combining xt's for the perfect car

[rpholz]

So I have an 86 XT DL currently without motor.

Stupidly clean car, zero rust. super nice.

 

then I have an 89 XT GL 32k miles nice car but the more i look the more rust i find in different places, really fustrating.

 

so my thoughts: while the motor is out of the 86 ill clean the engine bay and make it really nice, then take the perfect running EA82 n/a with spyder intake, swap it into the 86, in the mean time pick up a new clutch and get the flywheel lightened, then swap in the rear end from the 89 and leave the fwd 5 speed in the 86 untill i can find a 5spd 3.70 geared trans.

 

go through and swap the best of both until I get one perfect car. like show room condition.

 

You know I don't know what it is about the 86 but I could never part with the thing, it's like one of the family. my mechanical child:lol:

 

soo whatcha think? I know the general answer will be EJ it, well i don't have the funds nor the resources for it. so i'd much rather keep the ea for just a fun car. a DD

[rpholz]

OH and pick up a mig welder and make my own custom exhaust

[idosubaru]

sure, tear it up. i thought there was something slightly different about 85/86 XT's where you couldn't just drop a spyder manifold on top of them, but i do a lot less EA work than i used too, very rare any more so memories are fading.

 

the rust is that bad to write it off huh? not just surface and minor? if you're not going to have them for like 10+ years then it might be worth avoiding the hassle and keeping the engine in the "rusty" one?

 

guess it's nearly impossible to find another engine to put in the other?

 

of course i know you're dying for a project so that's not going to fly. you don't come to subaru board for practicality.

 

whatever you do i'd just enjoy them for what they are - cheap, economical cars that are easy to maintain and can run forever if you don't overheat or run it out of oil.

Edited September 1, 2010 by grossgary

[john in KY]

You will have to retain the 86 intake manifold.

 

I have a good short block saved from an 89 XT and an AWD 5-speed from an 89 turbo wagon that has the 3.70 ratio.

[rpholz]

why would i have to retain the 86 intake?

 

well i've come to the realization that I can only keep and drive 1 car at a time. soo well, if someone feels like they want to give me an ej motor they can have the 89.

 

john how much would you want for your trans and how far in Kentucky are you? relative to florida that is.

 

and yea, your right gary i just want to do something. something to tinker with. seeings how i have a work van i can do without a car. atleast long enough to finish something