Subaru trike build

[ThreeLegDog]

Here's my official build thread on a Subaru-powered trike! After searching on Google, I did find some builds with Soob engines in the rear with a Kennedy adapter to a VW transaxle, but nothing like the idea I'm entertaining. I've not yet seen a Soob mid-engine and tranny utilized in a trike, so this build will either be groundbreaking, or not feasible.

I have no motorcycle parts yet, but do have a '95 EJ2.2L, with a stripped-down wiring harness to run the ECU, SJR brand engine adapter to mate it up with the older 4WD trannys, and rear differential. Now, I wont necessarily use all of those parts.....it may be better to use an EA81 carbed, with FWD only auto transmission for example, but it's a start. My immediate questions and concerns are: placement of the engine and trans to be able to straddle it, placement of the shifter if manual, and whether to use just the transaxle for drive, or a rear diff? The Subaru engines have a great weight to power ratio and reliability, but I really don't want a wheelie machine, or have to use VW parts if not necessary.
Pics to come shortly!!!!!!!!

[Snyiper]

Why not use the sub tranny/dif with VW adapters to use the vw shafts and suspension? Lots of info on subie in bugs...Besides I think anything with a subie will be a wheelie machine!!

[ThreeLegDog]

Why not use the sub tranny/dif with VW adapters to use the vw shafts and suspension? Lots of info on subie in bugs...Besides I think anything with a subie will be a wheelie machine!!

Lol, yeah....I guess a wheelie machine just from power alone! I just don't want it to go up all the time, cause it's mounted behind the rear axle. I'll have to check into the axle adapters, but again if I can use Soob parts, I will. The cars have IRS all around, but for use on a trike??? I have nothing against VW's.....just trying to build something unique, with what I have.

Pics still to come.........

[caveman50]

you might want to take a look at my subie build in progress, pics are in the vw area under cavemans reaper, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have, by the way, I had less in a complete running car than a kennedy adapter costs. I think you will like the subie. Caveman

[ThreeLegDog]

I did just find and read your build, caveman..........nice trike there! Is that an EA82 I saw in there? I'd like to use as much Soob drivetrain as possible. I even have 6-lug converted hubs, with 15" Nissan truck wheels. :Pepper:

[caveman50]

yes it is an ea 82, I used the complete drivetrain with the subie auto trans. suspension is custom fabricated air ride. The wheels I am using are 6 lug from a rodeo suv I think. there are also some pics in my profile, not sure if they are any better, hope to have more current pics soon. Caveman

[ThreeLegDog]

Well, my build may not be groundbreaking then.....thanks to caveman :Bow Down:

BUT...might help in getting more builders to use complete Subaru drivetrains, without use of expensive adapters, and VW parts.

I may use the 6-lug hubs and wheels that I have, but they are steel wheels more suited to offroading, and drums for the rear. Available only as an option on late 80's turbo cars, are rear disk brakes. Those could be converted to 6-lug, or just go with 15" Peugeot alloys......the only other vehicle with the old Soob 4X140mm pattern. I do need to get away from the mindset of building cars, though. The front disk's may work just fine on the rear of a trike!

[subeetrikerdon]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>ThreeLegDog</strong>
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<div class="message">Here's my official build thread on a Subaru-powered trike! After searching on Google, I did find some builds with Soob engines in the rear with a Kennedy adapter to a VW transaxle, but nothing like the idea I'm entertaining. I've not yet seen a Soob mid-engine and tranny utilized in a trike, so this build will either be groundbreaking, or not feasible. <img src="images/smilies/shrug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Shrug" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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I have no motorcycle parts yet, but do have a '95 EJ2.2L, with a stripped-down wiring harness to run the ECU, SJR brand engine adapter to mate it up with the older 4WD trannys, and rear differential. Now, I wont necessarily use all of those parts.....it may be better to use an EA81 carbed, with FWD only auto transmission for example, but it's a start. My immediate questions and concerns are: placement of the engine and trans to be able to straddle it, placement of the shifter if manual, and whether to use just the transaxle for drive, or a rear diff? The Subaru engines have a great weight to power ratio and reliability, but I really don't want a wheelie machine, or have to use VW parts if not necessary.<br />
Pics to come shortly!!!!!!!!</div>

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</div>Here is a pic on one my friend was building. It was an automatic. Shaft drive.<br />
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<img src="http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/7017/subweb6s.jpg" border="0" alt="" />[

[ThreeLegDog]

That's it, subeedon.
Would that be considered an engine forward design, over mid?
Design wise, I'd like a more compact trike.......especially if it would handle better than a chopper. I really like the front end of that frame, but for myself, might just bolt up the diff directly to the tranny, shortening the frame some.

Anyone have an opinion on limited slip for a trike? I could easily do a AWD setup, less front of course.

[subeetrikerdon]

That's it, subeedon.
Would that be considered an engine forward design, over mid?
Design wise, I'd like a more compact trike.......especially if it would handle better than a chopper. I really like the front end of that frame, but for myself, might just bolt up the diff directly to the tranny, shortening the frame some.

Anyone have an opinion on limited slip for a trike? I could easily do a AWD setup, less front of course.

[ThreeLegDog]

Thanks for the close-up......I see now that you don't have a driveshaft, and the new pic shows better that your frame isn't nearly as stretched as I thought. That set up would be perfect for me, and may even allow for a second seat for the wifey. More than likely, I'll just trade my tranny and diff for an AWD one with a higher gear ratio. In the Subaru off-road world, we're stuck with a 3.90 in order to have the true 4WD, with low range. Throw on some bigger, aggressive tires, and the gearing just blows. Before the engine transplant, I didn't have the power to use 5th gear for over a year! All Soobs now have 15+" wheels with higher gearing, so I could ditch the engine adapter, have better gearing, and VLSD for the rear. :Pepper:

[ThreeLegDog]

The donor car



EJ22, 2.2L FI



3.90 Open diff, minus stub shafts

[Charlie]

As I have never owned a Subaru, I'm wondering what (if any thing) happens to the front axle gear of the trans. Do you have to disconnect them or can you just leave it as is?

[ThreeLegDog]

You could leave the front axle stubs to spin freely, remove them entirely, or use for the trike's axle without a rear diff at all. Maybe a real nice mid engine setup?

I've been giving some serious thought to gearing of recent, and while my 3.9 dual range is prob worthless for this build, that may be great gearing for a trike. In my car with 28" tires, I can cruise at 3K rpm in 5th gear at around 75mph. Granted, it still accelerates on the slow side for a car........but a trike could get there a LOT quicker, I'll wager! Auto tranny should be available in that gearing.............have to check on that. Any common gear ratios or tire sizes on trikes???????

[subeetrikerdon]

What ever you do make sure you save all of the wiring harness that attaches to the ECU for the engine you will use. They are very expensive to have made even if you can find someone to make it for you......

[ThreeLegDog]

What ever you do make sure you save all of the wiring harness that attaches to the ECU for the engine you will use. They are very expensive to have made even if you can find someone to make it for you......

Yes, they are big$$$. The labor involved to strip one down is intensive, but does get better with practice. Fortunately, I've made a couple of them.
The newest one, that's nearly completed with just power and grounds run, is an OBDII for a '96. I'm fairly well versed in the ol' Suubs............could even run it carbed. This guy makes modded intakes for a Weber 32/36:
SJRLift - Home

[hermit]

For what it's worth, try going on The Samba.com. Click on forums and scroll down to the Vanagon thread and look for any threads on Subaru swaps. They have a ton of info you can scope put.