- Remove harness from donor. Can use the connector guide: Harness Connectors
- Please include this info in box: Project Info Sheet
- Ship to us for conversion (see step 2 for address).
Conversion of a Subaru wiring harness for a VW (Bus/Bug/Vanagon/Etc) to Subaru engine conversion. You remove the wiring harness from a donor vehicle, ship to us, and we return the modified harness ready for connection into your project chassis - Tested with labels and Instructions and ECU Backups for 05+ Subarus.
Now I am a HUGE fan of folks trying to DIY their harnesses. Not only does it give you the best glimpse into how things work electrically, but you'll also remove the cloud of mystery surrounding mystical wiring harness conversion (In short, it's not that hard if you have the right resources...). That being said, I would love to be a part of your project so if you are on a crazy time crunch or just feel incredibly overwhelmed, send it on in!
FAQ:
What does the engine management harness conversion include?
We remove the unnecessary wiring, splice a few power supply wires, bench test, wrap, and label the harness for installation. Physical and digital instructions are included.
Can I use an Auto Trans ECU in a manual trans VW and vice versa?
Yes, however, it’s best to go with manual ECU if you have the choice.
Do you send a shipping label?
Due to the huge variance in harness sizing and destinations it makes more sense to pay locally, so we don't supply a shipping label.
Which years do you recommend?
Up to 2010 Forester/Impreza (2004 Forester turbo, 05 WRX Turbo), Up to 09 Legacy - see more here: Which Engine?
I've never pulled a wiring harness, how do I do this?
Watch the BUSARU wiring harness removal videos here: https://youtu.be/GjsTug7X0Bg and here: https://youtu.be/V8DocqE2nB0
Which vehicles do you build engine management harnesses for?
Classic VW's, Porsches, Subarus, Kit Cars, Factory Five 818, Sandrails, boats, Snow Cats and on and on... nearly anything that you wish to put a Subaru engine into.
How long does the wiring harness conversion take?
Occasionally up to 4 weeks (usually 3) but can expedite with 1 week turnaround for additional cost - make sure to note this on the Project Info Sheet and give us a heads up.
What wiring harness items do I need to pull from the donor car?
- Check here for the connectors you need to keep: Harness Connectors
- The main wiring harness under the dash.
- The Subaru computer which sits in the passenger foot rest on 1995+ cars, and is under the driver-side dash on 1990-1994 cars.
- The Ignitor, Mass Airflow Sensor, Oxygen Sensors, Atmospheric Pressure Sensor and PSSSV on passenger shock tower in engine bay (some models do not have these 2). Some models (turbo and 6cyl have a fuel pump controller that you will want to keep as well).
- If you have an OBD2 car then make sure to keep that connector (it sits in the driver-side kick panel).
- Keep the alternator harness (It can be cut at the fender, and where it enters the black relay box).
- Turbo conversions require the Fuel Pump Controller in the rear-right/left of the vehicle so grab the controller, its connector, and as much of the wiring to the connector as you can.
What do I need to send to BUSARU for wiring harness modification?
The main wiring harness under the dash (with all of it's connectors - Harness Connectors) AND the ECU computer - you keep the sensors. engine harness (under intake manifold), and alternator harness.
I can't Identify a Subaru connector, can you help?
Yes, Please see the Subaru connectors here: Harness Connectors
What is a Code Killer?
CK is a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) defeater, solving up to 9 common DTCs related to these engine swaps. This is optional and these DTC's don't affect performance of your engine although it is a good way to "clean up" your install and make your Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) more useful (as it won't constantly be on and will only trigger when a critical DTC is triggered). 2005+ DTC Flashing can turn off a lot more codes as there are many more DTC's that can be flashed out of the ECU (see the A la carte service here: Subaru ECM Flash)
Can you repair a harness that was previously converted?
Yes, we've repaired hundreds of harnesses. but they can vary in the amount of work needed. Consider sourcing a fresh donor harness if yours is in need of a wild and crazy repair (for example, just a bag of connectors and an ECU!)
What about Cruise Control?
This service is just engine management but if wanting to use the entire Subaru CC system, you can DIY by clipping the CC connectors from the main harness before sending (we don't keep those on our end). You can find the CC wiring diagrams in the factory service manuals found here: https://sl-i.net/FORUM/showthread.php?18087-Subaru-Factory-Service-Manuals-(FSM)-Every-Model-USDM-EU&highlight=subaru+factory+service+manuals
Is a catalytic converter necessary?
In general, the cat is not necessary, but recommended. You'll get related engine trouble codes and will be clearing them out to keep free of trouble codes. Here is an example of an exception - You have a WRX, using the Subaru computer and trying to meet California emissions, use the cats!
Microsquirt/Megasquirt/Haltech Wiring
We can wire your Microsquirt/Haltech ECM harness to your Subaru engine harness (found under the intake manifold). We will need the aftermarket harness and your Subaru engine harness. It's recommended that you find a local tuner (or learn to tune yourself), if going with an aftermarket ECM. This service is to physically wire the MS harness to the Subaru harness, unfortunately no tuning or support of the ECM systems/instructions are provided - this is just a wiring service. You can see much more information on Megasquirt/Microsquirt here: https://www.diyautotune.com and Haltech here: https://haltech.com