TheLetterE Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Hey there, first post! I searched for some answers on this but came up short, so if someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I recently picked up a 1985 GL Hatchback. I am not a super gear head but I know my general way around a car and I am even better with vintage motorcycles. My question is, I cannot not determine with the VIN if my GL is a 1.8 SOHC or a 1.8 OHV. I am sure there may be a way to visually tell but I cant be certain since this is my first Subaru and I have never had a car with OHV. Also how does the engine type effect certain parts? Are most parts inter-changeable between the 2? Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l75eya Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Does it have timing belts/big black plastic cover on the front of the motor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subnz Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 (edited) Also the EA81 OHV 1800 has steel (black usually) rocker covers and distributor at front in middle offset to right. The EA82 SOHC 1800 has alloy cam / valve covers in similar alloy to the rest of the engine as well as the black plastic timing belts cover at front of the engine as previously mentioned and distributor at left rear head of engine. They are 2 completely different engines (ie different blocks / heads) apart from sharing the same bore and stroke. Not sure of parts interchangibility as never tried doing this. I imagine that they are similar apart from engines. The EA82 SOHC is far superior ie more free revving / smoother engine with more power than the clatterly older OHV EA81 Still have a soft spot for its simplicity (EA81) as it is almost maintenance free ie no silly cam belts etc to replace like on EA82. Have owned two examples of both and liked both for their strengths / weaknesses - still have Brat / Brumby (EA81) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_EA_engine Edited January 17, 2016 by subnz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyhorse001 Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 All good info above. The big tell would be the distributor location. Easiest to see without looking very deep. Ive had ea81, and 82's myself. I like the set and forget of the injected 82motors, especially for a daily driver. Tho for tractor torque, and being nearly bulletproof, you cant beat the hammer simple 81 motors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subnz Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 All good info above. The big tell would be the distributor location. Easiest to see without looking very deep. Ive had ea81, and 82's myself. I like the set and forget of the injected 82motors, especially for a daily driver. Tho for tractor torque, and being nearly bulletproof, you cant beat the hammer simple 81 motors totally agree EA81 old school torquer ie pulls strongly from 2500rpm but runs out of breath at 4000rpm whereas EA82 more of a revver ie doesn't start happening til 3000rpm thru to 4500rpm where it slows up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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