jdkneppy

I pulled the trigger yesterday on salvage yard EA81 from a 1981 Brat for $300. Has 138k miles and 130# compression on all cylinders. Cost of used heads was more than my complete engine and my EA81 has some more issues other than the heads. My neighbor couldn't get the piston out to replace the broken rings due to blocked wrist pin port. He wasn't sure if it was the piston sleeve or ?? I am looking at 1984 GL wagon for the manual transmission/drive train. I know my automatic transmissions life is limited, but so far so good at 203,000 miles. Only problem so far is modulator valve and that was an easy fix. I appreciate all your help and advice and I will keep my old engine and see if I can revive it for a future project. Hoping to get my 83 Brat on the road again by spring. I know I was being overly optimistic about another 10-15 years out of it, but I probably won't be able to drive that long myself. Long live the Brat. I will post again when I get it back into operation.

Friend pulled the motor out of my Brat GL automatic yesterday and pulled the heads off. Both heads are cracked between the valves and one cylinder has broken rings and scoured cylinder. I am looking at 1981 EA81 and 1985 EA82 from manual transmission cars. How universal are the bell housings on these early to mid 80's Subaru's? Trying to keep my Brat alive for another 10-915 years if possible.

DaveT engine isn't knocking, just old and tired. I am thinking of just buying the 1981 EA81 and swapping engines. I could possibly rebuild the original engine, while I could still drive my Brat. Not sure I have the skills or knowledge to tackle an overhaul.

Moosens, I wish I was a younger guy, but am over 70. I am looking for the easiest and least expensive option to keep my Brat drivable. It is an automatic transmission and other than replacing modulation valve tranny has been a champ. Engine is so bad I don't drive it very far from home. It over heats and I have to carry jug of coolant with me. It starts every time, but you have to baby it to keep running and hesitates. I don't know that I have the skills to do a complete overhaul, so that is why I am asking about engine swap. I think an over head cam would be a plus, but not sure if the width of the EA82 engine will fit. The 1981 EA81 I am looking at has 138k miles with 130# compression, per the salvage yard for $350. I am newby in the Subaru community with 2013 Forester my first, then the Brat 4 years ago. So all the wisdom of this group is appreciated. Thx John

My 83 Brat has 203,000 miles on it and motor is really tired. Head gasket or head, valves leaking, coolant, oil and I want to replace motor. Will a 1987 EA82 fit in my Brat? Another option I am looking at is 1981 ea81 from manual trans Brat. Are any of the EA81 motors an option? Can an early EA82 be used? I look forward to driving the Brat with a healthy engine. I am not familiar with the EJ22, but will start reaching that motor too, based on replies I received. Thanks John

I received a packet of info this week from Subaru regarding a class action settlement on various Subaru models with oil consumption problems. Subaru treated me great with a new short block late last year (see my other post). Now they are apparently dealing with it on a much larger scale for models from 2011 to 2015. I have scanned and attached part of this notice for your info. This notice is 16 pages long and my scanner stopped after 3 pages, so that is all you get. The settlement includes extension of limited power train warranty to 8 years or 100,000 miles, reimbursement for cost of some of oil used etc. etc. You can call Subaru at 855-384-8926 for more info, but I didn't see a website listed in the letter. Claims must be postmarked by October 1, 2016. Subaru class action settlement.pdf

Beechbm69, I bought 4 185/70R14s yesterday, so will be set as soon as I get my wheels cleaned up and painted. Glad I found the stock 185 width and avoid rubbing. Thanks John

I bought the 4 Peugeot steel wheels I found last week for $80. The center hole is 64-65 mm with cut outs and the Subaru caps are only 60mm in diameter, so working on a fix for that. Will give Bratman2's idea a try. I need to sandblast then prime & paint the wheels and find 4 tires. Because of the funky mount Peugeot used will regular lug nuts work? I was planning to chamfer the holes with a large drill bit before I paint them. Good or bad idea? Will 195/75-14 fit on my 83 Brat or can I go larger? Thanks

My 2013 Forester was down a quart of oil at 800 miles and continued to need oil between changes. At 22,500 mile service I complained to the service manager about oil use, he told me oil consumption was normal. I came back with "my 1983 Brat with 198,000 miles doesn't use that much oil". Then they agreed to the oil consumption test.and they had me come back at 1,200 mile. It was down 1/2 quart and ordered a new short block for me. I have about 2,000 miles since motor swap and doesn't appear to be using oil now. The service manager told me if it had been down 1/3 quart of oil at 1,200 miles that would have been acceptable to Subaru, but at 1/2 quart down I got a new short block. Got a loaner car for 5 days and all at no charge. Easiest car warranty claim I have ever experienced.

Bummer, since the allow wheels would have been sweet on my Brat, but too late now. I just looked at 4 steel Pugeot wheels today for $20 each. Any ideas for center cap on the Pugeot wheels if/when I buy them? I am thinking of having them powder coated. Is that good or bad idea? Thanks