dstn2bdoa Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 I realize this is not the best way to introduce myself, and I also know I should do more searching, but I'm short on time and could use some quick answers if you guys have the time. I've owned 02 and 08 WRX's, so I'm not new to Subaru's, but I don't know anything about older models. I bumped into a guy today selling a 88 GL10 Turbo wagon. It has 104K miles original eng and trans, 4" lift, 2 1/2" Exhaust, aftermarket intercooler, adjustable boost regulator, fairly clean inside and out for a car this old. Power everything and it all seems to work. What I'd like to know is: Rough value of these cars. Overall reliability. Known strengths. Known issues. What questions to askWhat to look for when checking out the car. If he's turning up the boost, will the stock computer adjust the timing and fuel? or is he running it on the ragged edge? If I've missed anything, feel free to throw it in. I really liked this car, but am worried about getting another basket case. Thanks Edit: If this is in the wrong section, please feel free to move it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
987687 Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 The more I read, the more I heard this "DON'T BUY IT" screaming in my head. Those engines like to blow up. Even more so when people abuse them (it has a lift), and modify them (intercooler). But then when I read he was cranking the boost. That's death to those things. No, the computer will not adjust, and no, he's not running on the ragged edge. He's gone over it, run away screaming. Think of not buying it as an investment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbchux Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 The stock computer will adjust the fuel a little bit. In that the AFM will open more and therefore it'll put in a little more fuel. EA82s have a distributor, so it's possible the timing has been adjusted a bit to improve things. Truth be told, if it has the stock turbo, it can't be turned up very much. These cars didn't come with an intercooler, and there is a pressure drop across an intercooler, so it's possible that it's not seeing much, if any, extra pressure at the engine (just a cooler charge). That said, the EA82t is one of the most unreliable engines subaru ever made. It has pretty poor cooling capacity, likes to pop head gaskets, and such. I would not say to run away screaming. But without seeing it or knowing the owner, I would not consider it to be a reliable daily driver AS-IS. There are a number of reliable EA82ts out there, but there are more basket cases. I don't know the market where you are, but I would pay a grand or more for a solid chassis, with a well-built lift, tight suspension, and decent tires. Then throw a dual range transmission in there, and an EJ22....and you'll have one of the most reliable and cheap to run subarus out there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstn2bdoa Posted June 23, 2012 Author Share Posted June 23, 2012 Thanks for the heads up. Your guys reputation as a nice and helpful group wasn't undeserved. I realy liked the car. I'll do some research on those swaps. Sounds fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AKghandi Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 Well...104k is pretty low for its age i would think it was parked for a long time and that means weathered rubber parts The ea82t is ok when maintained its actually alot of fun but if the HG hasent been replaced recently and hes got more boost thats what i would worry about. My ea82t ran 10psi just fine no ping or knock. So with an intercooler,fresh HG,and a healthy cooling system it should be fine for another 100k if you turn the boost back down. My gl10 wag has 246k stock motor.its still going strong, hondas hate it. I would pay 1500 for it. But haggle you might get it under 1000. then spend the 500 on an ej! Problems solved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john in KY Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 I once ran a 90 turbo wagon with a few modifications 100K miles running 12 pounds of boost and never had a problem. New radiator, larger injectors, cooler spark plugs, 2 degrees less timing, lots of fuel pressure. I loved that car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstn2bdoa Posted June 26, 2012 Author Share Posted June 26, 2012 He wants $4k for it. My gut told me this was extreme, I just needed reassurance from the gurus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
987687 Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 He wants $4k for it. My gut told me this was extreme, I just needed reassurance from the gurus. For that price, buy my 2nd gen legacy. It has more power, handles better, and it's more reliable. Oh, and you'll also save $1000.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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