smleod

Cool, thanks. I really want this rig tuned up so I can start driving it on a daily basis. Weather is way to nice not to.

Who would be the best shop in Portland OR for my 1978 brat with a 1.8 in it. I was told it has a rebuilt engine and tranny. It is still a little noisy so I want a shop that knows the 1.8 (i.e. compression check/valve clearance/other random noises) Thanks all.

So I spent about 10 minutes on it today. I removed the valve cover and loosened the valves a little. now my compression is at 175 psi. I found another thread that says initial valve setup with hydro is .25 on intake and .35mm on exhaust. I will complete the adjustments, do a compression check, and see if my head gasket needs to be replaced. Thanks for the help everyone!

Thanks for the help. I can do standard lifters, but what is the numbers for this one with hydro lifters? My manual does not give any info for this ea81.

Yeah, about that... I had it running last night but it smoked for about 5 min. I thought it was due to excess fluid in the exhaust so I did some more investigations. Before the engine was ever started after a supposed "rebuild" I had to remove the drivers side head to fix a plug thread. Because it had never been stared I reused the head gasket. ( I know this is not recommended but thought I would give it a shot) Now when I do a compression check on that side I don't get any compression in either cylinder. It has hydraulic lifters that I had to back off when I removed the head. I hand tightened them after I reassembled the head. I then tightened the lock nut. Did I adjust them incorrectly, or did I mess up reusing the head gasket. I did a compression check on the passengers side and got 110 psi on the front and 10 psi in the rear. I am going to try and test to see if there is water in the oil, and see if I can somehow test the quality of the piston rings but am not entirely sure how yet. Any recommendations on what to do next? Oh, the passenger side cylinders did not seem to have any coolant in them, however the drivers side had about a quarter to a half cup of coolant. I cleared them and was able to start the engine. it did not seem to have any issues other than the smoke which we have discussed. thanks.

I think I will try and update the driveline to a two piece. I have it already and I would only have to shorten it a bit. I got it running today, and it is smoking like there is no tomorrow. I have the weber upgrade and the adapter plate wasn't tight enough so it pushed coolant into the cylinders. I hope I didn't damage anything but it is still smoking after I fixed it.

thanks for the advice. I figured I would take a look at the grinding solution.

Thanks for all the info and help. Turbosubarubrat, I was able to use the same mounting points for my 1.8 engine. There is some issues with the steering clearance. What is the best solution? I was thinking some alterations as opposed to swapping parts/pieces out. I am rather good with a welder and a grinder so I think I will do the drive shaft myself. It is an experimental/learning vehicle and learning new skills are always good. Just to clarify, what is the gearing of a DR 5 Speed Manual, and what is the gear ratio of a 1978 brat?

So I have a 1978 project Brat with a 1.8 liter and a DR 5MT. I was very excited to get it running for the first time, but realized I don't have a primary driveline that fits. I have the original one that is too short. I also have one off of a 92 with a center bearing but it is about 2 inches too long. My question: is there a driveline that will bolt right up, or should I have mine modified? If I have them modified, what one should I use, the solid or the two piece? Thanks

Lucky us! I will try and let y'all know when/if I find a solution other than the ever effective 100 mph tape. Scooner, there is a guy on Portland Craigslist that has a couple of old brats. If you search Portland "Auto parts" for "brat" you should get his info. I understand you are not local, but a w/s is kinda important. Thanks

What are my options if the part is discontinued? Are we able to get aftermarket ones? I live in the Portland area and I don't want to run without them, but mine are so rotten that they are useless.

Does anyone know the OEM Part number? I have been looking for new lower window moldings for my 78 brat. They are very rotten. These are the ones on the exterior door skin that the outside of the window seals against. Thanks.

O.K. So it sounds like I may have an EA81 flywheel because I used the flywheel bolts off of the old EA71 engine and don't remember there being any significant size difference. I am not sure what you mean by hash marks though. The flywheel I have has marks 10 II A II 0 II B II10 IIII 20 . What are my solutions? It sounds like getting an EA82 flywheel would be the preferred method? What was the talk about shims? Like I hinted at earlier, I am trying to keep the $ low to keep this a viable option. If it gets too costly it may have to get sold to someone else. I don't want that. Thanks again

Just to clear up some stuff. I have a 1978 Brat. It came with an extra EA81 with hydro lifters and an extra tranny. It seems like we have determined the type of tranny, but we are still working on being able to mate the two together. I have a flywheel that requires a 8.75 pressure plate setup. The clutch kit I bought today is for an '86 GL and the splines match as well as the bearings. The top of the tranny has a gold sticker on it with the number "869507". Will my setup work? Is there a way I can test it before I install the engine and tranny assembly? Any ID markings on the flywheel that will help? Also, what needs to be done with the starter? I am not opposed to using spacer because I am starting to go down the rabbit hole. Thanks for all the help. Y'all know your Subarus. I can barely remember my name after taking a short nap.

Well, I just bought a kit from my local parts store and it all seems to fit! I really appreciate the help. What kind of speeds have you guys been able to achieve with this setup. I have a trip planned next summer. I will be driving from Portland OR to Spokane to Vegas. New engine, and tranny should be reliable, but will I be able to cruise at freeway speeds?

I was unaware that it is a DR. I suppose that makes a big difference. I actually think it may be a nice option? Would you still recommend I use this tranny on an EA81 with a Weber? Will I be able to comfortably use it at freeway speeds? Oh, and yes those are pics of the transmission. Thanks for all the help, any other info?

O.K. just to specify, we are talking about transmissions here, not the other trannies. I am trying to piece meal a 1978 Brat together with parts that I have. The problem is I have no idea what they are out of. This is what I know: I have a 1.8 with hydro lifters. I have a AWD/4WD transmission that bolts to it. (I believe it is a 5 spd) The tranny have a 24 spline shaft The stationary shaft that comes out of the front of the tranny is approx. 33mm. It is a pull style clutch Here is my real questions. I do not have the throw out bearing carrier or the clutch/pressure plate. I have the larger flywheel. I bought a bearing carrier (part #431527000) but it is to small to fit over the stationary shaft that comes out of the front of the tranny. It is also too small to hold the bearing. I assume this is due to it being a 24 spline not a 21 spline. I pulled the tranny and engine out of the car. The cv joints were attached and I believe they are the original 1978 brat joints. The more info I could get the better. I have the original DR 4 speed but would rather use this 5 speed. I have to order the carrier and the full clutch kit before I can put it all back together and back in the car/truck/toy. Thanks,

On the front of the engine it reads "EA81" with "745406" stamped right below it. I assume that is the serial number. Does anyone know where I may be able to find a reference chart? Also, the tranny is a single range with "JAPAN FM-2" stamped on the side. Again, does this give any clues? I have the original engine and tranny with all the brackets, Pressure Plate, Clutch, etc. (some stuff for sale/trade for help). I would like to replace some of these parts while I have it out, but need to get a handle on what part numbers to order. Thanks again for all the help.

I have a 1978 Brat with an unknown year engine and tranny. I bought it off a guy that was in the process of a swap, but lost his contact info to get more info from him. Question: how do i determine the year and other info from the engine and tranny. I do not have any info for the tranny other than it is a 5 speed manual. I need all the clutch, pressure plate, etc. for it and need to know what to order. The engine is an EA81, but I don't know what options or year it is. I will be posting pics, and resto info as I progress, but need to make sure that I have a rolling chassis first. Thanks for all the help.