15k: Subaruolet; 2002 Subaru Impreza WRLSX Bugeye; LS1 V8

We’ve featured our fair share of Chevy LS1 swapped vehicles on DT, lots of Jagolets, BMW 340is, 911 Camerras and Volvettes…but never before have we seen the all-alloy V8 shoved into the front of an ex-turbocharged WRX pocket rally rocket!  Find this 2002 Subaru Impreza WRLSX bugeye with LS1 V8 and rear-wheel-drive, for sale in Habersham, GA for $14,000 via craigslist.

The Subaru Impreza WRX introduced the millennial generation to fun, affordable motoring with its nimble chassis, convenient sedan/wagon layouts, farty sounding turbo flat-4s and standard all-wheel-drive.  The stock engine only puts out 227 horsepower, and mated to its tractionific all-wheel-drive system, makes for a fun but benign driving experience.  Only when goosed up to STi levels of performance does the WRX really start to shine…or you can throw all that crap out the window and just shove a huge ‘Merican V8 in the front….

The LS1 is good for anywhere between 300-350 horsepower depending on year and model of the donor vehicle, but we’d assume its 5.7 liter V8 and 6-spd manual transmission came from a Camaro and makes something on the lower end of the 300 hp range.  A few bolt on parts (cams, heads, exhaust, intake) will push this into the 400 horsepower range for cheap if smog legality isn’t an issue.

One of our requirements for a LS1 swap to be useable is that it needs to have working A/C – it’s probably something to do with getting old because most days can be driven windows down where we live, but you have to ask yourself how much sweat has been absorbed by this Georgia driven non-AC equipped drift machine?  Likely the passenger seat has the faint smell of urine from terrified (or excited?) passengers.

We really wish there was some more details on this build, specifically what is used for motor/trans mounts (a kit or home-made parts) and what is used for a rear end (will the stock piece hold together with 3X the stock torque?).  There is also a small issue with the transmission grinding second gear, but T56 transmissions are easy enough to repair or replace.  Regardless, we think this could be a fantastic family hauler.

See a more impressive Impreza? Email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com