1. Engine Compatibility: The VW 1600 engine is significantly different from the Subaru engine that the VF39 turbo was designed for. You might face issues with connecting the turbo to the engine's exhaust manifold and intake system. Some modifications to the engine block, exhaust, and intake might be necessary to make the turbo fit and connect to the appropriate hoses.
2. Engine Management System: The Subaru turbo system is electronically controlled and requires an engine management system (EMS) to regulate fuel injection, ignition timing, and boost pressure. You will need to install a compatible EMS, such as a programmable ECU, and wire it to various sensors on the engine. This can be complex and requires a thorough understanding of automotive electronics.
3. Custom Fabrication: Custom fabrication work is required for mounting the turbo, fabricating intercooler piping, and rerouting hoses. You might need to modify the intake and exhaust manifolds and build custom brackets or mounts to hold the turbo in place.
4. Oil and Cooling Systems: The Subaru VF39 turbo requires an oil feed line, oil return line, and a coolant supply line. You'll need to find a way to connect these lines to your VW's existing engine components or modify the engine and oil filter housing.
5. Tuning: Once everything is installed and connected, extensive tuning is necessary to ensure that the turbocharged engine operates safely and reliably. This may involve tuning the EMS to modify fuel and ignition maps, setting boost levels, and accounting for the specific characteristics of the VW 1600 engine. Dyno testing and expertise in performance tuning will be crucial to get optimal performance and avoid issues like detonation.
Due to the complexity of the task, it might be more cost-effective and feasible to consider a different turbocharger option that is better suited for the 1970s VW 1600 engine, considering the effort, expertise, and potential costs involved.
