soobscript

Were there any differences in '88? I'm looking at this 2-row on radiatorexpress.com. It says "1988 SUBARU RX - 1.8 liter H4 RADIATOR Name Brand NON TURBO 2-Row All Metal Upgrade" The pic is exactly right. Is it OK for my RX?

Thanks, good to know! That's gonna make it a bit tougher vs. just ordering an XT6 clutch kit. Better start looking...

Last Night... 215000-mile reseal job, timing belts, pump(s), mounts. Upgrades: Delta cams, 2-row radiator, oil cooler (probably), XT6 clutch (maybe), 170-ish t-stat, paint valve covers (probably), no cat (probably), intake silencer removal (maybe)...

I have done that already. But one of the line is still kind of in the way, annoying. I do not want non-functioning AC taking up space and weight in the car.

I have an 88 RX with non-working AC due to compressor-pulley area. It is the rectangular compressor, outside of the alternator. I am pulling the engine, and having AC lines out of the way would make it much easier. You are supposed to take it to a professional for depressurization and stuff, but I want it out now. I've spent several hours on dial-up looking for info, and now I am asking. How do I do it the right way? The wrong way? --Ed

Since I have the engine out and have a worn clutch, I was thinking of upgrading my RX with an XT6 clutch. It's a direct fit, right? I have an 88 EA82T. Should I get just the XT6 clutch with stock pressure plate, or the whole XT6 kit? I have found a few made by Exedy. 225mm, 24 spline. http://www.speedyperformanceparts.com/performance/brands.php?makeid=31&modelid=504&year=1988&partid=137 http://www.maximumautoparts.com/SU_Clutch~Kit_XT6-4WD-001_items.html http://shop.subaru-engine-parts.com/search.html?offset=0&model=xt6&year=1988&sub_model=4359&part_type=clutch

I'm about to start a head gasket job. Can someone direct me to or tell me all the gaskets and seals I will need?

But how much tougher would it be with the engine in? I NEED to get it running asap. Just gonna do one side headgasket. Do you have to take the valves out before removing head from block, or do they detetch as a unit?

Sweeeet :-\ So, can i fix it without pulling the engine?

A compression test should tell me if it's the head or gasket, right? How tough is it to do the work on the 1-3 side with the engine still in the car?

Compression has not been checked. I suspected a bad headgasket when I got it. Did it finally blow through after 45000 miles of me driving it? UPDATE: The burning rubber smell was burnt oil. Oil was changed 1 or 2 days before the first failure. It is now dark brown and stinky. There are dust-sized grey semi-shiny particles too -- either micro-shavings or radiator stop-leak...

bump

PIAA. I'll get my before and after pics up sometime. "cheap" source here Options Auto Salon

After using my Blizzaks, I saw a picture of someone's Hankook Icebears for sale. I thought they looked quite good, but that was just looking at a pic of the tread.

It has been like that for at least the 40,000 miles I've had it. Seems to run fine until warm, then oil pressure drops, coolant temp rises, smoke comes out, and it stalls at well over 1k rpm. I'll start with a look behind the timing covers today.

That's in (relatively) good condition too... When I got the car 8 months and 45K miles ago, the coolant res was full of oil. The enine burns oil (about 1 quart every 400 miles) and coolant. Coolant looks like milk. I haven't changed it since I got the car, just keep adding plain water, no antifreeze.

That's not my problem... EA82T, 1988 RX, 215K miles Just got it towed home. Runs perfect on start-up. Coolant smells like exhaust and oil smells like rubber. There is a lot of newly leaked oil (not on ground) below timing covers and oil filter connection. Oil pump going bad? Mickey-mouse leaking and making timing belt slip? Cracked block? Do I need a special pulley tool to get to timing belts?

What's wrong with my car? On the coolest summer day and normal driving, I look down to see no oil pressure at spped and high temp. Pull over. Coolant has been shot under hood and out the front grill. Not like a hose breaking though. Res. still full. Oil still full. Smokey steam with rubber smell dissipating from engine, especially from oil filter area. Let it cool off. Started. VERY rough idle at 1/2 normal RPM. Block shaking. Abnormal tap/thump felt with hand thru oil filler tube. Oil pressure increased with RPM (like normal). Wait 2 days. Starts like a champ. High (3/4 gauge) oil pressure (normal when cold). Drive for 10 miles. Pressure good. Temp cool. Stalls at light. Lots of smoke. Waiting for tow truck to drop it off. Timing belt? Oil pump? Head gasket? Dead engine? Help... --Ed

bump for "my new tires are lonely"

I used them this last season. Two thumbs up! Very soft rubber, don't use them when it's warm.

Cool, but can I go wider tires with the wider base on the wheels? (6" vs. 5")

What tire size should I run on my RX with no lift on the Allied Armament 15x6 wheels? I want to keep the stock 185/70-13 diameter. I know the wheels are wider, so they can take a wider tire, but how wide can I go without complications? 210/50-15 is perfect by my math, but no tires are available. Will 215/50's fit or just 205/50's? Info: Discount Tire Co. size comparison calculator Miata.net visual comparison

So you are keeping it right? (I was afraid of that.)

I want a full set for my RX, but I don't have money now... When's this all going down?

I had a great time. I'd love to do it again, but maybe in a lifted wagon instead of an RX. The RX handled great, but the really low ground clearance and relatively good body condition worked against it. I made it out with some trim damage and a couple dents in the driver's door, plus my PIAA fog lights are no more. It's pretty sweet when you can go off-roading with Broncos in low-range with diff-lock then follow an '05 Mustang doing 90 on the highway on the way home, passing people in a mud covered Soob. Thanks to Donny and everyone else for their hospitality and helping our little cars on the trails. Thanks to Jason for getting is set up and everyone else who helped with arrangements. It was nice meeting everyone and seeing their cars. I'm ready for the next meet! I have pics and a couple short videos. I'll post links when I get them uploaded. --Ed