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VF52 swap question


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Hi, was swapping vf52 in 08 Spec.B and whilst installing vac hoses with turbo inlet I noticed that there is a pill in each of the 1/8” vac hoses, (one on wastegate side and one on other side of barbed tee fitting on intercooler side). Now when I compared to my vf46 there is only a pill on intercooler side. Sooo, do I leave it as is or replicate vf46 setup? Am about ready to start her up and install stg2 so I would like to settle this issue asap.

 

Anyone ever notice this?

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I would remove the one after the T, there should only be one on the compressor side of the T.

 

There is a sticky with the vacuum layout on here...

 

 

https://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2005-2006-lgt-colored-vacuum-routing-diagram-143225.html

 

That came from the back of the service manual,

 

http://people.csail.mit.edu/ilh/vacation/

305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD).  CHECK your oil, these cars use it.

 

Engine Build - Click Here

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I would remove the one after the T, there should only be one on the compressor side of the T.

 

There is a sticky with the vacuum layout on here...

 

 

https://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2005-2006-lgt-colored-vacuum-routing-diagram-143225.html

 

That came from the back of the service manual,

 

http://people.csail.mit.edu/ilh/vacation/

Thank Max Capacity. But the link to thread shows 05-06 lgt. Mine’s an 08 Spec.B. I replaced all vacuum lines but my issue as stated in op, is to know if those of you with the vf52 swap on 08-09 WITHOUT EBCS have kept both pills or not. Murphy’s law, keep it as is and for sure I was probably supposed to remove it lol! I’ll keep digging. But, thanks on those links and I do have the vaca pics of 08 and it’s my type of work ethic but not handy in a swap situation.

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...
I'm planning on installing a VF52 soon and I'm curious if you had issues tuning the factory boost control solenoid or if you upgraded to the 3 port "just because"

 

At first I was going to keep factory SBC but for the price and labour already involved in prepping for tune (vacuum leak, fluids etc) my buddy who owns the shop made me a deal on the tactrix 3-port which is cheaper than Cobb, (you pay for the name in some cases). Since a tune is imperative for upgrading EBCS, might as well do it all before tune to avoid more expenses. So, for your question it was kind of a “just because” but at the same time makes smoother boost, cause with vf52 with ported wastegate, new vacuum lines, Perrin TI, catless divorced DP, you’ll notice a hell of a power upgrade, if accompanying mods are done of course. I went from factory 14.5psi to around 19-20 ish down tuned cause I still have factory TMIC.

I’m glad I did it. Next is bigger TMIC and EL headers, and another tune.

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Actually, no. I used oem bracket but had to bend tab which oem solenoid goes as to put tactrix shere oem goes. Otherwise engine cover won’t fit. Took me five minutes tbh. But the tactrix has oem connector. Some other less expensive ebcs you have to splice in owm harness. I’ll post a pic tonight.

UPDATE; sorry for late pics. The engine cover screen/vent at bottom left bulges a tad so I'll need to rework bracket but all four engine cover pushpins clip in.

ebcs.thumb.jpg.06ca4037b949bb40b8ff922838359d55.jpg

 

enginecover.thumb.jpg.8be1dbb8fecc367324cd7fe0c41e86f7.jpg

Edited by luckybullitt
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you can also make your own adapter harness for the boost controller of your choice. I bought a second hand Tactrix unit and it was missing the pig tail adapter.

 

I used this pigtail https://www.iwireservices.com/product-page/boost-controller-receptacle

and a pigtail like this https://www.iwireservices.com/product-page/ev1-injector-plug leftover from my VW days.

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Hey folks,

 

I've seen a fair bit of talk about turbo upgrades in the LGT (mine's an '05 for the record) and people often suggest the VF52 as opposed to the stock VF40 (I think).

 

Is it a straight swap in terms of fit and all the coolant/oil connections, etc?

 

My stock turbo just died, so that's why I'm asking.

 

Thanks,

$$$

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Hey folks,

 

I've seen a fair bit of talk about turbo upgrades in the LGT (mine's an '05 for the record) and people often suggest the VF52 as opposed to the stock VF40 (I think).

 

Is it a straight swap in terms of fit and all the coolant/oil connections, etc?

 

My stock turbo just died, so that's why I'm asking.

 

Thanks,

$$$

 

Pretty straight forward. Only small issues I encountered were lower coolant line needs to be a tad bit longer and lgt stock heat shield doesn’t fit on vf52 so I put a blue thermal zero blanket instead. Bolt but don’t tighten to much the intercooler to turbo before lining up bpv side and tighten everything in star pattern if I can use the term. Otherwise throttle body side you’ll have a hard time fitting it and could break something. Engine cover fit perfectly afterwards.

 

Vf52 was worth swapping. Amazing power after a tune, but with proper accompanying mods!

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Vf52 was worth swapping. Amazing power after a tune, but with proper accompanying mods!

 

Thanks for the reply. I've already started modding it a little, but my turbo dying last week has amped things up a little.

 

It already has an Invidia catless downpipe and I've ordered the accompanying catback and the GS air intake box. Now it looks like I also need a new up-pipe since I think the cat is probably deteriorating.

 

I was going to replace it eventually anyway, but it seems now I don't have much choice.

 

Thanks again for the advice!

 

$$$

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I haven't done the swap yet but I've been reading. I believe some people have reported issues with the divorce plate on the Invidia interfering with the wastegate. Be sure to check it and grind the divorce plate for clearance if you need to. Some people have also had problems with boost creep with the VF52 and high flowing exhaust and have had to port the wastegate. Not everyone has these problems, just things to watch out for.
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@Neukam. Iam trying to include my other thread but am not forum savvy, sorry. I posted what I did before the swap. I will just rewrite it here: I did in fact port the wastegate and before doing the swap I mocked up the vf52 to th dp and put about 10 psi with compressor to actuator to make sure it wouldn’t hit divorce plate and it never did. I even put grease to see markings or friction, nothing made contact. From my understanding older batches of invidia dp’s would hit wastegate flap. Not mine, probably a revised batch (newer). Yes a three port ebcs will eliminate boost creep but you absolutely need a tune otherwise bye bye engine. I wouldn’t know the difference, I did it all in the same instance so I never experienced the boost creep issue. The main reason for porting wastegate, I believe, is for less restriction not necessarily boost creep ( correct me if I’m wrong, I’m not a specialist) and adding a 3 port ebcs will also prevent wastegate from “clicking” when closing again on boost release. Some people have had that issue with vf52 and stock ebcs.
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Hey Lucky...

 

When you did your turbo swap, did you get an install kit with all the necessary gaskets, fasteners, hoses, etc?

 

I'll likely be looking for a used / rebuilt turbo and so I'll likely need to get all that stuff separately on my own. Just looking for a reliable supply source so I don't find that I'm missing some critical piece when the time comes.

 

Thanks,

$$$

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Hey Lucky...

 

When you did your turbo swap, did you get an install kit with all the necessary gaskets, fasteners, hoses, etc?

 

I'll likely be looking for a used / rebuilt turbo and so I'll likely need to get all that stuff separately on my own. Just looking for a reliable supply source so I don't find that I'm missing some critical piece when the time comes.

 

Thanks,

$$$

 

See post # 288 oil return hose.

https://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/idea-web-links-saved-various-parts-219238p8.html

305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD).  CHECK your oil, these cars use it.

 

Engine Build - Click Here

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Thanks Max.

 

I guess I'll have to do some digging in the Subaru parts diagrams to figure out everything that I need.

 

I have some major work planned over the next few months on this car and I think I'll just have to take my time and do lots of homework up front.

 

$$$

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Hey Lucky...

 

When you did your turbo swap, did you get an install kit with all the necessary gaskets, fasteners, hoses, etc?

 

I'll likely be looking for a used / rebuilt turbo and so I'll likely need to get all that stuff separately on my own. Just looking for a reliable supply source so I don't find that I'm missing some critical piece when the time comes.

 

Thanks,

$$$

 

what Max Capacity posted, he helped me a lot with directing towards what is needed and recommended, I also changed the AVCS oil lines for IAG ss braided ones that I forgot to mention and yes new OEM oil return tube, grimspeed DP gasket, (you can stick with OEM), OEM UP gasket, whatever heatshield or blanket cause VF46 heatshield will sit on wastegate arm.

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