Alternative drivetrain - VW 2.0T? Photos/measurements of engine bay?

[Speedy G]

Hey guys,

I realize subaru drivetrains are awesome and the 818 was designed specifically for that drivetrain. However, where I live (Colombia South America), subarus are scarce and very expensive. I can get VWs much cheaper down here and I've worked on them before. I'm wondering if a longitudinal 2.0T engine with a 6 speed gearbox would fit in the engine bay. If the height is a problem maybe a dry sump system could help. I'm wondering if you guys could help me determine if it would fit. Could someone post some pics of the engine bay and maybe measure the dimensions of it? I reallize that a lot of fabrication is probably necessary to fit such a different engine in there. Also is the intercooler expected to be mounted on top of the engine like on the wrx?

I'd love suggestions as to how I could make this work. The thing is that I have turbos, cams, manifolds, pistons, intercooler for the 2.0T engine and I know how to build a really reliable one with 350whp.

My alternative is to go electric.

Thanks guys,

Speedy G

[bnr32jason]

I think to get some solid information like measurements you are going to have to wait until next month when kits start shipping.

With enough time/money/skill I'm sure you can make it work. Good luck!

[shinn497]

anything is possible with enough time and money.

However, with a 2.0T, I have no idea where you'd source a tranny. Typically that motor is in FWD vehicles. However, maybe you could find a 4motion vw or quattro audi that would make it work. Making it fit is another beast. The subaru boxer is REALLY compact longitudinally. IMHO, you are better off making it transverse.

Btw if you are look for a lightweight roadster that is built around the vw running gear, I'd say you check out the Smyth Performance g3f. It is actually designed by dave's brother.

https://www.facebook.com/SmythPerformance

[jaso]

anything is possible with enough time and money.

However, with a 2.0T, I have no idea where you'd source a tranny. Typically that motor is in FWD vehicles. However, maybe you could find a 4motion vw or quattro audi that would make it work. Making it fit is another beast.

Should not the FWD gearbox function as Subarus, ie, the front axles become rear axles when moving back the whole package with engine and gearbox?

[bnr32jason]

Correct as far as I know. Using an AWD transmission is not a necessity. We're eliminating the AWD portion of our transmission anyways, so there's no reason that any FWD based engine couldn't be used. I'm sure in the future we'll see people using Honda K20/K24 engines, VW 1.8 and 2.0T's, 4G63's, etc. It's just a matter of configuring the engine and transmission correctly to work in our chassis.

[Speedy G]

Thanks for the heads up, but the SmythPerformance kit doesn't really do it for me, too VWish. I do like the front end though.

What I found out up till now is that a VR6 3.2L engine has the same length (30") as the width of an EJ20 engine, so potentially, a VR6 could fit transversely in the engine bay of the 818. The only question really would be the height of the engine bay where the engine sits. A VR6 engine needs 27", and a 1.8t needs 24" (an ej20 needs 23.5"). A good thing about VW engines is that the exhaust would exit towards the back so routing the exhaust & turbo access would be easy. Another great thing about transverse VW engines is that there were millions built, their parts are interchangeable, and they can be found pretty much anywhere.

On the other hand, I'd think a longitudinal engine would push the center of mass a bit closer to the middle, and maybe the 1.8t or 2.0t may fit. They're only 18 inches long and sit about 20" forward of the axle. An ej20 is around 16" long so if there's a 2 -4" space, it could maybe fit. Worth it? Don't know.

Now in theory, a VR6 with a smaller turbo could spool like an OEM turbo engine and probably deliver 400-450hp smoothly, and a 1.8/2.0t could do 250/300hp with their oem turbos. With an upgraded turbo the smaller engines could do 350hp with a power surge at around 3500rpm. So... To Vr6 or not... The downside is the cost.

[bnr32jason]

Until we have kits out there in the hands of customers, we don't really know what will or won't work. Just need to give it time to see what people come up with.

[Speedy G]

I think you hit the nail on the head. This kit is an import modder's dream.