stephen115

Well.. I've run into a little bit of an issue. I've developed the final version of the rear hub, but the only machine shop in town that can do internal splines wants $1,500.00... I'm not complaining about the price, I'm sure it's worth it for the maount of time they will have to put into it. However, there has to be another way. If only I knew the actual dimensions of the Gen 1 Brat rear CV splines I would be able to cut that fee in half. I've been working off the attached drawing that was posted on USMB over a decade ago by a guy in Australia. The issue I have is I don't speak mandarin, and the spline dimensions don't seem to be on the drawing. Unless I'm missing somthing. Thoughts?

Spacer - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aBSHDnm3UdSgHC8wtRKf7uouvCC512nj/view?usp=sharing Rotor Test Fit - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-R_kf9hrH0LO0OeemjTytNVXBwuwX5m/view?usp=sharing Backing plate - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aWbyM5eWUuXAmpmGfgSsBuzZMr3aag-i/view?usp=sharing

Correct. I did a dry test last night and I'll have to add a little to the hub to make it work. Maybe 5mm. See attached pictures below. Reached my photo limit so had to provide links. I do want to play around with modifying the backing plate. I'll look at that this week.

I was able to successfully print the backing plate spacer this weekend. It's 20mm thick and spaces the backing plate just enough to clear the BRAT trailing/control arm. I also printed version 2 of the rear hub. Everything mounts up nicely, I just need to install the caliper and check spacing.

I found an old thread on here that shared the dimension of the XT6 hubs. I then modified it from there to suit the Gen1. There are a lot of similarites. The spline count is the same 27T. Thank you! I use Fusion 360 and have been learning on my own for about a year now. Much to learn.

Thanks, Bennie. I've been doing a lot of research over the past few months. It all made sense until I realized the EJ backing plate hit the trailing arm of the gen 1 brat. That doesn't appear to be an issue on the gen 2. So a minor work around. RX and GL's came with rear disc brakes. If I can get my hands on a set of those that would be great. Then all I'll need to do is make the 5 lug hub and find a rotor that will work with the caliper. Shouldn't be too hard to find. Another thought is to make a 25mm spacer for the EJ backing plate. This would provide enough distance to clear the trailing arm. Which brings up another question. Would it space it too far to where the hub won't fit? All things I need to find out.

Do the gen2 Brat brakes swap right over?

Hello everyone, I'm on a mission to 5-lug swap my 1981 BRAT. The goal is not to make any modifications to the existing BRAT components. If it has to be made or cut, it has to be removable. I've been following the Subarino videos and website for some time now. Dave said they had yet to do a lot of research on the Gen 1, so I didn't bother buying their kit. I've decided to make my own. I've purchased backing plates, rotors, and brake calipers from a 1994 Subaru Impreza(GC8). This era seems to be the most versatile for this type of swap, and parts are readily available. For reference, I've attached a 3D rendering of the 5-lug hub and backing plate centering ring. Remember, these are not final, and I still have some minor tweaks to make. I went to test fit my backing plate centering ring today. While the ring works, the backing plate hits the BRAT trailing arm/control arm, where the caliper bolts to the backing plate. I'm curious to see what others have done or if anyone has some ideas. I was under the assumption that the Impreza backing plate would work, but I just realized the Gen 2 cars have a different style trailing arm/control arm. I appreciate any input and plan to share my updates and final materials once done!

I have the ea81 in my 1981. There's no signs that mine has been swapped or anything. The more I learn about the 1981 the more I want to keep it as stock as possible. I've always wanted to EJ turbo swap a BRAT, I've actually been thinking about it for over 10 years. I just don't want to rip apart a car that has a cool place in history.

Thank you, Moosens! I wasn't aware this model year was that collectible. I had big plans to EJ swap and 5-lug convert, but I'm assuming that isn't a good idea anymore. Maybe a restoration is in order?

Hello All, This is seems like a very odd question, but I'm getting conflicting answers. I purchased a 1981 BRAT last month, Title says 1981, VIN says 1981, but all of my research says a 1981 BRAT is a Gen 2. Mine looks like a Gen 1. See Picture. Thank you!

I'm looking at a EJ25 out of a 2005 outback on craigslist. The motor needs new valves above cylinder 3. Since the engine doesn't come with the whole wiring harness for the car what can I do to get the wiring in the BRAT? also before I get too ahead of myself, will a 2005 EJ25 even fit in a BRAT? I'm looking to buy the transmission plate adapter and use the 4-speed in the BRAT until I decide where the car is going to go. Its a EA81 BRAT by the way. Thank you SJ

Is there a build thread on that hatch? SJ

I'm guessing you can't find these anymore? would look great on my brat. SJ