Are all EA-81's the same?

[soobcollektor]

Quick question,

 

I'm changing the motor in my 82 GLF 1.8 EA-81 5 speed, I have a donor out of an 86 Hatch auto which is also an EA-81? Will they swap out, if not what needs to be changed or altered?

 

Thanks

 

~Tim

[mikeshoup]

Since they're both EA-81s, should drop right in, no problem.

 

This is also an upgrade, since the 86 will have the hydro lifters, and possibly larger valves.

[soobcollektor]

Really, thats cool.

 

I did notice that even though they are the same engine they sound entirely different when they idle, the 82 is extremely quiet and the 86 has much more valvetrain noise (its not ticking, just louder).

 

This seems odd cause I would think it would be the total opposite...

 

This is my first job in swapping out a clutch, ive removed lots of engines but never had to deal with any clutches and i'm really not sure what all is involved.

 

Are theyre any electronical differences I have to deal with since the 86 is 4 years newer?

 

Thanks

~Tim

[Phizinza]

the 82 is extremely quiet and the 86 has much more valvetrain noise (its not ticking, just louder).

 

This seems odd cause I would think it would be the total opposite...

Probably the hydro lifters are half dead... Don't try and adjust them. I'm not sure what you can do about it because I haven't ever tried fixing them before. Although my brother did pull his out of his 2.2t 626, cleaned them up, oiled them, put them back in, and it was AWFUL for about 100km(62miles) Then they quieted down and were pretty good.

But you have to split the case to do this on a EA81 I think.

 

Or, the engine might just want some nice new oil.

[soobcollektor]

Very well could be, i'll try seafoam in it when I get it all changed out.

 

Is there any tips/tricks anyone would recommend when I pull the clutch off and put it on the new engine?

 

~Thanks

[mikeshoup]

Are theyre any electronical differences I have to deal with since the 86 is 4 years newer?

Dunno if there are any, but to be safe, you could just swap the intake (mani, carb, everything) from the 82 onto the 86. Oh, and probably the disty. That would negate any chances of having electrical differences.

[Phizinza]

You will probably find the 86 has a much better carb on it (and maybe a bigger carb to manifold inlet size.)

If possible use the 86's carb...

[GeneralDisorder]

Probably the hydro lifters are half dead... Don't try and adjust them.

But you have to split the case to do this on a EA81 I think.

 

1. You can adjust EA81 hydro lifters. The FSM has the procedure.

 

2. You do not have to split the case to remove them - just drop the oil pan.

 

As for the intake - it will be the same, and the 82 carb will be the same size (probably less complex too), so no win there. Unless the 82 has the single barell carter weber. The 86 would have the Hitachi. Either way your best option is a Weber 32/36 DGV, or Fuel Injection.

 

GD

[Sweet82]

Some of the external components will differ in shape and placement.

 

The Air Suction Valve has moved and changed shape since 1982.

This may cause you to have to re-route some of it's hoses from the left to the right.

 

Whatever carb you use, you'll need to get that computer and associated parts out of the donor car.

The 1982 Carter Weber carb will have a fuel pump control unit that you'll need to keep with the carb.

[soobcollektor]

I think that they both have the same carb. They look the exact same when you take the air filter cover off. So I shouldnt have to worry about swapping the manifold will I?

 

All this carb stuff is new to me as everything I own is fuel injection.

 

Thanks

~Tim