carfreak85 Posted May 8, 2008 Share Posted May 8, 2008 I'm pretty new to the Gen1 camp, having driven nothing but Gen2s and WRXs. I'm trying to get to know this chassis a little better and was hoping you guys could shed some light on what your favorite modification(s) are. Is there a better brake recipe for stage 1 cars? Easier way of getting that new iPod-ready stereo to mount? Know how to keep the clock from fast-forwarding time? I want to know what you have done, and why/how it's benefited you. I'll start. My favorite mod is jumping into a Gen1 brat after driving a suspicious EA82T wagon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kostamojen Posted May 9, 2008 Share Posted May 9, 2008 Cheap aftermarket engine mods (coilpacks, ignitions, carbs, etc.) as opposed to expensive Impreza engine mods Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted May 11, 2008 Share Posted May 11, 2008 AFAIK, I'm the only person on here that has sucessfully adapted gen 2 lower control arms into a gen 1. I had complete EA81 vented brakes, control arms and struts in my '79 wagon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carfreak85 Posted May 23, 2008 Author Share Posted May 23, 2008 Got pics/write up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted May 24, 2008 Share Posted May 24, 2008 Got pics/write up? I have a few pics but access to a metal lathe is the only way to go with it. First off, grab yourself a good set of EA81 lower control arms w/o the radius rods on them. They bolt directly into the engine crossmember. Second, measure the radius rods of the gen 1 control arms (since they're welded on, its easier to make a new set then to try and salvage the originals but this is time for some adjustable ones). Get some solid round stock and cut to the same length as the originals, well maybe 1" longer so you can make the ends nice and flat on the lathe. After you get it chucked into a lathe, you'll need to measure the original one again because you'll see its tapered down where the threads are. You can make it about 1/2" longer then the original and you'll see why. After you get the end turned down to match the original, tap the whole thing. I think I used a 1/2"x20 die and used some standard nuts. If you make the tapered end longer then the original and tap the whole end, you should be able to get another nut on the inside (the side toward the control arm) and this will give you a caster adjustment! Now comes the tricky part. After you get it so the radius rod will bolt back onto the tranny crossmember, you'll need to weld it to the control arm that is also bolted into the car. Put a jack under the ball joint and put ALL the weight onto it like the tire was on the car and sitting on the ground. Make sure the knuckle and rest of suspension is bolted firmly into the car for this as well but loosen up the radius rod a little to let it move around. You'll also need to loosly bolt the swaybar to it as well. Now you'll see the radius rod is in pretty much the location where it'll need to be welded. I tack welded it to the control arm with a 110 volt welder, then welded it up nice with a 220 volt welder. Make sure the area where its getting welded to is nice a clean, and make sure there's no paint on it. After its welded, bolt it back into the car and make sure everything lines up where it should be. Then clean it all up, paint it and voila! EA81 suspension, knuckles and brakes! I have a couple pics of it for reference. http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1302458277067339125ASFcJY http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1302458321067339125jGupIj http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1302458334067339125wDSRUY http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1302458350067339125NjfalY http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1302458386067339125UIqgYM http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1302458404067339125HAIQVL http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1302458436067339125sqyich And a little diagram I put together to help with a visual http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2138406940067339125EYBxZC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carfreak85 Posted June 2, 2008 Author Share Posted June 2, 2008 Cool. I have two cars that both want that mod right now. I don't really feel like rebuilding front drum brakes when I know that the Brat parts will bolt on. Any other mods folks have done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carfreak85 Posted December 8, 2008 Author Share Posted December 8, 2008 Bump for new users. My new favorite mod is the Baja car cover my BRAT now has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zefy Posted December 8, 2008 Share Posted December 8, 2008 got any pics of this car cover dealy? caboobaroo is not the only one with gen2 control arms in his gen 1... mine have 2.5rs brakes on them to boot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 got any pics of this car cover dealy? caboobaroo is not the only one with gen2 control arms in his gen 1... mine have 2.5rs brakes on them to boot! Ya but I did the conversion with custom control arms and like 4 years ago, about 6 months after I joined the board:grin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenaissanceMan Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 My favorite gen 1 mod is the diagnostic holes in the floorboards, --allowing air to circulate into the cab from underneath the vehicles allows for real-time diagnostics of engine drivablility. Needing to roll down the window is virtually the same as a check-engine light coming on. Most vehicles at high altitudes or snow-prone areas come with these diagnostic holes built in and its a matter of pulling back the carpet in the right area. Because of the need to more closely monitor engine running conditions as the vehicle ages, these diagnostic holes come with a "sensitivity-aging" feature, that allows a greater amount of air flow as the vehicle's milage adds up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubaruJawn Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 The Ej Swap! #1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cubastreet Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 Can't quite decide - is it the halogen headlights, the electronic disty or the massive 14" alloys? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zefy Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 Can't quite decide - is it the halogen headlights, the electronic disty or the massive 14" alloys? which headlights do you have/referring to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cubastreet Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 Not sure if you get them in your part of the world but they're called 'semi sealed' units, they are a direct replacement for the sealed units with minor persuasion and they take a H4 bulb. I've only got them on the outer lights but might replace the other ones as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 BMW E30 headlights are the same size, require modifications to the core support but would be an awesome upgrade. I want to do it but I don't have a gen 1 anymore. I will hopefully soon though:banana: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zefy Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 cool. i am currently running these: and pretty bright. (especially with 120W bulbs) they are the same ones my uncle has on his bmw. direct fit, no modding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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