kdixey Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 I've had my poop wagon "brownie" for a little over a year and its been the best $750 car I ever had. Its had a few "issues"...I replaced the ball joints myself (well with help from a very experienced friend), replaced the front seats with Impreza seat,installed my own stereo, managed to scrounge/buy and install new front and rear bumpers (and learned th ejoy of pull aparts in the process), learned how to tune it up and have generally had a great time...I also shelled out to have a few things done that I couldn't manage on my own. Now that I've transitioned from unemployed grad student to employed state worker I am starting to think that a mid 90's EJ wagon would be a better fit as I just don't have a lot of time any more to spend on brownie. I really like the D/R 4WD and its gotten me out of a few scrapes in the snow. I also know that at 205K and leaking oil its gonna take a rebuild or a CCR engine to make brownie happy (I also picked up a practically new weber and an XT6 front sway bar that I have yet to install). I think the car is a blast (albeit a SLOW blast), but I also have a four year old that goes everywhere with me and I am starting to feel like something a bit newer and safer is a better bet. Anyone got any sage counsel for me? :-\ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[HTi]Johnson Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 If you're into four wheeling, get a newer car and use the wagon for off road fun. I'll tell you this...you'll regret getting rid of the old gen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdixey Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 I'll tell you this...you'll regret getting rid of the old gen. Funny that you should put it that way, but almost immediately after I wrote it I started thinking that I would really miss it if I get rid of it. I had a WRX before picking up the brown wagon, but I honestly think I would miss the wagon more than the WRX (which aside from the occasional highway merge I don't really miss all that much). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beast I Drive Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Toss an EJ in the brownie and bam! best of both worlds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdixey Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 Didn't you toss an EA81 in your "beast"? I'd be more inclined to do that instead of an EJ swap. I like simple and reliable. Speed is overrated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beast I Drive Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 hehe yes I did, but most people are inclined to do EJ motors, and now that Scott in Bellingham is working on carb adaptors for EJ manifolds, thats another route to go if your lookin for inexpensive power, EA81s are pretty tough little motors, but it is harder to get more power from them, but I like them because I'll never ever have to change another timing belt, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdixey Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 Too much trouble to throw an EJ in. Also, contrary to what most people think, I find that the EA81 and EA82 can produce enough power for what I need. Not changing timing belts...now there's a thought...mmmmmmmm. How hard was the EA81 swap? I'd think an EA81 with a weber would be pretty peppy (maybe "peppy" isn't the right word). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beast I Drive Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Its pretty easy, I used the EA82 flywheel and clutch, becuase the EA81 flywheel I had was too thick and I couldnt adjust my clutch, but essentially it is the same thing as puting a 5spd d/r in an EA81 rig, as far as mating to the engine. In most cases, the intake from the EA82 will bolt directly on to the EA81, but I had to make spacers for mine. If the car has Power steering, your best bet would be to somehow get a hold of an EA81 Turbo power steering pump and bracket, otherwise you will have to make one. The motor mounts are the same, I had to remove a cast iron spacer that was part of the emission equipmet to use my EA82 pipes, but I stripped everything I didnt need to make the car run off the motor and out of the engine bay. You will need a custom hose for the lower radiator hose, and a second electric fan would be smart too. Then just bolt it in and off you go I wouldnt call it peppy either, but its pretty much the same power as the EA82 but in a more compact package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subaruguru Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 i think peppy is a good word for an ea82 with a weber mine has alot more PEP:burnout: scince i swapped Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indrid cold Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 What decision betters the family? Also noted your 46, with a 4 year old! Good on Ya mate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdixey Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 What decision betters the family? Also noted your 46, with a 4 year old! Good on Ya mate! I worry that brownie with its lack of airbags and such is not as safe as a newer car (by newer I mean a mid 90's Legacy). OTOH last night it was very slippery and icy and the DR transmission is a lot better in the the tricky stuff than the AWD of the newer cars. I love being a dad, but there are definitely times I wish I had done it sooner because it sure can be tiring. But as my dad used to say (my mom and dad had me when he was 46) "it keeps me young"...and I suppose it does. It definitely keeps me smiling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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