Ultimate Sleeper: VW Beetle Powered by Subaru WRX STi Engine

- in Cars

This 1972 VW Beetle was modified to stuff a Subaru WRX STi (EJ207) turbo engine into connected to a Porsche 911/964 G50 transmission!

350 HP 1972 VW Beetle with Subaru WRX STi engine

For a chassis that’s designed to have a 44 horsepower engine, the 350 horsepower STi motor sure makes it fun… and challenging! The need for speed is just another form of greed. Well, Johan from Holland is a greedy guy, that’s for sure.

The engine from 2002 Subaru WRX STi (bugeye model) is producing 350+ horsepower and 400Nm (340 ft-lb) from 1.6 bar (23.2 psi) of boost. When doing a swap like this, you can’t leave the intake or exhaust stock, so there is some power upgrade here.
–

350 HP 1972 VW Beetle with Subaru WRX STi engine front

Gearbox and suspension are borrowed from Porsche 944. The exhaust is custom made 3″ stainless steel with 2 magnaflow 4″ mufflers.
–

350 HP 1972 VW Beetle with Subaru WRX STi engine rear end

The engine looks like a tight fit, but also looks right at home. I hope this becomes a more common swap. However, you won’t make everyone happy here. VW diehards will hate it and always want to keep it pure VW.

But for those who want to try something new, creating a motor mount and transmission mount kit to make this a bolt on would be very fun.