she will be back bigger and badder then ever.
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/_mg_5663.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/_mg_5668.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/_mg_5670.jpg

And this is how the day ended.
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/_mg_5687.jpg

[httrdd]

Damn did you suck any water in? I would change the oil and run some seafoam or somethin. Looks like fun though!

[heli-mech]

Luckily I didn't suck in any water, just got the filter wet enough to stall it out. I changed the oil and cleaned the intake and she is running perfect. I only had the stock airbox going into the fender, with no snorkus. I am going to redesign a new intake setup over the summer.

The bad news is that I removed the rear interior to access my stut towers and they are in very bad shape. The lower seam is rusted through in a few spots and there Are a few holes also. Lots of welding and cutting, but she will be ready again by the fall.

[heli-mech]

Car is for-sale locally now.

http://www.armsinc.ca/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=10331

Strut towers are rusted out beyond repair. It still works great and pulls like a freight train. Ifthere is no interest I will pull the complete swap/harness and cooling system and post it up here for sale.

Anyone looking for a plug and play EG33 swap..... :smt023

[httrdd]

That sux. Not weldable? Hope the sale work for you.

[heli-mech]

It is to far gone. The way the rear strut towers are designed They are layers of thin gauges spot/seam welded together. There is heavy corrosion in between the layers and multiple large holes all along the main seams. It is scary how rotten they are I might just post some pics to share the horror of it.

On a positive note I just made a deal with a friend to take it to his shop and part it out. I am going to keep the EG33 and harness I have to much love for these engines now.

THE NEW PROJECT

I am picking up a VW vanagon '81 aircooled westy that has no engine. I plan on swapping in a aircooled/carb 1600cc I have to get it mobile for now and then design/fabricate a coolant system, engine mount crossmember, exhaust etc.for the EG33 over the winter.

This will give you an idea of what I have planned.... :evil:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCO4I4Am8x4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p8Qcf7kPRE

[httrdd]

Oh no that is the svx guys worst nightmare. I don't get it with the whole vw thing, but whatever makes you happy.

[heli-mech]

I had a '78 VW camper van for many years. I actually got into subaru's because of aircooled VW experience. I have put an EJ22 into a friends VW van before, so it should be pretty straight forward.

I know its not everyone's cup of tea, but it satisfy's the "old hippy" and "suby enthustiast" in me so it really fits the bill.

Ian

[heli-mech]

Here are a few videos of the car/swap/0-70mph etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuS4HIsV ... re=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuS4HIsVPLY&feature=related)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcEIFy-N ... re=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcEIFy-Nn6A&feature=related)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99CYCwreQCs

[heli-mech]

Car was parted out today. Most parts have been sold locally.

On a side note, everyone should own a forklift. :lol:

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/Heli-mech/svx004.jpg