buckkiller Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 (edited) Hello all, I have recently decided to buy a Brat, and would like to hear opinions on which year would be the best to buy. I will be replacing a Suzuki Sami It will be used as a daily driver, I would like it to have a hi/low 4wd but am also leaning towards a gen 1, slight lift, but still be able to get decent mpg. Can a gen1 be moded to a hi/low 4wd? This is my current daily driver/camper/bug out rig.... 2002 E350 7.3 PSD Clydesdale 4x4 conversion Colorado camper van pop top conversion Van spec interior conversion Arb lockers On board propane/ furnace 12lb warn Arb fridge Many more goodies I am from Yakima WA, all opinions are welcome since I am a noob to the Subaru seen. Thanks Buck Edited March 6, 2014 by buckkiller 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbosubarubrat Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Yes a first gen brat can be modded to have a dual range 4wd transmission in either a 4 or 5 speed. In some of the 1981 models the first gens had the second gen drive train. They had a ea81 (1800cc engine) with a 4 speed d/r instead of the ea71 (1600cc engine) and 4 speed single range 4wd that came in almost all the first gen brats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bratsrus1 Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 HI Buck This is Jerry, get a gen 2 brat they are alot better to do mods to. The gen 2 brats are from 82-87 all kind of things you can do very simple call me 509-952-2855 or come ans see me i live in Selah. Thanks Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooner Posted March 7, 2014 Share Posted March 7, 2014 Love that van, man! Those converted ones are killer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckkiller Posted March 7, 2014 Author Share Posted March 7, 2014 (edited) Love that van, man! Those converted ones are killer!Thanks it took 10 years but she's finally done!! I bought the Sami to tow behind the van but have decided that I need something a little smaller and more practical as a every day driver. I will be selling the Sami to purchase the Brat, I always wanted one when I was growing up....it will be an expedition style build w/ mild lift, custom safari rack for storage, some led lights, custom bumpers w/winch,rear bumper will most likely have a swing away tire, with another water/fuel storage, ARB fridge in the back with a pull out stove and on board propane. Just like my van....I have the build in my head now just to make it a reality!! I guess I'm not a complete Subaru NOOB....I do own a 2013 outback that I bought in Dec of 2012 its the wife's but she wont let me change a thing. Buck Edited March 7, 2014 by buckkiller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivans imports Posted March 7, 2014 Share Posted March 7, 2014 Have a nice restored 80 brat very clean no rust 5000$ 100 % complete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooner Posted March 7, 2014 Share Posted March 7, 2014 Thanks it took 10 years but she's finally done!! I bought the Sami to tow behind the van but have decided that I need something a little smaller and more practical as a every day driver. I will be selling the Sami to purchase the Brat, I always wanted one when I was growing up....it will be an expedition style build w/ mild lift, custom safari rack for storage, some led lights, custom bumpers w/winch,rear bumper will most likely have a swing away tire, with another water/fuel storage, ARB fridge in the back with a pull out stove and on board propane. Just like my van....I have the build in my head now just to make it a reality!! I guess I'm not a complete Subaru NOOB....I do own a 2013 outback that I bought in Dec of 2012 its the wife's but she wont let me change a thing. Buck Nice! The brat you build will be pretty sweet, I hope you start a build thread on it with pics so we can all drool. Funny, I bought my wife a 13' outback last June and its not so much as she won't t let me do anything to it as im reluctant because its brand new and I dont want to jeopardize the warranty. How do you guys like yours? I think the CVT tranny is funky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckkiller Posted March 8, 2014 Author Share Posted March 8, 2014 I thinks its been a great car....we have put about 40k on it already with no complaints but I took my wife out of a S430 4matic benz but she seems to enjoy the Subi. Thank Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckkiller Posted March 8, 2014 Author Share Posted March 8, 2014 Have a nice restored 80 brat very clean no rust 5000$ 100 % complete I would love a gen 1 but think being 6ft 220 lbs I may be a tight fit..... I was a die hard Porsche fan for years and have owned 7 different 911s but im not as this as i once was lol. Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatswhatshesaid Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Go Gen II. You'll be glad you did. Also, those EA81s are fantastic engines. You pretty much can't break 'em. They've got a surprising amount of grunt, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckkiller Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 Go Gen II. You'll be glad you did. Also, those EA81s are fantastic engines. You pretty much can't break 'em. They've got a surprising amount of grunt, too. Ya I have decided on gen 2 and have found 2 that look to be gems....I have posted other thread asking for help deciding on which one to buy! Thanks Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyBrat Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 well, im 6'4" and 200 lbs and i fit pretty comfortably in a first gen brat 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dinky26 Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 well, im 6'4" and 200 lbs and i fit pretty comfortably in a first gen brat I'm 6'5" 220#, could use more room but it is workable. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyBrat Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 my only complaint is how close the steering wheel is to my legs, but i will get a smaller wheel soon. it doesnt help that i have different seats (taller ones) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dinky26 Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 Yeah, I hear you there Rusty, I put some slightly taller ones in mine too, STI ones out of a WRX, MUCH MORE comfy though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyBrat Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 mine are out of... honestly i have no idea. i found them under a carport i think an early 90s dodge caravan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivans imports Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Mine is stock have been trying to get collector plates for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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