thatgirlsays Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 Alright... so i managed to inherit this 1982 1.8 GL... now, most people think im nuts, but maybe im just on a mission to laugh in their face. i've got the car running rather efficiently, better than most cars today. but i am having a few problems, and looking for suggestions. the fact is that it has no real "ooompsh" - i can do 0-60 in just under 10 minutes. ok, a slight exageration. but it doesn't exelerate very well. i do have a slight exhaust leak (gasket needs replaced, i think). I am not exactly a car wiz, but this is my project to learn. i don't want a high-performance car, because that just won't happen. but i wouldn't mind a car that runs like a car should. I guess i am just looking for suggestions that anyone might have about the kind of fun i could have with this car! please, let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam N.D.J. Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 Is it an automatic? If it is, they are inherintly slow to begin with, there are a couple of active threads right now that go into that. What body style is it? Not that it really matters, just wondering. Is it a 4wd? The exhaust gaskets is a pretty good place to start, specially if it sounds like it's leaking from near the motor. Those aren't hard to do, there are just 4 nuts holding on the Ypipe, take those off, drop down the pipe, pull off the old gaskets, put the new ones on, then bolt it back up. I would spray some PB blaster on the nuts about an hour before working on it. PB can be had from most auto parts stores. Welcome to the community, you've come to the right place for all your Subaru needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatgirlsays Posted November 7, 2003 Author Share Posted November 7, 2003 It is a 4door, front wheel drive... my aunt bought it new, then my dad got it, and now its mine to play with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatgirlsays Posted November 7, 2003 Author Share Posted November 7, 2003 i forgot to mention, its a manual. 5 spd... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 You've got an excellent car, but one that will never be "fast". You can however, make it less slow. This is an excellent webpage for cheap and easy things you can do: http://ultimatesubaru.org/80s/ea-performance-page/subaru-ea-performance.html He isn't kidding about the muffler. I put on a $20 aftermarket muffler and it made a big difference. Advancing the timing is also a great idea, you just have to be careful. Usually you can go a few degrees ahead while still running regular gas, and several more if you switch to premium. Probably the best mod you can perform is to install a Weber 32/36 DGEV caruburetor. The stock Hitachi carb is often called the Hicrappy for a reason. I just did the Weber conversion on my 86 wagon, and it makes a huge difference in performance. The only issue here is cost. A complete kit with everything you need (well, on some cars the throttle cable mount must be modified) costs about $340 from Redline Weber. If you've got the money and are planning on keeping the car around for a while, it's worth it. Does your car have solid lifters or hydraulic lifters? If they are solid (they probably are on an 82), you should check and adjust the valve clearances. When the clearances become too loose, you can lose a lot of power. Also, this procedure is pretty easy if you have any sort of shop manual for the car and a couple of hours to spare. Other than that, just make sure that it's tuned-up and you'll have a sweet car that will run forever. And seriously consider the quote in my signature.:-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beauregaardhooligan Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 Welcome to the board! The exhaust gaskets can make a big difference. Be sure the stud holes don't get stripped. Since this is a keeper, replace the studs with stainless steel studs and be sure to clean the gasket surfaces well. The Accel SuperStock coil is an easy upgrade that makes a big difference, but be sure to open the gap on the spark plugs. (Subarus only like NGKs) It may not work with a points-type ignition, but you could upgrade to an electronic distributor fairly easily. The exhaust system could also be slowing you down if it is all original. They get plugged up sometimes. Also change the air filter, pvc breather filter and gas filter(s). The Hitachi is a touchy carb that works quite well if you get it set up just right. The Webber will definitley out-run it, but if you want to work with what youve got, they can be very satisfactory. Run some of your favorite carb cleaner through it a couple of time, and be sure to change the gas filter(s)! Subaru's are notoriously picky about dirty fuel. You may want to re-build the carb, but that is not an easy job. Good luck and let us know how it goes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatgirlsays Posted November 7, 2003 Author Share Posted November 7, 2003 thanks you guys! i'll get some pictures when its all done, and let you know how it works out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hondasucks Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 My buddy Mike on the board is from The Dalles, I'm surprised he hasn't said anything.. I have an 82 GL sedan as well, it used to be a front wheel drive automatic, now it's a 4 wheel drive 4 speed :-) How many miles are on it? If it's got over 100,000 go check out http://www.subaruhighmileageclub.com and add your car to the registry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 Actually - with a properly tuned engine, the 2WD 5 speeds are pretty darn quick. The weber helps a lot with low end torque, but the EA81 will spin the tires easily in 1st for a half a block, and chirp em going into 2nd. The last one I had would do that, and had 316k on the clock. The weber will do you some good on the low end, and just take the muffler off completely - you don't need one as it isn't that loud without it, and you can't beat a straight pipe for flow! You also live in an area outside of smog testing, so that's no problem at all for you. People always ask me what I did to make the exhaust sound so good..... "well - the muffler fell off about a year ago....." If you want better acceleration, you need to get the clutch to lockup harder - you could put at 4WD clutch and flywheel in it. They are an inch bigger around. Will bolt right in..... Also partly how you drive it - rev it to 4 or 5K and drop the clutch - it will move - beleive me.... Assuming the engine is hitting hard enough. GD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatgirlsays Posted November 7, 2003 Author Share Posted November 7, 2003 ahh... the issue of emmisions control. i guess its principle... how could i be anti-suv, and not worry about what kind of damage my car does? sorry, but the muffler stays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomRhere Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 Subaru stock exhaust is highly restrictive. Anything you can do to it to help improve the flow of exhaust gasses will be an improvement. Depending on what Emissions laws you have, changing out the stock catalytic converter, and stock muffler, for better flowing ones, will be of benefit. And as mentioned in ealier posts here. Swapping on a Weber carbureator, really helps these engines out. Plus, you get better gas mileage, to boot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 I completely understand your environmental stance. Remember, though, that the muffler itself does abosolutely nothing to reduce emissions. That is the job of the catalytic converter. So if you want more speed while still being environmentally friendly, take off the muffler and either leave the stock cat or replace it with one that flows better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike W Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 Great choice of cars to learn on! Nice and simple, and lots of cheap parts in the junk yards to keep it going. Should get 30 mpg or so highway and be as clean burning as most modern cars. There's a great book, a repair manual of sorts, that'll help ya' and is even entertaining. Larry Owens is the author and it's called "How To Keep Your Subaru Alive." It's out of print but there's still copies floating around used. The book is written for the average person and the principles explained will help ya' understand what's going on with non-Soobs as well. The book has cool pictures too, very much like it's legendary relative "How To Keep Your Volkswagon Alive." Sorry but I gotta disagree about tossing the muffler. An un-muffled Soob can PO the neighbors when you come home late or leave early and gives cops one more reason to hassle ya'. A $15 "turbo" muffler or $30 Dynomax will add a couple horsepower and yet be almost as quiet as the stock one. Down the road upgrade the to a more free flowing exhaust but that can run a couple hundred $. The biggest improvement in power and drivablility will be the Weber carb. Haven't heard of anyone regret that $300 spent and it can be tuned to pass emmissions. With the Weber you can keep most of the stock emmissions stuff on there if you so choose, but most toss it to further simplify the engine. Most muffler shops should have the exhaust gaskets for you, maybe even for free if they're in a hurry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbbs53 Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 Did anyone change the wheels or put bigger tires on at some point? This can also rob speed. The Weber idea is a good one, but it will be a long time before it pays for it's self. A complete tune-up, and a high flow cat will help nearly as much. While you are at it, the radiators are well known for clogging up as well as the heater cores. Won't help performance, but may make a difference in the running temp and whether or not you have heat. I just replaced both in my '82 Brat, and the difference is oblivious. These are not hotrods, but on flat ground should hit 60 fairly quickly. If it has been sitting, follow the above advice concerning the fuel filters, aircleaner, tune-up and may want to consider a new set of plug wires. These things are pretty inexpensive compared to exhaust or carb work. A high flow cat, if you feel you must run one, and a better flowing muffler and 2" pipe between the cat and the muffler, will make it breath easier. Also clean and replace the PCV valve. A dirty or non-operating one will hurt performance also. Have someone, or check yourself if you have a light, the timming. A few degrees as mentioned above can make a huge difference not only in performance, but milage. By the way, what is it getting for gas milage. It is one of the best indicators of engine condition and tune. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatgirlsays Posted November 7, 2003 Author Share Posted November 7, 2003 on the freeway i was getting almost 400 miles to a tank (11 point somthing gallons, i beleive). city is worse, of course. that was before i replace the water pump, flushed the radiator, and put in a new thermostat. i had a problem with idling, it would overheat the minute i stopped moving. but that is all better now. it runs great on the freeway at 70. its just slow getting up to that speed. and the low end does cause me some trouble when driving in the city. also, it idles very very low. to the point of dieing. it doesn't matter if i have just started the car, or if i have been driving for five hours strait. i've been told this is the throttle coil - yes or no? it has done it for as long as i can remember. im running 14 or 15 inch wheels, or so - not stock, but the same size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted November 7, 2003 Share Posted November 7, 2003 WHOA! I said nothing about emmissions systems. The muffler does NOTHING for emmisions. It is for noise control only. Take it off. I mentioned the smog testing because they will not pass you without a muffler - but because of noise control, not emmisions. I myself am anti-suv - good for you! 400 miles to a tanks is incredibly awsome! And it works out to over 25 MPG. That's great if your getting that kind of mileage. Your fuel tank capacity is in the neighborhood of 15.5 or 15.3 or something like that. The 4WD tanks are smaller. Throttle coil??!?...... to my knowledge there is no such thing. Try adjusting the idle speed screw on the carb. Stock rims are 13". Soobs of our era rarely came with 14's - they would be worth a good deal of money - more than your car. And 15's don't exist to my knowledge. Unless of course you are talking about pug rims..... GD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushbasher Posted November 8, 2003 Share Posted November 8, 2003 perhaps what is meant is ignition coil? A new cap, spark plugs and wires often gives a great improvement over the aged parts. You could be missing due to a weak spark, or a clogged fuel filter. A bad ignition coil can cause this too, but try the other usual suspects first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beauregaardhooligan Posted November 8, 2003 Share Posted November 8, 2003 Thatgirl. you should consider a new radiator, it will save you much heartache down the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trooperjeep Posted November 8, 2003 Share Posted November 8, 2003 I jusr did a muffler change on my 92 Loyale. I tried a cherry bomb turbo 2 muffler, but it was far too noisy. However, I was able to get an aftermarket "universal-fit" from the local Auto-Zone and modified the pipes to fit. It's has 2" openings and gives the car a little better performance. PS> Here is an on-line repair manual for Subaru’s. Some of this may pertain to your year. http://www.cybrrpartspro.com/Chilton%20Manuals/8797m/8797.HTML T.J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowmastered87GL Posted November 8, 2003 Share Posted November 8, 2003 Originally posted by Hondasucks My buddy Mike on the board is from The Dalles, I'm surprised he hasn't said anything.. I have an 82 GL sedan as well, it used to be a front wheel drive automatic, now it's a 4 wheel drive 4 speed :-) How many miles are on it? If it's got over 100,000 go check out http://www.subaruhighmileageclub.com and add your car to the registry. Yep I used to live in The Dalles. These cars only have like 73 HP so dont expect TOO much, but if it has a very old catalytic converter that may be starting to clog up... at some point maybe consider a newer more efficient one if you ever go to a freeflow exhaust. (come to portland for an exhaust... trust me... my one made in TD blew up in 1 year) The weber carb is worth it, you may be able to order a kit at The Dalles Auto parts or find a used one at the local yards... (though the yards in TD are expensive) The throttle coil I belive is referring to the little coil on the carb which opens and closes the choke. Its supposed to give you a high idle when cold and then when the coil heats up it turns the car back down to a 7-800 RPM idle. 400 miles is awesome... Ive never gotten better than 330 or so on a tank. With a weber, you can probably get even better mileage. If you ever need parts talk to Bobs 6 star auto service (I think he is on 7th street between Kelly and Washington).... look for the mint bluish green brat I would suggest though: Weber carb and a different muffler. Then you would have more power, a correct idle and better mileage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest taprackready Posted November 9, 2003 Share Posted November 9, 2003 I know, not the proper forum to vent but I've got 6 children and NEED the size of the SUV. Bill 1982 Brat 1981 VW Rabbit 1978 Chevy Pickup 1991 Chevy Suburban. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beauregaardhooligan Posted November 9, 2003 Share Posted November 9, 2003 A minivan will easily handle 6 kids safely and get twice the mileage without wrecking the environment or posing a hazard to other vehicles. sorry, Bill, just my personal opinion. un-hijack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbbs53 Posted November 10, 2003 Share Posted November 10, 2003 If YUGO made a station wagon, you could get 6 kids in it also, but I believe the advantage is crashworthiness. Is that a word? If it were my kids, and it has been, the bigger vehicle lets me sleep better. Just my 2 cents worth, and yes, there are a lot of folks that drive them and don't need them, is this a great country or what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatgirlsays Posted November 11, 2003 Author Share Posted November 11, 2003 alright... so does anyone have a part name for the weber carb, or is that just it? i'll be doing most of the work in the seattle area, i have some conections up there with a VW crew and get good prices on parts. but thanks for the advice anyhow, mike. i try not to do too much around here... and to those that say they NEED and SUV - most crash ratings between SUV's and minivan's are very close. not to mention that crash tests are not very acurate when it comes to real world driving. unless you plan on running half of your vehicle into a solid wall... the only advantage an SUV has is the fact that you are higher off the ground. do some reasearch, and hopefully you'll realize what a crime they really are - http://www.fuleconomy.gov Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomRhere Posted November 11, 2003 Share Posted November 11, 2003 http://www.carbsunlimited.com/Weber/Dataresults3.asp?Kit_Nbr=K730&Model=ALL%20,%20INCLUDING%20BRAT Link is to the Weber kit you need for your engine. Word of warning; The kit comes with some bolts that are to long, but they can be easily swapped with the right length ones. They will send you the tall filter element, you may need the shorter one, for hood clearence. Been a few threads on the Weber swap on here lately, do a search for Weber, and read up on them. Takes a little finessing on the settings , but once you have it set-up, it really wakes up the engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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