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.

I am working on the wiring off an 1998 EJ25. The ECU pinout gives me the following info: Terminal 39 : Backup Power Supply : Ignition Switch 'Off": 10 -- 13 Terminal 1 and 2 : Control Unit Power Supply Terminal 21 : Sensor Power Supply Does this mean I need to run an always hot wire to Termnial 39 ? Can I just grab a hot wire from the fuse box and use that ? Or is it better to run it straight from the battery ? As to terminals 1,2 and 21, should I just run a switched hot wire to those ? Thanks, Rob. =============================== Subaru EJ25 Powered 1970 VW Beetle 2004 Subaru WRX Sportwagon ===============================

Make sure to check out this group: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/subaruvanagon/messages Very knowledgable (sp?) guys there. Rob.

Not sure if this will help but.... I am putting a '98 EJ25 in a Beetle, so my wiring is even more complex. What I have found out is that the wiring is different even between EJ25's of different years. I'm affraid that you will have to trace every wire to make sure they will hook up to the right one. What are you using for ECU ? I'm pretty sure the 2.5 ECU won't work with the 2.2 engine ? Rob.

I drove my '99 RS for 4 years, I guess about 124,000 Kms, never had a problem. Didn't baby it either, occasional trackday and autox. Rob.

Welcome to the club ;-) I guess it all depends on what you want: spend about 2 Grand for more years with your current ride, out shell out more $$$ for a newer model.... Rob.

Congrats man ! Rob.

Does anybody have a wirong diagram of a '98 DOHC EJ25 ? I have one, but the files are really hard to read... Thanks, Rob.

Well, I've started putting the EJ25 together in the back of my Bug, and as it turns out I did not take enough pics of all the hoses and crap. So here it goes: What does this thing do, and where does it connect to ? I know it goes somewhere behind the intake (here): But which one (see arrows) ? Also, there is a hose that starts at the breather on each valve cover. Where are all these connections for ? And then there is this thing. Where does the long end of this tube go ? Thanks ! Rob.

Scopetone, I would also post it on the toronto-subaru-club forums. Rob.

Check this out: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/subaruvanagon/files/Wiring%20/ Not sure if your year is there, but it might be worth to check it out. Rob.