Well, here's the basic plan I had... or some thoughts...
Basically, I was going to start with the new 3.0L H6 engine, because it is (1) smaller than the 3.3L and (2) lighter than the 3.3L.
Since I have an auto transmission, and that is what the H6 uses, that is a simple drop-in proposition for me. However, due to the increase in length of about 1", I have heard that the radiator would have to be moved forward. So that means to me a custom radiator needs to be made - no big deal.
Then, since it weighs about 100 pounds more, I would relocate the battery to the drivers side in the trunk. Combine that with an aluminum hood and some stiffer springs, I feel the weight increase would be only around 30-50 pounds total. I could get the light weight front bumper but then the smallest accident risks the whole engine.
Now, I have heard of some issues with the H6, mainly the crankshaft breaking under normal use! So, my pick is to have a billit crank made, probably knife edged, unless the cost is prohibitive. Combine that with rods and pistons that can deal with heavy duty use, I think the internals would be bulletproof. Basically. Now, I am seriously considering keeping a high, if not relatively high, compression ratio - like the 10:1 or whatever the 2.5L engine uses. More usable torque off-boost. I might lower it slightly, like to 9.5:1, but unlikely. If I wanted really big HP (but not torque) I'd lower the compression to 8.5:1, obviously.
Okay, then the ECU. Well, I am simply going to get the SDS EFI (httP;//www.sdsefi.com) as it seems to fit the bill nicely and is not horribly expensive. Go check up on that, they have 4 and 6 cylinder versions, and on the plus side, they have a lot of experience with Subaru engines as they make the kit for Subaru aircraft engine conversions (Yup, the Subaru engine in your airplane!)
Finally, the intake, turbo and exhaust. Well, I thought about using the stock intake, and if I do, off the Extrude Hone it goes. Copper head gaskets and head studs (not bolts) to hold it all together is planned. Then the exhaust - well, it obviously have to be custom. I will be using stainless steel and just find a local shop to do it for me. Smaller diameter tubing, to keep exhaust velocity up. I will also be trying to do an equal length design, and wrap it to retain the heat (good for a turbo's performance.) The wastegate design will be strategically placed for the best control of the turbo. I would ultimately like to use the Aerocharger turbo (
http://www.Aerocharger.com) for it's incredible low boost response and overall great design. But it's $2500 or so, which means I will probably start small and go from there. I would actually like to place the turbo right where the battery was. So headers come forward to the turbo. The turbo will pull the air in from somewhere over there (maybe through the fender to a CAI) and blow the charged air down to a front-mount intercooler. Again, this will probably have to be a custom design, getting around the relocated radiator and A/C (yeah, I am keeping it!). From there, the I/C will send the cool air back to the intake... or, MAYBE I will build a custom intake (if I can't use the stock one) and do a front-intake design, to decrease piping length.
The exhuast will obviously be a fat 3" out to the back, through some high performance cat(s), and then into a giant muffler, keeping things VERY quiet. I like the sleeper design.
I foresee having to make custom motor mounts, MAYBE, but it may just all bolt it if I get the engine cross member as well, but who knows...
Now I am probably missing a thing or two, as this is just off the top of my head, but you get the basic idea.
Questions? Let me know. I am happy to share my dreams.
