I am following with interest Marks progress with potential subrau conversion coming up. Can a later model engine than 2004 be used successfully for the conversion? Has anyone done this? pros/ cons. thanks Greg
Hi Greg,
The later 2004 + subie motor is a drive by wire yet there are ways to sort this out.
The computer can also be used an Andrew from AGT Engineering says he can easily emulate all the requirements of the late model Subaru engines.
Almost anything is possible these days…
Thanks Scott Do we know if anyone in Australia has ever done a late model 2009 - 12 Smallcar 2.5L Subaru transplant in their Syncro? I just think the chance of finding a later model low Ks motor is more likely than a 2004 motor. Thoughts anyone?
I have done two conversions using later EJ engines without variable valve timing. I used an EJ253 motor but used Gen 3 EJ251 fuel management. So intake manifold, loom, ECU, cam gear, crank gear from the EJ251. Once you get to VVT it gets difficult and you need a canbus emulator from AGT engineering to keep the stock systems working.
Have an EJ202 (DBW) waiting to do same thing to it with an EJ201 system, same setup you can even interchange the 201 and 251 looms.
Whoo thanks Brent. I will need to get my son in law to interpret all of that for me but I do appreciate your response.
If one goes ahead with a 4cyl Subaru conversion do you think it necessary to upgrade the brakes to cope with the extra power?
The stock brakes on a T3 syncro are rubbish.
I would recommend they be upgraded even if you don’t do an engine conversion.
Definitely after a conversion.
I have the Audi G60 twin piston front brakes and they are awesome when coupled with T4 rear discs.
Agreed Scott. But did you also put in the bigger BMW booster. That seems to also make a huge improvement I hear.
Peter
The BMW booster just makes less pedal pressure. It does not make it stop better. The big problem with the brakes is people using larger wheels/tyres. If you just had 205/70 x 14 tyres the brakes are good.
Peter,
To answer your question - after installing the larger fronts and T4 rear discs, I find the brakes excellent even with monster tyres.
I always had issues with rear brake cylinders leaking which made the handbrake useless. The rear discs dont have that issue at all.
My 2wd has had that issue again recently after only 3 years of use.
Drums suck!
I have not heard of a problem leaking cylinders on T3s before. How are you repairing them? New seals or replacement cylinders? Do you replace the fluid every 2 years? Another cause of failure is the hopeless automatic adjusters. Mine never worked from new. My syncro still had the originals after 30 years.
Larger front discs and T4 rears is a good upgrade if you have bigger wheels. T4 rears only is just dumb.
My syncro had constant problems with them as has all my 2wd vans.
Its hard to get good parts these days - despite what the label says, most stuff is made in China.
They love to leak and that destroys the drum shoes and in some cases means you need a new drum.
Ive tried the local VW dealer, JK, a local supplier and Tooleys and everything has failed.
How did it destroy the drum or shoes? Brake fluid is water soluble. I’ve successfully cleaned them many times before. Never ever replaced shoes or drums due to a fluid leak. Oil leaks are different.
Your probably right about buying quality parts. Most stuff is garbage. Unfortunately a lot of owners think it is a good idea to replace things for no reason. Taking off parts that never fail and replacing with Chinese rubbish. Then they have problems and start the urban myths.
Phill,
As you can see in this photo, the leaking wheel cylinder has soaked into the brake shoes for so long that a chunk of brake shoe has come away. These shoes still had a fair bit of life left in them otherwise. The soaked drums are not a good idea to re-use so I replaced it with a new one.
This wheel cylinder was leaking quite a lot, just took a while and a fair bit of driving before I had a chance to fix it.
Lots of topping up of the reservoir in the mean time.
Wow. I’ve never seen that before. I’ve just boil the shoes and put them back on. No wonder you hate drums.
does anyone have more info on what it takes to upgrade the rear to discs?
As in:
- part number / vehicle model and year of replacement parts
- any mods needed to fit the discs
- any mods needed to fit the calipers
Thanks!
There is a few kits.
Mine are based on a kit that the Muller’s organised years ago and a mechanic that was into T3s had a few sets made.
Then you need a new set of T4 discs (easy to get) and a second hand or new set of T4 brake calipers. and a new set of pads.
Andy Ho has a set which he was planning to have copied.
Send him a text to see how he is going on 0488 377 580.
You still need to sort out the hand brake attachment which Andy was planning to do.
Thanks Scott I’ll try Andy. And these kits are still available somewhere?
Also I didn’t ask - but all of this obviously clears a 15" wheel (I have Audi’s on mine)?
There is kits in Germany.
I dont have the link but someone might.
Andy was going to make up a whole mounting kit then all you need to source is the caliper, pads and discs.
Yes you need at least 15" wheels.
Thanks Scott, I’ve texted Andy and hope he can help.
Can you let us all know how you get on with this. thanks Greg