Beetle Subaru EJ22 Swap

IG: @3DPrints4TC

In this video I cover some of the major tasks involved in putting a Subaru EJ22 engine in my 1974 Beetle.

Backstory:
Here is my 1974 VW super beetle that has been in my family since 1983. When I restored this car back in 2016 I put in a rebuilt 1600. The stock engine worked well and drove it for about 30K but always wished it had a little more pep and could keep up with other cars on the highway.

In AUG 2020 I found and purchased a wrecked 1997 Impreza from an online auction site. It was the perfect car, it had the non-turbo EJ22 engine, decent mileage (109K miles), and it was wrecked so I didn’t feel guilty gutting a perfectly good car.

I tried to re-use as much as I could from the donor car, I have linked a parts list spreadsheet to all the parts I purchased for this build.

Music:
“Welcome Back” & “Let Yourself be Huge” by Cloudkicker
Big thanks to Ben Sharp AKA Cloudkicker for giving me permission to use his music for this video. Check him out.

Parts list spreadsheet:

[YeOldeKamikaze]

The patience it takes to carefully remove the electrical stuff, test it and then reinstall all of it onto a car not designed to accommodate it.
Also, the knowledge to source and install the correct parts to bring it all together to life.
Much respect.

[antonhuman]

One who never owned a bush frog can not truly comprehend the transformation.
Courage. And BALLS does it.
Excellent work young man!

[Regg]

You have to admire the person who doesn’t except things as they are, and those willing to move the boundary lines.

[nevamind]

How come 300 + people failed to appreciate the hardwork, determination and grit for this sleeper.
This is truly beast on the streets, nicely done.

[conantdog]

You've answered the question probably every Volkswagen air-cooled engine owner has asked himself if he's replaced his own motor.
Excellent concept beautiful work thanks for sharing.

[robertcox]

Fantastic man. I as a 72 year old drive and love my 2008 Subaru WRX 2.5.turbo, beautiful ride and sound.

[rickeymitchell]

That job is intense but you made it look easy. The before and after acceleration runs brought it home how much the swap changed things. The electrical end of things would be my unicorn. Electronics is not my strong suit. Great job and another beetle still on the road !

[DavidBarnkow]

Your exhaust pipe modifications really changed the clearly identifiable Subaru sound to a unique exhaust note all your own. Sounds great!

[thomaslaurino]

That feeling when u start the engine for the first time is incredible! Good job man! This video is awesome!

[BrandonSmith-iyir]

Thats badass! Awesome job dude sounds much more lively. I bet it puts a bigger smile on your face when u drive it now.

[stevejames]

I had a VW Bus PASS me on a hill north of Roseburg Oregon, I was in my empty log truck with a 425 cat and rolling 70, fucker walked by me like I was standing still. It was Subby powered. And I liked it!!

[cornwallavr]

Awesome. As I'm your dad's age now, and never had kids, these are moments I wish I had. Much respect young man.

[wildboard]

Takie serducho w garbusku.
To jak spełnienie marzeń niejednego gostka.Tobie sie udalo.
Super.brawo TY

[rerite]

Five gold stars. Much respect. Before/After format works great.

[zuzu]

Nice report ! The best part is your love for your beetle .

[DerMoelly]

Woooow.... great!
Old Beetle never die❤️
Greetings from Germany

[levisilva]

Wow such a clean finished look. Good job!

[joshuagreen]

Hay man nice job I have a 73 super that ive done An ej2.0 turbo swap in its been two years and I put crazy miles on this car 300hp to the tires its an absolute blast to drive. Again great job and welcome to the Suba Beatle family

[TheDIDSBIAK]

This is an awesome swap. Great engineering. Wish you a lot fun and save miles

[brianafrojack]

Hell Yeah Man!!! Huge difference on HP from the original engine to the EJ22. You taught me a future engine swap.