VW Vanagon Subaru EJ Swap | EJ22, EJ25 & 700HP EJ257 by Crawford - Crawford Performance

VW Vanagon Subaru EJ Swap | EJ22, EJ25 & 700HP EJ257 by Crawford

VW Vanagon Subaru EJ Swap: The Ultimate Guide to Power, Reliability, and Adventure

For decades, the Volkswagen Vanagon has been an icon of freedom and adventure. Beloved by vanlifers, campers, and explorers, it’s known for its timeless design and versatility. But let’s be honest — the stock Vanagon engine leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to power and reliability. That’s where the Subaru EJ swap comes in.

A Subaru EJ engine conversion for your VW Vanagon is one of the most popular upgrades in the community, and for good reason: more horsepower, better drivability, and modern reliability without losing the classic Vanagon charm.

Why Swap a Subaru EJ Into a VW Vanagon?

The Subaru EJ series engines (like the EJ22, EJ25, and EJ257) are legendary for their durability and performance. Pairing that with the Vanagon chassis gives you the best of both worlds — timeless looks and modern power.

Benefits of a Subaru EJ Vanagon Swap:

  • More Power – Up to double the horsepower of the stock Vanagon motor.

  • Reliability – Subaru engines are proven to run 200k+ miles with proper care.

  • Parts Availability – Subaru EJ engines and components are easy to source.

  • Better Fuel Economy – More efficient than the tired stock flat-four.

  • Adventure Ready – Perfect for road trips, mountain passes, and overland builds.

Which Subaru EJ Engine is Best for a VW Vanagon Swap?

Choosing the right EJ motor depends on your goals:

  • EJ22 (2.2L) – Reliable, simple, and a favorite for budget-friendly swaps.

  • EJ25 (2.5L) – More torque and power for heavy campers or overland setups.

  • EJ257 (STI) – High-performance option for enthusiasts chasing serious horsepower.

Many Vanagon owners prefer the EJ25 for its balance of torque and reliability, especially when hauling gear or tackling mountain roads.

What’s Involved in a VW Vanagon EJ Swap?

A Subaru EJ swap isn’t just a plug-and-play job — it requires custom parts and precise work. Here are the main steps:

  1. Engine Mounts & Adapters – Special mounts and adapter plates are required to fit the EJ motor to the Vanagon transmission.

  2. Cooling System Upgrades – The Subaru engine needs a modern cooling setup, often requiring a radiator relocation or upgrade.

  3. Wiring Harness – The Subaru ECU and wiring must be adapted to the Vanagon. Many companies offer pre-modified harnesses to simplify the process.

  4. Exhaust System – A custom exhaust is typically required.

  5. Clutch & Transmission – The stock Vanagon transaxle works, but higher power builds may require reinforcement.

Cost of a Subaru EJ Swap for a Vanagon

On average, a VW Vanagon Subaru swap costs between $6,000–$12,000, depending on:

  • The EJ engine you choose (EJ22, EJ25, EJ257)

  • DIY vs. professional installation

  • Quality of conversion parts and adapters

While it’s an investment, most Vanagon owners consider it worth every penny for the increase in power, reliability, and overall drivability.

Subaru EJ Swapped VW Vanagon: Driving Experience

Imagine cruising your Vanagon at highway speeds without flooring it, climbing steep grades without downshifting every few minutes, and enjoying the peace of mind of a reliable Subaru engine under the deck lid. That’s the magic of the EJ swap.

Owners often describe their EJ-powered Vanagon as “the way Volkswagen should have built it in the first place.”

How Crawford Performance Can Help With Your Vanagon EJ Swap

At Crawford Performance, we’ve spent decades building and perfecting Subaru EJ engines for street, track, rally, and overland use. From running motorsports programs for Subaru of America to powering Ken Block’s #43 WRX STI, our engines have proven themselves under the harshest conditions.

Here’s how Crawford makes your VW Vanagon Subaru swap even better:

  • Our engines start with a 2.0L normally-aspirated setup — perfect for a simple, reliable daily-driver Vanagon conversion.

  • Step up to our EJ25-based long blocks for a torque-rich upgrade that makes climbing hills and hauling gear effortless.

  • For those who want it all, we offer 700+ HP STI-spec monsters, the same engineering we put into world-class rally and track cars. With this level of power, your Vanagon transforms into a machine that can finally keep up with modern traffic — and then some.

No matter your build goals, Crawford has a Subaru EJ solution that will make your Vanagon feel like it always should have: powerful, reliable, and adventure-ready.

Ready to Build Your Dream Vanagon?

If you’re ready to give your Vanagon the power it deserves, Crawford Performance has you covered. We supply Subaru EJ short blocks, long blocks, and performance components engineered to withstand real-world adventure.

👉 Shop Crawford Subaru EJ Engines Now
👉 Explore Crawford Long Blocks
👉 Contact Us About Your Vanagon Build

Is a VW Vanagon Subaru EJ Swap Right for You?

If you love the look and lifestyle of the Vanagon but hate being stuck in the slow lane, a Subaru EJ conversion is the ultimate upgrade. From cross-country road trips to mountain adventures, this swap transforms your Vanagon into a reliable, powerful, and fun-to-drive machine.

And with Crawford Performance’s proven Subaru engines — from 2.0L NA to 700+ HP STI builds — your Vanagon will finally have the power to take you anywhere.

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