Tonyp5143 Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 (edited) Guys I am seriously thinking about buying a 1982 Brat DL parts truck and installing the 4 speed hi / lo tranny in this parts truck in my 1985 Brat GL which currently has a 3 seed auto (which I really dislike). I ASSUME that there is nothing different on a Auto tranny Brat that would prevent me from installing all of the manual tranny parts. I know I will need to do a lot of work, clutch pedal, console shifters, front and rear diffs, tranny,....etc... I am tired of the poor performance with the Auto tranny. My 1985 GL Brat gets 22 mpg around town and about 25-26 on the hwy. I have been told that with the 4 speed I can get 30-32 mpg, Is that realistic? I am also going to install a Weber 32/36 or maybe a slightly larger Weber. And after the work is done, I can make a little money selling my 3 speed that works fine, and all of the extra parts from this parts truck ( with the rusty bed) to earn a little extra money. I would really appreciate any opinions from you guys! thanks, Tony P Edited April 21, 2012 by Tonyp5143 fixing poor spelling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazyeights Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 If it were me I would skip the 4 speed and go with a D/R 5-speed from an EA82 car. It is WELL worth the small amount of extra effort and the swap is really well documented. Also, buy the parts Brat too:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jj421 Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 Back in my 4-speed, Webber carbed '81 GL (EA81), I got ~25 MPG average. But the engine wasn't running right, so I'd say 30 MPG is realistic if you drive it like an old person. If you can, get a 5-speed. I don't know anything about the Brat, so I can't say if it'll work. But try for a 5-speed if it'll work. Converting it to hi-lo will also probably be difficult, but again, I don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 4 speed will be about 25 to 27 MPG in mixed driving. Over 30 will be with 100% freeway driving on long trips. 4 speed's are junk - 3rd gear syncro issues, lousy linkage system that's always loose - skip it and go to the 5 speed. DL will have a single range 4 speed in it anyway. High range only. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShawnW Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 The last driveshaft I had made (5 speed trans means you need to lengthen the driveshaft) ran me $200 with U Joints. Then the $100 plus shipping for the kit from Bratsrus1 A little wiring for the reverse and lo lights. IMO worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.