Subaru WRX conversion???

thinking of swapping my stock 1600 dual port for a WRX engine. still maintaining the rear engine configuration. my vision at this point would be to WRX engine tied to the VW IRS transaxle via a KEP adapter. Have read lots of posts on this forum, have not found very detailed info on the swap and still have many questions. The first would be...can the VW transaxle take the torque of the WRX? Best gear ratio 3.88? Best ECU to use...stock rewired? or ??? Axles, I would assume would have to be up graded...EMPI units? any other suggestions? Best place to get a WRX engine? Thanks, Bill

Kevin Zagar does a lot of buggies with Subie power. He is a good guy, know high performance stuff in VW applications, and knows where to get parts and info. He is at Mendeola Signature Motore in San Diego, CA. 619-710-4946 Give him a call. He can probably get you on the right track.

While it has been done, the torque of the Suby is far in excess of the design limit for the Beetle box. Just think of pushing 280 Hp through a box designed for 60.

You could spend the money on the KEP to Beetle kit, along with a better clutch to handle the torque, then spend even more money to build a strong beetle box once you blow up the stock one. A built beetle box is not cheap and still limited to 4 speeds, and no LSD.

IMHO it is best to go with a 5 speed Porsche 915 LSD box to begin with. I paid 2000 USD for a rebuilt one. I used a 911 shifter and cut the rod to fit.
The 901 box will work fine and is a cheaper alternative but a lower torque rating and a dog leg first gear pattern. In fact once used to it, the dog leg is nice as one rarely goes into 1st once underway.

See my earlier posts re output flange sizes and related axles.
While not necessary it is nice to have the Bug@5-speed short 915 nose cone kit and mount.

BTW, I have a Suby to 901 KEP kit, less aluminium plate in Vancouver that I do not need. You can buy a new plate from KEP.
PM me if interested.
Suby to Beetle adapter kits are made here in Thailand.

Thanks for the feedback...

I have 2 spare g'boxs :+)

Contact Jake Raby ---he has 3-4 versions of Beetle trannys usine taller gearing for 3rd and 4th (with the same 1st and 2nd gears.)
Very treasonable and should be like having overdrive in 5th.

---Jack