Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Technical > Subaru Conversions

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-26-2015, 03:40 PM   #101
bhoff86
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 395435
Join Date: Jul 2014
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by slava from goshen View Post
Nobody is impressed with swapped Subaru. Also if you swap sti to a bug eye front, how would that be different from bug eye swapped to sti? End result should be the same.


How are you slowly and cheaply going to do a full 04-07 sti swap?

If you can afford parts, you can finance sti.

I don't like cutting corners and have over 20k in my rsti, was just saying that it can be done cheaply.

Merging wiring is not right? So ecs and iWire make money from people cutting corners?



Just a simple parts list that you can't slowly get

Engine
Trans
Harness
Brakes


If you do it slowly... Car will sit and rot away, seriously full swap done right is ~10k plus cost of your car. How long will it take to slowly save up?

Don't forget brake booster for the brembo brakes.
Fuel tank and steering rack is also something you want to swap.

Why is wiper motor needed? There is only a few wires to splice, they all work the same.
Ok so I see a lot of comments on how much things cost, and it's so expensive to do a swap. If your thrifty and live in a state where subaru is plentiful then it's not hard to junk yard dive and find parts on the cheap. I have an 07 2.5i and I'm doing a wrx 5 speed swap on mine and I picked up an 02 wrx motor/tranny/harness/and most parts for my swap for 500 bucks, still have fuel to get but that shouldn't be hard. Craigslist is also a great resource for people selling parts cheaper then a parts store as well, just throwing it out there that 10k is a lot of money but if your a hard worker and keep your eyes out you can do the swap for less then that. But the car will be mine and I will have it until it's crashed or I give it to my kids
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
bhoff86 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 02-04-2015, 04:28 PM   #102
NSX7
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 412654
Join Date: Feb 2015
Default

recently bought a GC8 with an 05 STI complete swap - totally worth it - not sure about doing it yourself due to cost - I think it's cheaper if you bought one that was already done for you

but - I have been driving it for 2 weeks now - and wow - what a machine
NSX7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2015, 04:38 PM   #103
johnra8410
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 286301
Join Date: Jun 2011
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: WNC
Vehicle:
2007 WRX
CGM

Default

Just completed my swap about a week and a half ago(07 2.5i to WRX). Swapped everything from running gear, complete wiring harness, dash, steering column and rack, and tranny/motor/rad. It is basically WRX from the factory besides front seats and body(no side skirts and mirrors are not painted to match body color) which are identical to a TR. Couldn't be happier to have my WRX back.

My main reasons for doing a swap rather than selling the wrecked WRX and getting a new one was lower cost to buy a 2.5i and do the swap(my dad and I did the swap so no labor cost) and cheaper insurance as it will be registered as a non turbo.
johnra8410 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2015, 04:04 PM   #104
tmack729
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 413549
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: ohio
Vehicle:
2005 impreza rs/wrx
OBP

Default

I am preparing to swap an 03 wrx into my 05 rs and plan on using all rs drivetrain. Will I have any issues with the accuracy of my speedometer and or tach using the rs cluster?
tmack729 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2015, 03:38 AM   #105
livid_wrx
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 399786
Join Date: Aug 2014
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Michigan
Vehicle:
2002 02 wrx Saab 92x
WRB

Default

No, you won't.
livid_wrx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-26-2015, 02:18 PM   #106
AsheL
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 424392
Join Date: Jun 2015
Default

The more I read all these posts and the more research I do the more I realize that a swap is definitely the way to go. I've been in car sales for a long time and to even find a high mile STI out there they are selling for 120-130% of book value and/or 300+ miles away. That means 20-30% down payment 3-4k, much higher insurance, short term loan due high mileage and early year. 300-450 a mo depending on credit or by a newer 20k plus for 400+ a month and probably 200/mo insurance add gas and your looking at 800 month for sti. STI is awesome from factory but if you are not seriously racing around turns most of the parts will never get used to there full potential anyways. So, save 400 a month for 1 year and collect all parts needed, borrow someone's car for a month and get your knuckles bloody face greasy and put some love into what all car enthusiasts want which is a custom car that you did yourself. Utilize the main things needed for a fun car, engine, awd, and cornering with some nice wheels and sticky tires. I have an 08 2.5i and will definitely be looking to start pricing my parts list together for the big overhaul. After reading all the posts I know what to save on what not to and will learn a few things while doing it to. I'm not paying 800/mo for 5 years on a used car when I can have fun building it for 400/mo for 12 mo and have a car that is almost no different in essence driving down the highway to Outback.
AsheL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2015, 11:14 AM   #107
AsheL
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 424392
Join Date: Jun 2015
Default

Quick question about jdm swap. If I don't have emissions in my state do I have to convert intake and Ecu to usdm or can I just transfer everything and turn it to a rhd and roll
AsheL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-12-2015, 09:33 AM   #108
Mshopki
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 425264
Join Date: Jul 2015
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Indiana
Vehicle:
2005 2.5 rs
Silver

Default

I bought a wrecked but driving stage 2 wrx for what a lqk motor for my 05 rs was going to cost. I as well will be swapping sometime soon.
Mshopki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2015, 03:14 PM   #109
Zendeta
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 430735
Join Date: Sep 2015
Default

How effective is actual plug and play in RS swaps? I have heard the word direct fit thrown away a bit. With swapping a 02 WRX engine and trans into a 00 2.5rs. What exactly should I be expecting?
Zendeta is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2015, 03:08 PM   #110
Jimfarrelly
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 431230
Join Date: Sep 2015
Default

Super informative. Thank you.
Jimfarrelly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2015, 11:16 PM   #111
Kevinsmith312
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 380680
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: washington
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i
navy blue

Default

hm so i see that swapping a 257 into my 2.5i is not the best idea and probably totally not worth it but i was just wondering, whats more difficult, going from an 205 to a 257 or doing the 253 to 207, both of them you would do the 6 speed swap along with the rear and front diffs and whatever else so wouldn't they be equally as hard? i guess i feel like i never hear people complain about the ej205 to ej257 swap
Kevinsmith312 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-17-2015, 01:35 AM   #112
Subaru4you
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 432960
Join Date: Oct 2015
Default Hybrid swap questions

Ok here goes, I have a 07 2.5i with rebuilt title so not worth the sell-buy a WRX thing.
I got the car for $3k, I also have other cars I can use for Daily.
So my plan. Please let me know what else I need/am forgetting
Use the ej257 shortblock I have and my ej253 heads with upgraded studs and gaskets.

Parts I have;

Ej257 I bought for $400 included engine wiring harness to bulk connection. Heads and cams, tgv's and other misc (not using) only using the shortblock.

WRX injectors $60

WRX TMIC $80

Sti struts with race comp springs $200

Whiteline racing 24mm sway bars w/bushings and end links $200

Catless downpipe $20

WRX header and up pipe $100

Nameless strut tower bars $30

Fedanza LW flywheel (buying matching stage 2 clutch) and LW crank pulley.

Parts I'm buying in the next few weeks;
WRX turbo (any suggestions?)

Walbro 255

WRX fuel pump housing, lines.

Head gaskets and studs

WRX cat back exhaust.

Parts I'm reusing (if possible)

2.5i intake manifold

2.5i ej253 heads

2.5i ECU reflashed for WRX or open tuned

2.5i periferials I.E. A/C, alt, ps

2003 forester water pump with extra coolant passage for the turbo and oil cooler for turbo (modified hose routing) or is there an easier way to get oil and coolant to the turbo cuz I'd love to have the oil cooler functional as well ***128521;


That's all I can think of for now. Please chime in and let me know what else I need besides modding my crossmember (tons of fab exp.) easy for me.***128513;

Please hold your sell/buy a WRX comments to yourself. Doing this for personal satisfaction as well as other reasons other posters have mentioned.
Thankx in advance

And props to all my fellow swappers willing to put in hard work and defy what others shy away from.

Edit: also buying a good BOV and electronic boost controller
And the shortblock was $450 not $400 no biggie.

Last edited by Subaru4you; 11-17-2015 at 01:45 AM. Reason: Forgot a few things.
Subaru4you is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2015, 01:47 AM   #113
moboy100
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 434934
Join Date: Nov 2015
Default 05 2.5i

The only reason I don't want to just buy an 05 WRX or STi is cause I know I won't be able to find a cleaner car than what I have now. It's also my first car and I kinda want to drive it to, if it comes to it, death.
moboy100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2015, 12:09 PM   #114
Crazyced
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 378119
Join Date: Jan 2014
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Location: Ottawa
Vehicle:
2004 Impreza WRX
World Rally Blue

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bhoff86 View Post
I picked up an 02 wrx motor/tranny/harness/and most parts for my swap for 500 bucks
Where the hell did you find all that for 500 bucks? Assuming cops wouldn't cuff you if you were to give them the engine number.

My reason for considering a swap is because I bought a salvage bugeye wagon for cheap to rallycross won't be plated so a trade for a WRX probably won't be a deal. I just assume the engine will eventually let go so I think when it does, I'll want to just go ahead and swap it.

Last edited by Crazyced; 11-26-2015 at 12:17 PM.
Crazyced is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2015, 12:50 PM   #115
livid_wrx
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 399786
Join Date: Aug 2014
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Michigan
Vehicle:
2002 02 wrx Saab 92x
WRB

Default

Some people who wreck there car are willing to part with items for cheap.
livid_wrx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2019, 10:31 PM   #116
kjrcace
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 112009
Join Date: Apr 2006
Default

I'm sitting in the house now looking at my 1995 l model standard coupe, I'm also looking a what was a pristine no rust nearly spotless mint 2001 RS I bought for me and my daughter to drive to school and college if all worked out but It DIDN't work out. Someone rearended her on her way home from school. My question is how hard will it be to swap all the components from RS to the L model. The RS also had 40,000 miles and the L model has 110,000 miles no rust and needs a timing belt. Option 1 is swap motor only. Option 2 is full swap auto trans rs into the 95
kjrcace is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2019, 12:28 PM   #117
juliolucero12
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 469779
Join Date: Jun 2017
Default smog

Did your swap pass smog ?
juliolucero12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2019, 05:16 PM   #118
CBDslappy
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 491899
Join Date: Sep 2018
Default

bump
I have an 03 obs and an 03 wrx parts car (insurance action destruction title). engine dash and bulkhead harness will bolt right up but what about the rear wiring and fuel pump? i can get an ebay rear wrx wagon harness for like a hundred bucks. I know for a swap you should do all the wiring but if someone could chime in on on the fuel wiring situation. could I just run a walbroro or something?
CBDslappy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2019, 07:05 PM   #119
G33kman
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 504229
Join Date: Jul 2019
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Mankato, MN
Vehicle:
2007 impreza
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default

Great read!
I may be late to the party but I own an 07' Impreza 2.5i (base) that I am thinking about building a (separate) motor over the next couple of years with my son and I wanted to find an EJ small block to start off with. I have a very technical background and feel like I can accomplish this but just wanted to know what peoples opinions were for a decent small block. I have a great job but child support isn't cheap by any means so I can't go out and spend $8k on a STI motor.
I was hoping to build a decently powerful motor but my main goal is to have a project to build with my son.
Any recommendations?
G33kman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2019, 09:29 AM   #120
airsaab
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 429048
Join Date: Aug 2015
Default

Is it at all possible to retain the automatic transmission in my '03 Legacy SE wagon with a WRX setup?
airsaab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-12-2020, 10:54 AM   #121
NASASpaceEngine
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 509846
Join Date: Dec 2019
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by smo0ve View Post
beautiful write up, def. helped alot, one question though... i hear the 06 wrx an the 06 2.5i clutches are the same.. and will work..?
It will work, but the rs clutch will eventually start to slip from the increased power of the wrx or sti.
NASASpaceEngine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-16-2020, 05:33 PM   #122
klenahan97
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 512471
Join Date: Mar 2020
Default

I have read a lot of posts about owning a non wrx and wanting to swap a wrx drivetrain into, but I have a rusted out 02 wrx wagon that Im debating buying a similar year 2.5 wagon just to have a clean body. Is this worth it?
klenahan97 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2020, 09:05 PM   #123
subastian
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 512927
Join Date: Mar 2020
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by klenahan97 View Post
I have read a lot of posts about owning a non wrx and wanting to swap a wrx drivetrain into, but I have a rusted out 02 wrx wagon that Im debating buying a similar year 2.5 wagon just to have a clean body. Is this worth it?
Currently going through that exact situation with my rusty af 05 wrx into an 05 rs wagon. Going smoothly so far, but I'll try to keep you posted as I go. After two relaxed and distracted days of working, I have the engine ready to pull on the RS (just need to unbolt mounts), diff almost ready to come out, trans should come easy after engine (doing auto to manual swap). After that I think it's just the fuel pump/controller (researching if I can use the same tank), and replacing the wiring harnesses.
subastian is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2020, 02:17 PM   #124
gabesharkey27
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 516493
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Upstate NY
Vehicle:
2011 SUBARU IMPREZA
Black

Default

Hey I’m looking to do the same thing with my car, one question I have though. When you saying having the wiring harness to do the swap, does that mean cabin harness as well?
gabesharkey27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2020, 12:38 AM   #125
SubarAlles
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 365494
Join Date: Aug 2013
Default

Iwire will make any harness you need
SubarAlles is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Is It Worth It? STI_Hatchy11 AccessPort 5 06-16-2011 08:37 PM
Swapping your 2.5i/rs to a wrx/sti; is it worth it? radd269 Newbies & FAQs 8 06-14-2011 02:04 PM
wtt my 94 impreza wrx swap for youre 2.5 rs or 2002 wrx 94 wrx mike Private 'Wanted' Classifieds 2 03-05-2009 07:27 PM
So i traded my 2.5i up to a wrx geeb General Community 37 09-08-2006 09:35 PM
Custom Short Shifter design help, it is worth it :) 2000 RS to 02 WRX..... joostin420 Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain (EJ Series Factory 2.0L Turbo) 3 05-14-2001 09:41 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:45 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.