The VW Wasserboxer engine is notoriously underpowered for Vanagons. We knew we wanted more power and reliability, so an engine conversion was the first project. We decided on a 2.2L Subaru engine, as it is extremely reliable, offered an increase of roughly 145% horsepower, and happens to fit right in the VW engine compartment. We got lucky and found a cheap 1998 Subaru EJ22 engine that was in great shape. Tim did most of the conversion work himself, with some help from his dad. The necessary additional conversion parts include a custom flywheel, adaptor plate, and exhaust system, which Tim bought from Rocky Mountain Westy, conveniently located just up the road in Fort Collins. The following photos show some highlights from the 8-week conversion process.
Unloading the Subaru engine
Home made engine hoist 
New timing belt
Subaru EJ22 
Adaptor plate installed 
Flywheel installed 
Clutch installed 
Fifty pounds of original Subaru wiring 
Mess-o-wires 
Left over wiring 
Engine hoist in place 
Tim’s Dad was a huge help in pulling the VW engine and putting the Subaru engine in…all in one long day. 
Safety meeting 
Cutting firewall to make room for new coolant routing 
Here’s a movie of the first time Tim tried to start the new engine:
Recently inherited a westy with eg33 conversion. No paperwork on it about the conversion. Last registered in 2013. Runs great but van was totaled by falling limb? I guess. Pillars crumpled and poptop shattered rear passenger side. Trying to find out if it was a professional job as the wiring loom seems…messy if you know what I mean. Do you keep a record of vins that we’re converted?
Peace