Just bought my first Subi, 86 Brat, & I have some questions for my 1st post.

[hkuspelite45@yahoo.com]

I've always wanted a Brat sence I was a kid but dont know much about them other than I've heard that Subie's run great. I happened to see one for sale and had the cash in my pocket, so it was an impulse buy.

 

It's an '86 from AZ with 160k on it.

It has the dual range 4-spd and is pretty much excellent condition, overall it is totally stock without ANY rust. The 2 front strut mounts are bad(wore out) and the clutch is very stiff so I may replace it for kicks (any thoughts).

 

I paid $1,500 for it....is that a good price? (Also what do you think it might be worth?)

 

Any issues or hidden problem areas I should look for?

 

The dash has the usual Arizona cracks, does anyone make replacements? I also need a left rear tail light and windshield washer fluid tank/pump if anybody has one.

 

I've also heard a bit about people putting turbos and the 5-spd in them, any thoughts on this?

[Guest Oregon-off_roader]

if you have any pix post them and we might be able to help you i my self am looking for a brat.

[bratsrus1]

Hi This is Jerry, a 5 speed dual range tranny and rear disc brakes are a must have on the brat. It makes a hloe bunch more fun to drive then when you have to stop alot better. These 2 mods are a must have. Thanks Jerry

[maximumBRAT]

Drive the 4-speed around for a while, and you'll know that you need some 5-sp TLC. That is a pending step for my 81. A turbo would be nice, it is only a 1.8, but i'm in HS with a 7.25/hr job and some sketches.. would be all over it if someone handed me a $1000 check..

 

I paid $600 for a brat w/ a near dead clutch, a going-out axle (not...dead...yet...) no rust, a real faded paint job and 62000 miles. i thought that was about right, since it needed some major bondo and a coat of paint- see my website if you want to know anymore (right click my name and go to homepage).

 

i don't know enough about yours to price it, but it is 5 yrs newer than mine.

 

WELCOME TO THE MENTAL PROBLEM THAT IS BRAT OWNERSHIP.

[Jibs]

Are the CV's all right? Common Problem in earlier model subaru's. 1500 doesn't sound TOO bad, I'd pay it if was clean. Other than that, welcome to the board, and let's see some pics!!

[subarubrat]

Where I live, that would be a $3000 plus BRAT. Check your clutch cable condition, make sure it oppertates freely before replacing any clutch components. You could have a dry slider for the throw out bearing etc. Fortunatly the engine is VERY easy to pull forward to check these componenets. I would suggest buying a shop manual. Further, ditto on the 5spd, brakes and I would throw in some minor engine mods such as a better exhaust, a weber carb, and a 2WD distributor for starters. For something slightly up the rung, I would suggest a 4 inch lift and a set of 27~28 inch Baja belteds/Swampers or the like on Toyota 15 inch wheels. There is an easy mod to fit the toyota wheels to our truck. Congrats on your purchase.

[hkuspelite45@yahoo.com]

Who makes a good exhaust set up for it? (incl. headers)

 

I'm probly just going to replace the clutch sence I have no idea what kind of condition it is in and it looks prety easy.

 

Also should I replace anything else like the cable sence I will have the tranny out? I assume the rear main seal is pretty easy & cheap to do at this time as well.

 

Is the 5-spd pretty much just a swap and if so is the clutch interchangeable?

[maximumBRAT]

If you can get away with i, go laura style; i have a cat and it passes emissios, but no muffler and mine sounds really cool, and i am really happy with it. i haven't tried anything else.