How much does it cost to put a Subaru engine in a VW bus?
In brief, expect a total price range of roughly $12,000 to $25,000 for a Subaru-to-VW Bus swap, with variations based on engine choice, parts quality, and how much work you handle yourself. This article breaks down the typical costs, what drives them, and what buyers should expect before starting a swap project.
What drives the price
The overall cost of swapping a Subaru engine into a VW Bus is shaped by several major components, from the donor engine to the finishing touches. Below is a practical breakdown of where money tends to go.
- Donor engine price: typically $2,000–$6,000 for a used EJ Series engine (2.2L/2.4L). Rebuilt, low-mileage, or higher-performance variants can push this higher, roughly $6,000–$12,000 or more.
- Adapter kit and engine mounts: usually $1,000–$3,000 to mate the Subaru engine to the VW transaxle and secure it in the rear)
- Fuel system and ECU/wiring harness: generally $800–$2,500, depending on whether you reuse components or buy a complete harness and ECU package
- Cooling system (radiator, hoses, fans, and mounts): around $400–$1,500, plus potential rear-cooling options
- Exhaust and intake components: typically $300–$1,500, depending on routing and material quality
- Transmission adaptation or replacement: about $2,000–$5,000, covering the adapter to the VW transaxle or a compatible alternative
- Labor and installation: commonly $5,000–$15,000, highly dependent on shop rates, project scope, and required fabrication
- Miscellaneous and contingency: $500–$2,000 for unexpected fabrication, fasteners, gaskets, and tuning
These figures reflect typical builds in many markets and can swing based on engine choice, whether you do any work yourself, and the complexity of the installation. Emissions and regulatory costs may also apply in some regions.
Engine options and their price profiles
Choosing which Subaru engine to install significantly influences total cost, performance goals, and cooling/tuning requirements. The two broad paths are natural-aspirated options for reliability and cost control, versus boosted or higher-performance setups for more power and complexity.
Natural-aspirated EJ options
- NA EJ22 or EJ25 cores common in donor cars: typically cheaper to source and tune, with straightforward cooling and fueling needs
- Expect lower upfront engine costs, but plan for solid cooling and ECU integration to achieve reliable performance
NA options tend to be simpler to install and cheaper to operate, making them popular for budget-conscious swaps that still aim for improved reliability over a stock VW air-cooled setup.
Turbocharged and performance-oriented options
- Turbo variants from EJ20/EJ25 families or WRX-era engines: higher engine costs and more extensive supporting systems
- Increased cooling capacity, upgraded fuel delivery, and more sophisticated engine-management needs
Boosted or high-performance builds deliver more power but require additional cooling, fuel, and tuning work, pushing total costs higher and sometimes beyond the typical range.
Labor and installation considerations
Labor is often the largest single factor in total cost. How you approach the project—DIY versus professional installation—greatly influences the final price and timeline.
DIY vs professional installation
- DIY approach: can substantially reduce labor costs if you have the skills and time, but increases risk of fitment errors and longer project timelines
- Professional installation: common in boutique shops or specialty garages; typical labor ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on complexity and region
In practice, the decision between DIY and professional work hinges on your mechanical experience, tolerance for fabrication work, and willingness to manage a multi-week to multi-month project. Professional installs come with insurance, warranties on workmanship, and tuning services that can improve reliability but raise cost.
Wiring, tuning, and regulatory considerations
- Wiring harness integration and ECU tuning: $500–$2,000 for DIY harness work; $1,000–$3,000+ for professional harness installation and tune
- Regulatory compliance and inspections: costs vary by state or country; emissions-testing requirements can add fees or additional hardware in some jurisdictions
- Cooling, exhaust routing, and drivetrain alignment: additional fabrication and parts costs that can impact timelines and price
Regulatory scanning and testing are often overlooked until late in the project, but they can affect both the timing and the final price of a swap depending on local rules.
What this means for buyers and builders
For most VW Bus enthusiasts, a Subaru swap lands in the mid-range of the cost spectrum—roughly $12,000 to $25,000 in many U.S. markets—when using a dependable NA engine and performing much of the work through a shop or skilled amateur. If you opt for a turbo or high-performance build, or if you require extensive custom fabrication and top-tier tuning, total costs can climb toward $30,000–$40,000 or more. Regional labor rates, parts availability, and regulatory requirements will also shape the final bill.
Bottom line: the swap is feasible for enthusiasts seeking modern reliability and more power, but it is a significant investment that requires careful budgeting, researching reputable adapters and installers, and planning for potential delays and contingencies.
Summary
Swapping a Subaru engine into a VW Bus is a popular but ambitious project that typically costs between $12,000 and $25,000, with high-end builds reaching well beyond that depending on engine choice and labor. Core cost drivers include the donor engine, adapter/mounting hardware, wiring and ECU work, cooling and exhaust systems, and the price of labor. Prospective builders should weigh DIY potential against the reliability and warranty benefits of professional installation, and they should budget for regulatory checks that vary by location. With careful planning and the right partners, a Subaru-powered VW Bus can offer modern performance without sacrificing classic character.
