Subi81

There is a reason that Subaru lowered the compression on the turbo block. If you ran the car with a turboed 9.5:1 CR block. You would for sure need to run higher octain gas (92 and higher). And any ping no matter how small (audible or not) would completly destroy your engine. Most kits on the market today that turbo higher compression blocks run in the 5 psi range NOT 10 psi, and that is running newer engine managment. I have an AF gauge on my 86 when the intake goes into the positive pressure range the AF reading is still bouncing back and forth for a split second then it goes full rich. Yes I know that subaru changed the engine managment after 86 so maybe it is better. Personally I would get an auxillery injector on that thing before boosting and the obligitory intercooler with freash air cooling it. Did you ever get a scoop on that thing? Good luck

My 81 wagon didn't like to go into 2nd on cold mornings. Switched up to Redline Synthetic (MTL) and problem solved. You might want to check your gear oil when was the last time it was changed?

Analog, I converted my digi to analog and will never look back. I must say that my girlfriend at the time really liked my digital. So if you are intersted in picking up chicks keep the digi if not ditch it for the analog. Some advice if you do switch to analog make sure that the bearings on the analog speedo are not sticky. Mine turned out to be so my speedo gets really slow to respond around 60 to 80. Good luck

That sucks man. You got any pics? Do you know why it failed, oil pump, to lean, just old? If you need anyhting let me know. The yards up here pale in comparison to Sac but there is an 86 turbo wagon, if you need anything let me know. Good luck

When I looked in my 86 FSM there is a connector for the knock control and it looks like it is behind the glove box plus when I was traceing wires trying to find a short I found a black box in there bolted behind the glove box more to the right (looking at the glove box). If it is in fact located inside the fender " i guess you learn something new everyday. Could you tell me what is this gaurd that you speak of, curious?

As far as I can tell the knock control unit is located behind the glove box.

I have done the swap from an analog 89 RX dash to an 86 turbo wagon, digi, and it took some time. Here is a gallery that has pics of the swap and the haness that I had to fabricate. Basically you have to do a lot of splicing wires and figgureing out the circuits. Not trying to discurrage you but you might be able to use some of my notes as a guide. Feel free to ask any questions. I might have some more pics if you need them and I have a 86 FSM wireing guild if you need some pics of it to help you out. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showgallery.php?cat=626

I agree with Tizzle, finally someone puts some "real" suby rims on an RX. I like it.

#25 and #26 can be replaced without removing/opening the transmission. I did it, but had to drop the: A. driveline (center bearing assembly) B. exhaust after the 1st cat C. the really wimpy crossmember behind the transmission. Then you just pound out pin #28. Then you can take the part (pictured) and rebushing it. Note on picture, you can see the hole where the pin goes bearly. (lower right left) Good luck

The cop probably half expected you to be wearing really colorfull sunglasses and have a fluxcapacitor in the backseat. I think XT's look pretty futuristic. Made me laugh

Ya one tooth off, My car wouldn't idle,freeway wasn't too bad but temps were outta control, way too hot!

About the shifter bushing. Don't forget to replace #26. When I did mine a month ago that was the only ones that were really messed up. this is all that was left. The rest of the bushings were in fair shape. I replaced #15 too but I don't think it was nessessary in my case. You should be able to get under the car and shake stuff around. I could move my linkage under the car and tell the #26 was the really loose one. I purchased all the bushings at my local subaru dealership. Good luck

Ok from the 1985 FSM. Code 12 is "Starter switch in OFF mode" See pic for troubleshooting flow chart: NOTE connector-1 is the red one next to the diagnostic "green connecter under the dash. For XT's I assume the connector would be in the trunk.

I am getting the same code and have not been able to get rid of it. It has something to do with the ignition switch. Will post the exact code tonight.

From the 86 FSM Let me know if you need the more schematic looking one

if this is on your hatch it could be the main front seal. When mine was leaking on my 81 it would throw up some oil. Try to find out what pully the oil is comming from. center pully=main seal (oil pump is below so oil shouldn't leak up) AC pully=AC might be leaking Power steering=power steering leak? Did you go through any really big puddles? That would throw all sorts of stuff up.

Did it to my 86, pretty easy just make sure you get the intierior covers with the slot for the 4wd lever and the levers and linkage. And there is the neutral safety switch thing but it doesn't really effect anything. If you are JUST switching the transmission make sure that your rear diff ratio matches the tranny ratio. Good luck

I am having a similar problem. Almost feels like someone pulls the rug right out from under the subi, right? Try an get the codes, it is really easy. Go here for a tutorial: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/USRM2/mick-usrm/electrical/ecucodes.html Does the problem occure out of gear? Say if you stab the throttle while parked? I would say TPS also because the problem is a function of the amount of throttle you give. Keep us posted.

Here is where my gauges are mounted. If you would like I can dig up some more detailed shots. The tap for the vaccum signal is located on the Automatic tranny vaccum feed (rear center of intack manifold)

So can anyone get a pic of the factory fog light mounting brackets? I found some factory fog lights on a gl-10 (with covers) and I want to get them mounted correctly. Currently they are just mounted to the plastic bumper of the junk yard car I know RX's came with them. I think Brian aka Subarujunkie has some on his RX. Thanks

So you are using an EA series transmission with a EJ series flywheel? That does sound like a conundrum. Maybe mock it up trying EA-6X EA-8X and EJ-XX starters? Sorry not much help. Becomming more and more interested in other clutch/flywheel options. My clutch slips as it is.

Nice job, very clean

How about some JB weld? Worked for me when I stripped a stud out.

Ya it is even more fun when that happens going 55. Since I have no covers that gear shot out the bottom of my car and passed me. Made a funny noise too. I think my words were "that doesn't sound right" and promply pulled over"!? At least you still have your gear. Mine was never heard from again.

That is some funny stuff