Flat-6 SVX engine info needed

[knightly]

I have just come accross the 24v SVX flat-6 engine, and am considering it for a kit car project as its a cheap alternative to a porsche 911 engine......

What capacities do they come in? I have heard 3.0 and 3.3.......

Are they all 24v?......

Are the cylinders nikasil coated or steel liner?......

I'm assuming the block is ali - does anyone know the engine weight?

What sort of power have people got from tuned normally aspirated versions?....

Are there any reliability issues I should be aware of?......

Do you think the SVX gearbox could be used for a mid engine application or totally out of the question, obviously this would not require the rear end of the 4wd syetem!

[r988]

knightly said:

I have just come accross the 24v SVX flat-6 engine, and am considering it for a kit car project as its a cheap alternative to a porsche 911 engine......

What capacities do they come in? I have heard 3.0 and 3.3.......

The EG33D was only ever available in 3.3L form in the SVX, there is the newer Subaru 3.0L flat six found in the new Liberty 3.0R (EZ30R) but that is a whole new design. The EZ30R is actually 10bhp down on the EG33D but is a more compact engine and the next generation along. The Forerunner of the SVX, the Vortex (it was called something else in other countries) also had the option of a 2.7L flat six in some markets, this is the ER27 motor but it's not really worth bothering with as it's so old and not particularly good for performance applications.

knightly said:

Are they all 24v?......

Yes, the EG33D is basically just a development of the EJ20 four cylinder range found in Subarus other cars, with 2 extra cylinders added.

knightly said:

Are the cylinders nikasil coated or steel liner?......

I believe Subaru use cast iron liners in all their engines, so I guess it would be the same for this engine too.

knightly said:

I'm assuming the block is ali - does anyone know the engine weight?

Diecast aluminum alloy block with cast aluminum alloy heads.
Weight is around 285lbs/130kg in it's basic state without ancilliaries or gearbox.

knightly said:

What sort of power have people got from tuned normally aspirated versions?....

230bhp stock, supposedly quite strong, a few people use them in drag cars, but not many people tune them NA, mostly they go for turbo or supercharging. I have heard of one NA engine with at least 200bhp at the wheels though, and people claim that 400bhp should be possible with an agressively NA modified engine, but most people find it's easier to bolt on a supercharger for a much easier way of getting 400bhp. Remembering that most performance parts like pistons for the EJ20 WRX engine should fit straight in, so performance parts should be available, it's just that most are for the WRX which is turbocharged so forced induction is the easier way to go.

knightly said:

Are there any reliability issues I should be aware of?......

Most reliability issues with the SVX were nothing to do with the engine, stuff like gearboxes and wheelbearings etc. Subaru engines themselves are fairly trouble free, especially without the turbo and with all of the SVX's being autos most would have lead an easy life and should last a while if they have been looked after properly. They are fairly highly regarded amongst homebuild aircrat enthusiasts who tend to value reliability for obvious reasons.

knightly said:

Do you think the SVX gearbox could be used for a mid engine application or totally out of the question, obviously this would not require the rear end of the 4wd syetem!

All SVXs were 4 speed automatics. Subaru didn't have a gearbox to handle that torque back then and the early WRX 5 speed gearboxes of the time were/are notoriusly weak when power is increased. They will bolt up relatively easily though. WRX gearboxes were made a bit stronger after 1998 and STi boxes are considered stronger as well. More recent Subaru 6 speeds (I think Aisin makes them) from WRXs are supposed to be much stronger and the best choice by farthey are much more expensive though. Otherwise use a Porsche G50 with adapter plate or whatever else is commonly used for that sort of application these days, probably cheaper and easier to get.