87 GL Retire

[Animated Meat]

Hello,

 

So...curious as to some opinions out there.

 

 

My 87 GL just developed into a non-running car...30lbs in one cylinder..suspect exhaust valve..have not taken head off yet .~ 210,000 miles on motor

 

I bought this car last spring, put about 15K on it, it was my daily driver and a lot of fun...goes anywhere
etc..you folks know the deal

 

Considerations

 

 

1) Valve job one head on the EA82, or find another running EA82 to swap in, and hope it goes another few years. Dont think its worth a total rebuild.

 

2) EJ Swap into the GL.

3) Find a 97-99 era Impreza Sport Wagon and swap in the DR Tranny. 

 

GL Pros:

1) I see whole running EA82 GL/Loyale cars on places like Craigslist for $600-$1500...and...if its a GL...I get another DR Tranny just for a spare....perhaps buy one for the motor...swap

and run it....or maybe even try to smog it if it is in better bodily shape than
mine. Potentially Inexpensive...risky...may not last...money pit etc.

 

2) VIN# for my GL is smogged for where I live in Northern California...dont need to smog again....EA or EJ Swap can be done and its not the states business as long as I dont sell.

3) GL has new struts all around...new wheel bearings up front....new CV boots..new (used) complete

Throttle Body with TPS and IAC...EGR solenoid...MAF sensor...Coolant Temp
Sensor....new Radio (correctly wired).....interior fair...a bit Dog Chewed.

 

4) New Muffler, CAT and Exhaust Manifold Gaskets.

5) Much Prefer the older Body Style

 

GL Cons:

 

1) Voodoo Suspension problems.

Chews up tires even after alignment. Major inner wear. Rotating them ruined all
four tires after about the 15K  I ran it. I suspect all the suspension
bushings in need of replacement...maybe something bent. Locals not willing to
mess with the bolts to adjust rear...they denied adjustability..so I showed them the
FSM diagram...and they recoiled in horror...didn't want to touch it...said it
would take all day.....thats modern mechanics I guess.

 

 

2)  All exterior molding dried out, cracked and pitted windshield, paint sandblasted in places down to
primer, all from being towed around the Southwest behind an RV for years.

 

3) Noisy as all heck...spent a weekend looking for an exhaust leak..replacing gaskets etc.....then was

told..."Thats just how they sound".

 

4) Not a very air tight interior...as I mentioned...all weatherstripping could use replacing....wind

howls from everywhere...rear...sides...you pick it

 

 5) 4800 RPM just to get over the hill in 3rd gear to work.... at barely 50mph...this was before the bad

valve.....I certainly don't need a foot massage...but I do need a kidney belt and earplugs

 

6) $$$ Money to Swap in an EJ and fix Suspension...then hope like hell they don't change the Smog rules next year or the Tranny goes out.

7) Crappy MPG....why cant a light car like this get about 40mpg?.....despite the running gear..anyone do a VW TDI Swap to a DR tranny?

 

Impreza Sport Pros:

 

1) Wow...a new car..something form the late 90's.

2) A bit more power. Hills at legal speeds

3) Interior Quieter...Motor Quieter....I would hope

4) 2.2 supposedly much more durable than the EA82...as long as they were properly maintained

5) Potential to find a car in structrually better condition than my, or another, GL more likely...just cause

newer

 

 

Impreza Cons:

 

1) No Dual Range Tranny

2) Low Ground Clearance

3) $$$$ Money to Swap in a DR

4) Body Style......just don't like it....much prefer harsh right angles to curves....but I could live with it.

5) Crappy MPG...why cant a light car like this get about 40mpg.?...despite the running gear. ..TDI Swap?

 

I guess the bottom line is:

 

 

Any actual experience in a similar situation?

 

 

The most practical, durable, way to go?

 

 

Any experience with the cost or details of an Impreza Sport DR Swap?

Yes, I have looked thru the forums, and they are vague...some mention custom drive shafts...and some mention outback driveshafts..but no actual specifics or concrete plans.Some mention custom Axles. I do not live in an area with people who know Subarus that I can just go hang out with

 

I don't want, or believe in two cars, one car should do it all....thats why I liked the GL.....Hi/Lo Tranny is
the way to go.. . Good Commuter, and satisfied my random offroad adventures....but a bit outdated.

 

Thanks for your time...anyone who bothered to read thru this....by the way...of course I don't have much money..which is why I'm playing idea mind poker,,don’t have much to $$ to utilize

Thanks again for any consideration and input…it is very much appreciated and Kitty says Hello

 

Thanks again,

Kevin

 

[firehawk618]

My vote is determine that it's a bad valve.  If so either just put a new valve in that head and go or slap on a used head and go.

Do it as cheap as possible.

[DaveT]

That low pressure could be something as simple / stupid as a broken valve retainer.  I had that happen to my 78 once, ran it home on 3 cylinders.

 

I am running an 87 GL  and a 93 Loyale.  For as long as I can, just because I can.  I prefer the size shape, etc.  Been doing repairs on them since 1988, have all the special tools, tricks, FSMs, spare parts from others that rusted away from me. 

 

Don't want OBD II or airbags.  More power / speed would just make it more likely to get in trouble.

 

If the body is good on yours, find a parts car with the stuff that's shot.  Or if someone on here parts one out.

[two85s]

Lots of choices and possibilities for you.  I know the difficulty of the CA smog laws and in my zip it's every two years like it or not.  I prefer having more than one car so when things like this occur you can drive one and take your time to get parts, etc. to work patiently on the other.  I would keep a look out in Craigslist for a deal on an acceptable and properly maintained (records of maintenance/repairs etc) second vehicle.  There are lots of great deals for hard cash on used vehicles if you get familiar with searching in your area(s), calling/emailing questions before going to see the car, and nailing down a price range that is agreed on prior to your visit also.  But also know what your looking at and whats a deal because the good ones get snatched up.  Not exactly what you were asking but good luck on what you decide.  Cheers, Aaron       

[ferp420]

I would say fix the gl and get another car to get closer to your 40mpgs there is no car out there that will do it all ea82s are cheap and last a lot longer when your driving something else 

[Animated Meat]

Thanks for the input fellas..I know that was a bit of rambling on my part.

Gonna keep the GL for a project...take the head off and see whats going on when the weather gets nicer.

Also gonna start looking around for a daily driver...thanks again

[DaveT]

Start by just pulling the rocker cover.