Hi I am brand new to the world of Subarus, and have a lot of questions about the EJ20T powerplant. I am in the process of setting up a 1967 VW Fastback for a conversion to a WRX engine. I need to purchase an ECU/EMS and I have no idea what systems are the best. Also what kind of hp should I be expecting with a stock engine with very high-flow exhaust (it's rear engine,) an aftermarket computer, and a semi-conservative increase in boost? I'm looking to get about 300rwhp; anything more and I won't be able to find a transaxle that will hold up. Please let me know what kinds of setups you are running, what do I need to change? What are some important things that I should know about my new motor? Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

stock ecu with a custom ecutek reflash

 

Well, the stock EJ20T in the WRX puts out 227hp at the crank. Factoring in the 4 wheel drivetrain loss, you're looking at about 160-170hp stock, at the wheels. I'm assuming you're converting yours to rear wheel drive since it's going in a VW so I think it's safe to say you'd have closer to 200whp with the stock block. So the 300whp goal that you have in mind is very easily attainable and is not far-fetched at all. I know there have been several people that have joined this club for the sole reason you have..they were doing motor swaps into older vehicles. You may want to do a search on that subject and perhaps touch basis with them, as they would have the most knowledge and info on the task you have taken upon yourself.

As far as upping the boost on the stock internals, depending on who you ask, they are only good for upto 18-20 psi, but I'd keep it at 16-18 to be on the safe side. Engine management and exhaust is all personal preference, so I think it just depends on how you're going to use the car and what you want. Alot of people here reflash their ecu's, but you may want something alittle more user tunable, something you can tinker with more, considering it's not in the car it came in. As far as exhaust, any exhaust system sounds good on a boxer engine, in my honest opinion. I'm running straights right now (and your's will probably be close to that), and I love it Once you have the engine out and before you put it in your project, I would suggest at least installing an aftermarket cat-less up-pipe, it makes all the difference in the world, and it's a pain in the butt to get to later on! (You shouldn't have smog restrictions on your car because it was manufactured in '67, right?)

Anyone else please feel free to chime in and correct me on anything I may have wrong. For what it's worth, most of the hp numbers I've posted are speculative, not exact. It all depends on your choice of exhaust, engine manag., boost levels, etc..
Hope this helps!
Smitty