jg09's JDM STi swap

[jg09]

With the JDM Version 5 STi swap a for sure "go", it's time to seriously give this project some thought. Since there seem to be very few swapped BE/BH Legacys here (and none with some of the unique issues mine has), I feel it's time to start my own thread about this.

As it stands, I have a few concerns with the swap at this point. Finding info on the JDM motor itself isn't too hard, but I can't seem to get any reliable info on the transmission. From 98-99 when the Version 5 was out, did it share the same transmission as any USDM vehicles? I need to know what the final front wheel drive ratio was, as well as if the clutch pedal assembly from a 5MT equipped BH will work. It's also unclear as to whether or not my BH shares any parts with the JDM STi. From what I've found out, the transmission cross member should work with minimal (if any) modification.

Speaking of crossmembers, I know that a motor crossmember needs to be sourced from a turbo 'Ru. Will a turbo Baja's crossmember work with my JDM motor? Any thoughts on this?

Going back to transmission, what's the spline count of my BH axles? WIll they work with the JDM transmission? The one thing I do know (thanks to the AT to MT swap thread) is that I'll need a longer front driveshaft, but that shouldn't be much of an issue.

I just want to thank you guys once again for all the help you've already given me on this and for all the help I'll get in the future.

[decke48]

tranny info
http://www.northursalia.com/techdocs/tr ... ychart.pdf (http://www.northursalia.com/techdocs/trannychart/trannychart.pdf)
gc/gf/be/bh/baja are direct fit no shims. wrx/sti need shim for the front control arm bushing
i dont know about washingtons inspections but will you car pass emissions? obdII check. because i know around here jdm/edm/sadm/adm ecu fail because the state computers dont read them and you fail.

[jg09]

WA is once saved, always saved. If it were otherwise, then the swap would be a no go.

[keltik]

Splines will fit no worries. Grab the trans code and google it for final drive ratios. I do have a link that has all the STi codes and gear ratios but thats at home and im at work.

X-member from a single turbo BH will work if you can find one in the states.

JDM vehicles generally have much shorter gears than the USDM or EUDM models. Im fairly sure the version 5 is a 4.444 final drive assuming its a 5 speed.

Transmission should bolt up with no modifications at all. Your clutch slave should also fit assuming you have a hydraulic pull type

[rougeben83]

tranny info:

http://spda-online.ca/modules/tinyconte ... tc_28.html (http://spda-online.ca/modules/tinycontent/rewrite/tc_28.html)

what transmission do you have currently? I thought the early outbacks can come with either MT and AT...

Any subaru transmission made after 1990 will fit into any subaru made after 1990 (the tribeca is kind of iffy) and will bolt up to any EJ/EZ/ER engine. Any turbo crossmember will work with your motor. The problem is matching the right control arm. The GD WRX/STi ones got 60mm wide front bushings, your N/A has 55mm wide front bushings. Shim it or get a Legacy SS (1st gen turbo) xmember. Not 100% sure if the baja turbo got the same xmember as the GD's. Anyway, steel control arms from a WRX is like another $100, and you get another 20mm in your front track out of the deal; its up to you if thats within your budget.

[jg09]

Okay, so I'm moderately confused at to what this whole crossmember/subframe assembly includes and how it attaches to the . Anyone got a pic of this?

[97legacygt]

Your motor sits on and bolts the crossmember. Your steering rack also get bolted to the bottom of it. It has I believe 2 big bolts on each side that bolt into the frame rail. The forward inside bolt of the control arm bolts to this, and from what I am understanding this is the bushing that people are saying is different sizes. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Hopefully this helps. I would post a pic, but I don't have any of it.

Edit: Stole a pic from Subba's Impreza project
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo114/subarulegy/Random/bay-1.jpg

[xXGTBspecXx]

im pretty sure i just saw one on ebay.. search for the x member on ebay !!!

[decke48]

Not 100% sure if the baja turbo got the same xmember as the GD's.
baja shares the same front control arms and bushings as the 90-04 legacy

[RS22b]

Assuming you are using the STi trans as well as the motor. The trans for that year should be a 4.44 FD. You will need a rear to match that. Im not sure if yours already does. it depends on what style trans you have in your car already.

If you currently have a manual trans in your car, that driveshaft will work just fine with the STi piece. No need to find a new one.

Clutch - If you are getting a full clip and not just a motor set you should have all the components needed to run the setup. You will need to use the STi slave and soft line. You keep your stock master and hard line that is attatched to the body right under the pitch stop mount.

Front xmember. Should be the same as the legacy SS, but if your swap comes with a xmember that one will be fine to use.

Hope this helps. If you have anymore q's just ask :)

_billy

[impreza_GC8]

I can't keep up with all your build plans. Since when is a V5 swap a "for sure go?"
I'd try to dig up some information to be helpful but based on your other 7 threads regarding your plans I'd be surprised if this happened.
Additionally why do you even want to go V5? You will be able to source replacement parts but it wont be as easy as just going to the dealer and telling them what you want. You will no longer function on any USDM OBD system so reading codes and tuning will be difficult. I could go on and on and on.

[subba]

Take it from me, when it comes to engines on this side of the world USDM > JDM stock for stock JDM has the upperhand but when modding and things break USDM ftw, after these cars, i am never modding a jdm car again.

[peugoby]

Why a JDM engine? As GC8 said, our OBD engine management system is not compatible with theirs. I would think wiring would be a nightmare.

I'd definitely do a USDM 2.5L and a nice VF series turbo way before any JDM swap. Why V.5? I'm just trying to see what the justification is.

Are you going to upgrade the sway bars and brakes, springs, bushings & mounts before doing the swap or just do the engine? What about a tranny?

Who is doing all the wiring and tuning?

Finally, what is your budget? I'd PM Kraziken, Rougeben & BakerGTT before you finalize anything. There are so many costs associated with a swap like this. I just don't want to see you get into it and not have enough cash/ ditch it and almost have it complete. From what I've read it and know, its going to cost anywhere between 6 - 10K, and plan on 10k. I'm not trying to discourage you man but this is a huge undertaking.

[rougeben83]

I can't keep up with all your build plans. Since when is a V5 swap a "for sure go?"
I'd try to dig up some information to be helpful but based on your other 7 threads regarding your plans I'd be surprised if this happened.
Additionally why do you even want to go V5? You will be able to source replacement parts but it wont be as easy as just going to the dealer and telling them what you want. You will no longer function on any USDM OBD system so reading codes and tuning will be difficult. I could go on and on and on.

I explained that to him in the other thread where he first starting speculating about gettint it done. There are some ways around the issues, but he has to do some research. And things like coilpacks and other replacement parts are specific to these motors and are not available to be readily ordered in the US.

I'm going to assume he's going to do all the homework before moving forward with this project.

[Huffer]

:study: :happy1:

[keltik]

i cant believe your going to even think about running the stock ecu.

Considering the BIGGEST problem with these motors is the ECU leaning things out causing them to blow big ends....

Seems like it would be much easier to get a half decent tune done on a link or whatever - at least then you can do away with half of the engines wiring and run whatever coil pack you like

I also disagree on the price you quoted. Im sure this can be done on the cheap as all the parts should bolt right in. I do however agree with "whos doing the wiring" cos its a major pain in the ass...and trying to trim down the stock loom will drive even the most hardened man crazy

[jg09]

i cant believe your going to even think about running the stock ecu.

Considering the BIGGEST problem with these motors is the ECU leaning things out causing them to blow big ends....

Seems like it would be much easier to get a half decent tune done on a link or whatever - at least then you can do away with half of the engines wiring and run whatever coil pack you like

I also disagree on the price you quoted. Im sure this can be done on the cheap as all the parts should bolt right in. I do however agree with "whos doing the wiring" cos its a major pain in the ass...and trying to trim down the stock loom will drive even the most hardened man crazy

I never said anything about using a stock Legacy ECU. The motor I'll most likely be getting comes with a V5 ECU and trans.

I say V5 for a few reasons. USDM STi motors aren't exactly cheap (can you say 75% more than V4 and V5s?). Granted, the OBDII system will be easier to work with on a USDM motor, but as far as wiring goes, I'm going to go have that done elsewhere. There's a Subaru Performance Shop now in Bellingham called NW Rally Sports that I've heard many good things about. I'm going to contact them and see if they can help me with the wiring and other things I may not be able to do on my own. If they can't help, it'll be a trailer ride down to Steve's Pacific Import Auto in Tacoma. Everyone in the Tacoma area has nothing but good things to say about that shop.

My plans have changed a fair amount, but I got to some thinking and I've come to a conclusion. I don't really want to do long travel suspension on BH. Even though I'll be pulling apart most of the car anyways, I really don't want to hack up the suspension and potentially make huge mistakes on such a new(er) car. If I go the long travel route, it'll probably be on a 1st or 2nd gen Legacy sometime in the future. Realistically, however, that's not the best route at this time. A long travel, desert racing Subaru isn't a good daily driver and that would leave my Explorer as the only thing left.

If I STi swap the BH, then it'll still be very streetable. I don't know what I'll do for sure for suspension, as I don't want to lower it, but I do want a stiffer setup, preferably with a degree of adjustability in the shock's dampening ability. With the BH done for a while, I'll be able to focus my attention on the Explorer, most likely get it off my property (anyone wanna buy it?) and then look into getting another Legacy. Again, though, I'm looking at this realistically. I can only afford one major project in the next three years, and I want it to be an STi swapped, rally/auto-x Outback.

[impreza_GC8]

When are you going to college? These vehicle goals are great in high school, trust me, I've been there. I had my RS when I was a senior in high school. However, when you go to college its no longer cool to be broke all the time and constantly have to use moms credit card. Plus, you always need money for the bars/alcohol in general. You'll see when you get there.

[jg09]

Going to tech school next winter that's only 20 miles away, which means living with mommy during that time. Woo hoo! :lol: And I've had...er, a friend of mine has had bad experiences in the past with drinking, it's not for me.

[97legacygt]

However, when you go to college its no longer cool to be broke all the time
When was it ever cool to be broke all the time? For a lot of people, you will become broke when you get to college. I thought I was broke in high school and now there is a whole other meaning to being "broke." But I definitely would not be dropping some serious coin into swapping in the sti motor just before you start college or further education. All you need is a reliable car, even if it is 20 years old and rust bucket.

[Huffer]

When are you going to college? These vehicle goals are great in high school, trust me, I've been there. I had my RS when I was a senior in high school. However, when you go to college its no longer cool to be broke all the time and constantly have to use moms credit card. Plus, you always need money for the bars/alcohol in general. You'll see when you get there.

I do recall that there's a "kid" around this board with a 91 or 92 SS that swapped in a WRX motor, prior to that upped the turbo and boost on the stock EJ22 "T" engine. Did it all himself with his father.

I really don't think age is the issue here - it's how determined and how sensible the person is.
I'd really like to see this project come to fruition, and I think people should stop banging on him - he's not you, or me, or anyone else.

So let's just see where he takes this, huh?

[rougeben83]

When are you going to college? These vehicle goals are great in high school, trust me, I've been there. I had my RS when I was a senior in high school. However, when you go to college its no longer cool to be broke all the time and constantly have to use moms credit card. Plus, you always need money for the bars/alcohol in general. You'll see when you get there.

I do recall that there's a "kid" around this board with a 91 or 92 SS that swapped in a WRX motor, prior to that upped the turbo and boost on the stock EJ22 "T" engine. Did it all himself with his father.

I really don't think age is the issue here - it's how determined and how sensible the person is.
I'd really like to see this project come to fruition, and I think people should stop banging on him - he's not you, or me, or anyone else.

So let's just see where he takes this, huh?

You guys think money's hard when you're in college, try medical school :wink:. However, I still had enough money saved up from when I was working in between college and med school to fund my swap. Then being without a car for a month a half during the backend of winter (riding my bicycle to clinic :lol:), and then having to fly and drive 700 miles each way to drop off and pick up the car... yeah.

When there's a will, there's a way. I want to see just how committed jg09 is to seeing this thru because all I've seen is brainstorming on all his "future plans for the car" threads here.

[impreza_GC8]

I do recall that there's a "kid" around this board with a 91 or 92 SS that swapped in a WRX motor, prior to that upped the turbo and boost on the stock EJ22 "T" engine. Did it all himself with his father.
Agreed however "father/son projects" when the son is in high school is code for "father" pays and "son" plays. I've been involved in one or two of those as well.
More power to him if he actually does it but for some reason I'm feeling crabby today and stirring up the pot a little bit.

[Huffer]

Agreed however "father/son projects" when the son is in high school is code for "father" pays and "son" plays. I've been involved in one or two of those as well.
More power to him if he actually does it but for some reason I'm feeling crabby today and stirring up the pot a little bit.

Fine - now that that's done with, lets STAY ON TRACK ok?

jg09, the field is yours.

[jg09]

Agreed however "father/son projects" when the son is in high school is code for "father" pays and "son" plays. I've been involved in one or two of those as well.
More power to him if he actually does it but for some reason I'm feeling crabby today and stirring up the pot a little bit.

Fine - now that that's done with, lets STAY ON TRACK ok?

jg09, the field is yours.

Wow, thanks, Huffer. This project is really going to be all on my own. I'll be using my uncle's shop and some of his tools, but funding comes from my own pocket. However, I feel that it will make the car that much more special since it was done with my hands and my funds. Both my mom and I are far from millionaires, but I can make enough money to support myself and my expensive automobile addiction. :lol:

[rougeben83]

Wow, thanks, Huffer. This project is really going to be all on my own. I'll be using my uncle's shop and some of his tools, but funding comes from my own pocket. However, I feel that it will make the car that much more special since it was done with my hands and my funds. Both my mom and I are far from millionaires, but I can make enough money to support myself and my expensive automobile addiction. :lol:

The mechanical bit is straight forward and you can most likely do it yourself. The wiring, you would be better off sending to some place that does merges, it's well worth the cost IMO. I know I'm a bit biased but ECS has done a lot of wiring merges for JDM engines into USDM cars. Keep that last bit in mind because not everyone that offers this service has experience doing that particular combo.

[subba]

and your expensive taste in bicycles lol

I have a complete front end harness here for ya if you dont get one. complete with fuse boxes and fuses, it shouldn't be going anywhere for a while lol u just pay shipping.

Do the swap but make sure you have a daily driver or beater because things might take a while to get right the first time.

[97legacygt]

Wow, thanks, Huffer. This project is really going to be all on my own. I'll be using my uncle's shop and some of his tools, but funding comes from my own pocket. However, I feel that it will make the car that much more special since it was done with my hands and my funds. Both my mom and I are far from millionaires, but I can make enough money to support myself and my expensive automobile addiction. :lol:

If you have money for all your toys and projects, what kind of a job do you have to fund all these projects? I need to find me one of those jobs.

[xXGTBspecXx]

corect me if im wrong but in order to pass emssions with a motor swap doesnt the engine have to be 2 years younger then the car.. ie. for it to work on a 2002 outback the motor would have to be from a 04-up but im not 100% sure for everystate but thats how it is here in good ol' MD

[97legacygt]

He's been saying that once the car has been saved in the system, its always saved.

[xXGTBspecXx]

oh i must have skimmed over that part... cool beans i wish it was like that here.

[jg09]

Wow, thanks, Huffer. This project is really going to be all on my own. I'll be using my uncle's shop and some of his tools, but funding comes from my own pocket. However, I feel that it will make the car that much more special since it was done with my hands and my funds. Both my mom and I are far from millionaires, but I can make enough money to support myself and my expensive automobile addiction. :lol:

If you have money for all your toys and projects, what kind of a job do you have to fund all these projects? I need to find me one of those jobs.

Social security and under-the-table auto repair. :smile:

And once again, you are right, WA state (at this point) is once saved, always saved as far as emissions go. IIRC, CA motor swap rules state that the motor has to be at least as old as the vehicle. I've never actually heard of a state that requires it to be at least 2 years younger until now, but most states probably have differing laws.

AND, NW Rally Sports can help me with the wiring for the swap, so that's a good thing. From what I can tell, they seem very confident about it.

[decke48]

mmm dccd :twisted:

[99gtlimited]

i cant believe your going to even think about running the stock ecu.
There's a Subaru Performance Shop now in Bellingham called NW Rally Sports that I've heard many good things about. I'm going to contact them and see if they can help me with the wiring and other things I may not be able to do on my own.

Adam at NWRS is a great guy, however i'm not sure how long any of this will take as he is a one man crew and works out of a garage next to his house. I have hung out with him a few times and gotten him to do some work on my BD, i would highly suggest him, however the turnaround may take some time and costs a fair amount since he charges by the hour and is the only one working there.

He does have a JDM swap in his impreza L that he set up though which is MEAN. EJ20G with EL headers and much more, that car is awesome to ride in. I suggest calling him and talking to him or even going out there before you decide on what your are gonna get done and where since he is very well plugged in around here as far as Subie's.

Let me know how this is going, I'm not too far out and if you need a hand with stuff just let me know, I have access to tons of cool tools, machines, and other stuff down here at the VRI as well.


Justin

[99gtlimited]

Also, with regards to emissions, i don't know how they do it up here in Whatcom County but in King County you have to have ODB if your car had it originally in order to test it, and even if you have a CEL you fail... Also, the law states that you are not to put an engine in the car that is older than the car itself, not that they could really tell, but you can't go from FI to carbeurated or anything like that (legally).

TBH i would search CL cause there are a couple closed block engines on there right now that you could swoop up and make a hybrid out of and run off a legacy SS ECU (i think this is what Adam at NWRS is doing for his ECU with his JDM swap). I wouldn't be set on a JDM import just yet, since there are plenty of affordable alternatives that will be easier to deal with in the future (parts, diganostics, servicing, wiring)

[rougeben83]

Also, with regards to emissions, i don't know how they do it up here in Whatcom County but in King County you have to have ODB if your car had it originally in order to test it, and even if you have a CEL you fail... Also, the law states that you are not to put an engine in the car that is older than the car itself, not that they could really tell, but you can't go from FI to carbeurated or anything like that (legally).

TBH i would search CL cause there are a couple closed block engines on there right now that you could swoop up and make a hybrid out of and run off a legacy SS ECU (this is what Adam at NWRS is doing for his ECU). I wouldn't be set on a JDM import just yet, since there are plenty of affordable alternatives that will be easier to deal with in the future (parts, diganostics, servicing, wiring)

There's a difference between OBD I (pre95) and OBD II (all cars post95) as well...which is why not a lot of people use the legacy SS ecu when they put in a ej22t block in their subaru because the switch to the older version is not only illegal but it is often times too much trouble in wiring for what youre getting (namely the lack of being able to easily tune the ECU); if this was the case, going to a standalone EM or using an OBDII turbo ecu (02+WRX) and have it retuned would be a more viable option to run the ej22t block as the block does not care what electronics are going to be controlling it.

95+ JDM engines have OBDII as well. The key difference, and why they fail US OBD emissions scans is that they don't have the readiness codes that the governement systems look for to give the car a pass. Some people have been able to swap a USDM WRX ecu, turn off some of the emissions codes, and drive it around and hope it reads ready to get a pass on emissions test, but this is NOT 100%.

The point is, if you're concerned about passing emissions, you need to weigh your options before going JDM because while the cost upfront is about 1-2k cheaper than a comparable USDM swap, it may become undrivable or too much of a hassle to get it to pass emissions, depending on where you live.

[99gtlimited]

Yeah Adam from NWRS had also mentioned that he was considering changing to a different ECU cause the SS one was OBDI and had some tunability issues.

[jg09]

It's no secret, I'd LOVE to swap in a USDM STi motor, but cost is kind of the limiting factor here. If anyone comes across a good deal on an EJ257, give me a hollar. I'm not too concerned about it including the transmission, too, though that would be nice. I can live with a WRX-sourced 5 spd

There are still a lot of unknowns on this project, but I definitely will be giving Adam from NWRS a call here soon. If anyone ever wanted to show up at my place to help with the Outback, I could probably put ya to work. There's a ton of work that needs to be done to just get the stock components out. Words of warning: if you come, bring all the metric tools you can, I have none (damn low-life thieves!! :mad: )

[rougeben83]

It's no secret, I'd LOVE to swap in a USDM STi motor, but cost is kind of the limiting factor here. If anyone comes across a good deal on an EJ257, give me a hollar. I'm not too concerned about it including the transmission, too, though that would be nice. I can live with a WRX-sourced 5 spd

There are still a lot of unknowns on this project, but I definitely will be giving Adam from NWRS a call here soon. If anyone ever wanted to show up at my place to help with the Outback, I could probably put ya to work. There's a ton of work that needs to be done to just get the stock components out. Words of warning: if you come, bring all the metric tools you can, I have none (damn low-life thieves!! :mad: )

Define "good price"...if you can get an sti motorset for around $4-5k that's a good price, but that's significantly more than any JDM motorset you can find.

[99gtlimited]

if your on nasioc you can PM adam, he's listed as 99impreza i believe

[jg09]

It's no secret, I'd LOVE to swap in a USDM STi motor, but cost is kind of the limiting factor here. If anyone comes across a good deal on an EJ257, give me a hollar. I'm not too concerned about it including the transmission, too, though that would be nice. I can live with a WRX-sourced 5 spd

There are still a lot of unknowns on this project, but I definitely will be giving Adam from NWRS a call here soon. If anyone ever wanted to show up at my place to help with the Outback, I could probably put ya to work. There's a ton of work that needs to be done to just get the stock components out. Words of warning: if you come, bring all the metric tools you can, I have none (damn low-life thieves!! :mad: )

Define "good price"...if you can get an sti motorset for around $4-5k that's a good price, but that's significantly more than any JDM motorset you can find.

About $4500-ish was what I had in mind. More than I wanted to plan on spending on a JDM motorset, but A LOT less than I've been finding. Everywhere I look lists USDM STi motorsets at around $6500. I'm not on NASIOC yet, but I'm really thinking I probably should be.

[Huffer]

www.iwsti.com (http://www.iwsti.com)
www.nasioc.com (http://www.nasioc.com)
www.clubwrx.com (http://www.clubwrx.com)

keep an eye on your local salvage auctions too.

[99gtlimited]

so you're planning on doing all this with no power tools at all????

[keltik]

so you're planning on doing all this with no power tools at all????

Power tools? Thats a rich mans luxury!!

[jg09]

I'm not on NASIOC yet, but I'm really thinking I probably should be.

Scratch that, I'm on NASIOC as jg09, also.

[chuckthefuk]

About $4500-ish was what I had in mind. More than I wanted to plan on spending on a JDM motorset, but A LOT less than I've been finding. Everywhere I look lists USDM STi motorsets at around $6500. I'm not on NASIOC yet, but I'm really thinking I probably should be.

V4/5
----
$4500 is the going rate on a complete setup (ecu/harness/etc)
$2500 is the going rate just for the motor.

I get my swap prices from here.

www.torontojdm.com (http://www.torontojdm.com)

not to helpful since its in Canada but those are the going rates for this engine.

$6500 for a USDM STI complete setup is a great price! I'v seen a few guys buy rear-end "write offs" from the states for around $6000 US. Super cheap think about it if you got the room to keep an extra car.

-Chuck

[99gtlimited]

^^ that's how i'd do it for sure, just get a whole donor car and move everything over and part out the rest that yo don't need.

[rougeben83]

enough 'if's' just pick a damn engine and git 'er dun!

[99gtlimited]

HAhaha...

'if' only it were that easy :lol:

[rougeben83]

HAhaha...

'if' only it were that easy :lol:

If all I did was think of the possibilities, I would still be in the same boat as a lot of guys complaining how slow their scoobs are :smt002

If he REALLY wants this done, first he needs to figure out what kind of budget he has. Because right now he's looking at engines ranging from a little over $2k all the way up to $6k and beyond :neutral: . Once he has a budget, he'll know what kind of engine he can and cannot afford, what kind of extras (transmissions, go fast parts, etc) he can do along with the engine swap, what compromises he'll have to make to get the best bang for his buck etc etc. There's a lot of planning and logistics involved way before one even starts turning bolts on the car.

But I guess this has turned into another one of jg09's "i wanna do dis to my car, guys!" threads, hasn't it? :roll: Just get an LS1 to swap in there and be done with it. :twisted:

[99gtlimited]

now that would be bad ass as a drift car with a RWD conversion!!

[Huffer]

No more conjecture until jg09 posts about the engine... if this thread is going to die, let it.

OK?

[jg09]

My mom just had to take a serious cut in hours, which effectively reduced her already-low librarian income by about half. I'm really not in a position to get a consistent job, especially with tech school coming up, so she's telling me I need to help contribute to the family funds. Her first order of business for me: sell the Explorer. It sucks since I really like the truck, but I'd rather it go right now than the Outback. The reason I put this here, however, is because She did warn me that selling the Outback might be a possibility in the future if she can't get more hours/I can't get a job. At this point, I'm still moving forward with my plans of STi swapping it, though I'm beginning to think I should go the USDM route, as having a JDM motor that can't pass emission testing will seriously reduce the value of the car.

I never really gave much thought to the failing economy, thinking that it would never really effect me that bad. Looks like I'm being proved wrong here. The library system relies on taxes that come with building permits. In the past few months, there have been absoleutely NO submissions of new house permits. I think there's been 2 or 3 remodel permits issued. The library's budget has gone down each year while the cost of running the library has stayed the same or gone up. Some quick mental math shows that things aren't working out.

[keltik]

Just throwing it out there - im not sure how much shipping would be on a car to the states...but it was only about $1500USD to get one from the UK to New Zealand and thats a lot further.

For $8000USD you can have a dam good entire version 4/5STI

Might be worth talking to an independant car exporter in Japan - you could ship an entire crash damaged one to the states for a similar price to a USDM STI conversion and in my opinion the EJ20 is a much nicer motor. Youd also be getting a heap of other STI goodies instead of just a motor

[Huffer]

Just throwing it out there - im not sure how much shipping would be on a car to the states...but it was only about $1500USD to get one from the UK to New Zealand and thats a lot further.

For $8000USD you can have a dam good entire version 4/5STI

Might be worth talking to an independant car exporter in Japan - you could ship an entire crash damaged one to the states for a similar price to a USDM STI conversion and in my opinion the EJ20 is a much nicer motor. Youd also be getting a heap of other STI goodies instead of just a motor

This has been covered before, but the summary is that importing a wrecked car is impossible unless you hold an importers license (and these are highly regulated and restricted) and you will not be able to get the entire car. US Customs requires that cars are literally cut in half.

Carry on...

[Huffer]

I'm beginning to think I should go the USDM route, as having a JDM motor that can't pass emission testing will seriously reduce the value of the car.

Here's the thing. You own a car, which is the single biggest depreciating item you can own, besides probably a motorhome (RV) or a bowling alley in the jungle.

Nothing you do will ever recoup the original $21,000odd tag on your Outback when it was new, at least not without investing more than the car is worth.

Cars are typically the leaders in the law of diminishing returns. Very few vehicles now will ever go "up" in value. For that you need:
1) a car made with lower than normal production numbers
2) a car that has a near iconic status
3) a fan-base that exists outside of motorheads (hello muscle cars)

Time for the toys to go, and for peeps to find jobs.

Here's the thing. You own a car, which is the single biggest depreciating item you can own, besides probably a motorhome (RV) or a bowling alley in the jungle.


omg no. dont listen to him monkeys... im still building it for you :smt009


here's my reccommendation.. get a job...

[97legacygt]

Time for the toys to go, and for peeps to find jobs.

Very good words of advice. If money is tight now, don't spend it because if you go to college in the fall, the money situation will only get worse if you don't get a job. I really wish that I didn't spend as much as I did on my car to get rust repair done as I did because that pretty much depleted my funds and I haven't had a job since August.

[decke48]

sound likes its time for an ej251 :eek:

[jg09]

sound likes its time for an ej251 :eek:

As much as I don't want to go that route again, I'm beginning to think that I'm being forced to. This REALLY sucks, since I saw this as an opportunity to do the swap I've always dreamed of. What also sucks is that right now, I can't just not do anything and wait for things to blow over. I need a vehicle that actually runs/drives. Without the Explorer, I don't really know what I'll do. Maybe find something else that's cheap, maybe just get my act together and get a motor in the Outback. Whatever way I go, I can almost assure you that it won't be the way I want, though. :-(

[chuckthefuk]

sound likes its time for an ej251 :eek:

As much as I don't want to go that route again, I'm beginning to think that I'm being forced to. This REALLY sucks, since I saw this as an opportunity to do the swap I've always dreamed of. What also sucks is that right now, I can't just not do anything and wait for things to blow over. I need a vehicle that actually runs/drives. Without the Explorer, I don't really know what I'll do. Maybe find something else that's cheap, maybe just get my act together and get a motor in the Outback. Whatever way I go, I can almost assure you that it won't be the way I want, though. :-(

Sounds like this isn't your "Dream Time" ... Drop $1000 for a 2.5 N/A and get your resume out there!

Dreams will only come true with money. Money that most people don't have.

Good luck with your goals and dreams.

Keep SL-i updated

=Chuck