Converting 78 brat to EA81, new trans too...

[skapickle]

I am looking to convert my 78 Brat (EA71) to an EA81 with a matching 4 or 5 spd dual range tranny. I have already paid for and placed a order with Colorado Component Rebuilders in Denver for a rebuilt EA81, complete with intake mainifold, wires, starter, alt, etc.. I have found another local shop here in Denver that has a tranny, a 4 or 5 spd D/R with rear diff (is the diff the same as my stock '78?). Also, I have a fairly new rebuilt Hitachi 2 bbl carb on my EA71 now, would this carb work for the EA81 as well? Or am I looking at buying another carb?

 

Anyone that has done this conversion or that may have any tips on what I can expect would be very helpful since I have already comitted over $1200 for a quality CCR rebuilt engine with goodies.

 

Thank you all!

Steve in Denver

[JonOfScio]

the carb is the same between EA71 and EA82 motors, just jetted different (I do believe)

 

you may be happier going with a weber kit, you know, since you're already doing all of that... but that's another $300 out of your pocket.

[Caboobaroo]

depending on what year car the engine is from, it could have had either a vacuum secondary on the carb or be like the carb you have on your EA71 which has a mechanical secondary. I perfer the mechanical secondary myself which can be easier to deal with. You probably won't have to change the jets or anything in it since they're almost identical but the carb from an EA81 I believe flows a little better since there's about 200cc difference between the engines. You should be fine unless you start adding in performance parts like cams and whatnot.