BoxersOnly

I'm thinking about swapping the DOHC heads for SOHC heads on the EJ25 ('98ish, non turbo) that I have in my Beetle. Can this be done using the stock ECU ? Obviously I'd need a new timing belt, but would everything else work fine ? Would I need different Cam Position Sensor ? The reason I want to do this is that they take up less space, and might allow me to close the engine lid Thanks, Rob.

Make sure to also check http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/subaruvanagon/messages Lots of knowledge there. I got a lot of help from those guys when putting an EJ25 in my 1970 Beetle. Rob.

Here's a couple pics of the blown gasket on a '98 DOHC EJ25: http://www.vanbran.com/bug/conversion1.htm Rob.

See: http://www.vanbran.com/bug/2004-09-04.avi I checked the timing belt, it might have been off. I couldn't get the marks lined up right so I just took it off and reinstalled it. I also cleaned the plugs, put some dialectic (sp) grease on them and made sure the boots were snug. But there's still a couple things that need fixing: 1. Hear that nasty tick ?? Dunno what it is, need to figure that out. 2. In my haste I forgot to install a timing belt 'guide' . Sounds more serious than it is, but does require me to take the balancer off (which is a PITA). 3. See that Mickey Mouse Throttle cable floppin' around ? That's gotta go. 4. Need to install a seat....yeah, I'm pretty sure about that one. 5. Need to build a shroud around the rad.....this will take a while. 6. Got a big fat CEL, was to be expected, but when I get it on the road I'm planning on driving it to a Subaru dealer to read the codes....just for kicks I can't believe how quiet it is... the exhaust install is only temporary and definately has to change....but for now... I'm stoked ! Rob.

Just prepare for wiring hell. Not sure if your auto transmission would hold up though... Rob.

1998 DOHC EJ25 There are 2 wires coming from the ECU (terminal 73 and 74) described in the diagrams only as 'Cooling fan system'. I assume these go to the relay(s) for the radiator fans. Any idea how to wire these ? I can't find anything on this. Were there 2 relays (one for each fan) ? Then the wires would each go to the control terminal of the relay, right ? Thanks, Rob.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. The headgasket problems are mostly with the older (phase I) EJ25 engines. There is also a thread with people who did *not* have trouble with their cars. You usually hear more bad news than good news, that's just the way it goes I guess. I drove a '99 RS (also EJ25 motor) for 4 years, no troubles at all. I now drive an '04 WRX, and although I have had problems with the O2 sensors (all covered under warranty) , I really love the car. Enjoy your car Rob.

So far I found this: http://laplogger.com/shop_now.shtml and this: http://www.obdmeter.com/index.html BTW, can't you reset the CEL by disconnecting the battery, pumping the brake a couple times and leaving it for 30 mins ? I know it resets the ECU, not 100% sure if it will erase faultcodes though... Rob.

I'm looking for an OBDII reader. The ones I've seen so far are pretty expensive. Isn't there one that I can run on my PocketPC or Palm that just gives me the code(s) ? I can look up the codes on the web..... Any suggestions ? Rob.

sweet, sweet. sweet ! Now how about some action shots ? Rob.

Can someone please post a picture of an Ignitor on a '98 or so Legacy or Impreza ? I need one for my sube-bug, but I don't know what they look like Thanks, Rob.

Anybody know what the function of the Pressure Sources Switching Solenoid Valve is on a '98 Legacy GT motor (EJ25) ? Thanks, Rob.

Does anybody know what the function of each wire off a '98 Legacy GT (EJ25) alternator is ? There's a connector with 2 wires, b/w and white. The b/w one if for the alternator light. (That's the only thing I know). There is a terminal with a little nut which also has a white wire, I assume this one goes to the Battery. So what's the other white wire from the connector for ? Is this a separate powersupply for the wiring harness ? Do both wires put out the same power ? Thanks, (BTW, I'm putting this motor in a '70 Beetle, so I can't just trace the wires Rob.

I know what you mean. I had a '99 RS, absolutely loved the car and decided to buy it when the lease was up. Then I drove a WRX....... Guess what's im my driveway now Rob.

Thanks for the info. How did you wire up the alternator ? There's a plug with 2 wires and another white wire on the Sube one. How did you link this into the VW wiring ? Thanks, Rob.