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Hi all,

I’m looking into which company I want to use to source a Subaru engine for my build. Do you have any recommendations? Outfront seems well known but as with any organization has both positive and negative reviews online. They offered a naturally aspirated EJ based build with 200hp that they said is their most reliable, streetable engine for $7500 turnkey. Unfortunately they don’t offer a warranty.

I am NOT looking to push the most horsepower possible out of this motor. The car is for me and my son to road trip in, I just want something bulletproof without the air cooled hassle.

Are their other engine builders I should be considering before making my decision?

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by VKannan
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Sorry I should have clarified, the car is still being built, it has no engine in it at all right now. I'm just trying to find the best source to buy an engine from. What I'm looking for are reputable suppliers of subaru engines for this build, and I'm curious what people's recommendations are.

I think I've heard that Vintage Motorcars uses Outfront Motorsports as their engine source, but I can't confirm that.

Thanks!

I see entire wrecked cars on Craigslist and Facebook for cheap.  You just need to carefully pick the model (due to some extra unwanted electronics on some newer ones).  That way you can get all the electronic sensors and wiring.  Sell the remaining pieces and scrap the body.  Engine go 200k miles.  You can rebuild it or at least change the timing belt, head gaskets and water pump.  Polish or powder coat to customize.

I notice many more in the NE coast - compared to FL (and maybe Phoenix) but they are out there.  Several here have gone that route.  Seems design of cooling is tricky - getting that last air bubble to burp.

Here's good reference -

Conversion Perversions. - Shoptalkforums.com

Which engine to choose -

Subaru Engines In Beetles - Which engine to choose? - Shoptalkforums.com

Last edited by WOLFGANG

Since Dave posted his, here's my Outfront engine (soon to be in a running car I hope! )

Same positive comments working with John and having my particular interests addressed in the kind of engine I wanted for my car

I wanted an O2 sensor, as example to assist with tuning, and so it's wired up and  Greg can put a bung in the exhaust; some other little things I wanted specific and of course the color.

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Last edited by msjulie

Just an FYI. John at Outfront sources his engines from Japan. It is technically illegal to run these engines on American streets. I don’t know if any states check engine serial numbers for registration. But you might want to check your state’s registration process. It’s actually one of the reasons I specified a new short block. The serial number is on the short block. So my engine has an American serial number.

Does anyone know what the rules are for this in Arizona? That’s where I’m based.

I’m getting the lightly modified L head that makes 200hp on 91 octane. Should be plenty of fun and still able to reliably handle the long road trips we do in our fun cars. I expect this will be a pretty high mileage car. I’ve driven them before and really enjoyed longer trips.

I’ve got a 3.88 R&P. Don’t know if 3.44 R&Ps are available but that would help. My car is set up for track and scooting through the mountains. Not sure about ratios but it’s geared low with no freeway flyer. With that much power your car could easily handle a 3.44 R&P. But if you are doing a lot of highway driving I’d really recommend a 5 speed. I’m going to put  Porsche 901 5 speed in my Conv D for highway capability. But a Subaru 5 speed would be a great choice. Who is building your car?

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