We are an authorized installer of Vanaru engine systems Subaru conversions for Vanagons. This conversion is well designed, fits well, is thought out for fit and function, and uses quality components, utilizing low mile 2010-12 Legacy engines and the highest quality parts, all made in USA.

We did a Subaru conversion on request from a customer, using parts from the other supply houses. After figuring it out and fiddling with the details for literally weeks, the owner Keith said “No *expletive-deleted* way we are ever doing one of those again!!” Literally the following week a customer brought in a fresh Vanaru conversion and we were blown away- they did everything right! A month later and we did a Vanaru conversion and had the engine complete and running and driving in a few days!

Here is what you get:  

1. A low mileage(less than 40k miles) Subaru engine, 2.5 liter 170hp engine with variable cam timing and drive by wire throttle.  These engines come from 2010 to 2012 Legacy.   We install new timing belt and tensioners, rear main seal, spark plugs and anything else needed to make this as maintenance free for lots of miles.  Drive by wire is cool because we don't need the accelerator cable any more(no more binding and re-engineering the cable,  also makes installing cruise control a snap).   Power steering is included as a standard option for Vanagons that came with it.  

2. The kit includes: complete stainless steel exhaust system made in the US, thick gauge metal and it  fits like a glove.   Professional built wiring harness, engine computer, throttle position sensor with adapter, vehicle speed sensor,  coolant system adapters , hoses and tanks, fuel pressure regulator, motor mounts, heat shields, air intake and even a really neat air filter system recently re-designed by Hans himself (Hans is the owner of Vanaru and designed and builds this conversion).  

3. We provide the adapter plate to mount to your transmission.  Manual transmission vans will need a new clutch and automatics need a transmission oil cooler.

When shopping for a Subaru conversion, compare the options to see if they have all of these features:

  • It runs truly OBD code-free when everything is in good running order.

  • No accelerator cable, no mushy pedal, the drive-by-wire module links directly to the Vanagon gas pedal

  • Capability to use the built-in Subaru cruise control (optional & available for any Vanagon)

  • Two OBD ports come standard, so you can plug in a scanner in the engine bay or at the driver

  • Corrosion-free stainless steel and aluminum parts throughout, no painted steel which will rust

  • Electronic speed sensor mounted in the instrument cluster, no failure-prone axle mounted stuff

  • Cold-intake air filter using a commonly available OEM paper filter

  • Professional-grade stainless exhaust, made in the USA

We do all-inclusive pricing for the standard conversion because we do it one way, the right way, complete. Compare features with other vendors and you will find our price of $17,000 for the standard conversion is competitive and you get better technology, materials, and features.

Our list of extras are really extra options, not things that should be standard!

  • Cruise Control - Nobody else can use the built-in Subaru cruise control on a drive-by-wire installation because they don’t have the technology. Vans with factory cruise cost $199 provided all of the switchgear works. We also have a full solution for vans without factory cruise for $400 for automatics or $450 for manual transmissions.

  • Air Conditioning hookup - For vans with factory air only. From our vendor Vanaru, we get a full set of new hoses with professional crimped ends, that’s all of them, every hose on the van is replaced. Also from Vanaru, a parallel condenser setup that works better with R-134a refrigerant. Several vendors will supply a parallel condenser setup but none of them understand that the condenser needs to seal to the radiator so air will be drawn through it by the fan when the van is stopped. The Vanaru setup has a full set of shrouds and seals to accomplish this. We add a remanufactured compressor, a new receiver/dryer, and expansion valve service. Finally we flush out the evaporator to the best of our ability. This full renovation and adaptation to Subaru costs $3600. Any electrical issues found will be disclosed and repaired on a time and materials basis.

  • Transmission Seems like every van we see has at least 150k miles and the transmission is abused and needs a rebuild. Bolting up a lot more horsepower than it is used to may hasten any failures lying in wait. In addition, we can offer taller gear ratios that make it far more efficient and pleasant to drive, so getting it rebuilt at the same time allows you to get full enjoyment from the start. Manual transmission overhaul with revised gearing costs $2400 installed and the same for Automatic transmission costs $3500 installed.

  • Stainless steel coolant pipes: Every Vanagon, whether it came with steel or plastic coolant pipes, needs them replaced at this point with the stainless steel alternatives. The pipes, installed with new radiator hoses and replica pipe clips for a clean installation, costs $600

  • Fuel tank: Do you smell gasoline fumes every time you fill your tank? If so your tank needs a reseal. A common problem, the various grommets sealing the tank openings and/or the vent hoses have degraded to the point that gasoline slips through. To do this job the tank must be removed and while it’s out we check inside the tank for rust. The tank has a non-replaceable screen in the outlet. Water in gasoline will sink to the bottom and eventually begins to rust the tank floor. When this goes on for some time, small flakes of rust will eventually break loose and lodge in the screen and build up to the point that the pump becomes starved of fuel flow and howls and eventually fails. All that said, if we see rust in the tank, it’s time for a replacement. At the same time we replace the short sections of fuel hose around the pump and give it a new filter. Full tank reseal all of the work listed costs $325 for late (square-headlight) vans. Early (round-headlight 85 and older) vans get a new fuel filter bracket and large late fuel filter conversion and costs $375. If the tank needs replacement as well, a new large-outlet tank costs $200 more.

  • With 30 year old vans, the radiator has served a full life and may have far less cooling performance than it should. If your van is running when it comes in, we can check how it’s doing. New radiator with new fan switch and heater valve replaced at the same time costs $350.


    Check out our list of Vanaru Subaru conversion installations!