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Okay! Okay! All Weber Converts! I Give!


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After calculating the unbelievable amount of money I have spent on rebuild kits, spare carbs, and wasted time, I have come to the conclusion that it will be more cost effective for me to give up the battle with my hitachi carb. However, I am searching for a cheaper option than a brand new Weber.... does anyone have a gently used Weber and conversion kit that fits an EA81 that they would be willing to sell to me? Also, where are the main conversion threads  on the USMB for the Weber? I cant seem to locate them. 

I would ask a boatload of questions that are swimming around my head but I'm guessing most of them will be answered in the conversion thread(s).

Edited by Sapper 157
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Craigslist is a good place to look if no one here has one for sale and they can also be found in junkyards for cheap too. You can find them on toyota and datsun pickups, BMW 2000's and also VW's, although they never came stock an any of them IIRC. I've owned a few DF and DG series Webers, and I'd stay away from the DF series found stock on early 70's Pintos, and I believe the Chevettes and Colts got them too. They have a diamond top instead of the square one. Most have "Holley" printed somewhere on them and they weren't made to the same standards as the Italian Webers (DG series). 

 

Loyale 2.7 Turbo has a great write-up and even lists a trans-adapt carb adapter that I also recommend. It is built much better than the Redline one and is a lot cheaper to, at $40-45. Jezek's thread will answer just abut everything you can think of. 

 

Josh

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... Loyale 2.7 Turbo has a great write-up ... Jezek's thread will answer just abut everything you can think of. ...

 

Thank you Josh, for your Kind Words! Thumbup.jpg

 


 

Okay thanks for the tip... which one of Jezeks many threads would that be in?

 

Here you Go: ~► http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/71510-ideas-on-swaping-a-weber-carb-on-ea82%C2%B4s/

 

Please read it slowly, as it has lots of information. The main difference between the EA82 and EA81, is the Adapter for the intake manifold; as far as I know, Scott in Bellingham from SJR Lifts, is also building a newer designed Adapter plate for the EA81; however, the Redline one is good for the EA81 as it is a single piece part; while the redline adapter for the EA82 is not good at all, especially on the long run, being a fragile, two plate adapter.

 

Let us Know the progress on your Weber Swap.

 

Good Luck, Kind Regards.

Underlined words are web links.

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Thanks for the help and awesome write up JesZek! As far as jetting and tuning,  my understanding is that the Weber is extremely customizable (unlike the helltachi). What would the "standard" jets be for the Weber? and could I get jets that run it even leaner? The reason I ask is because I really want this car to retain its amazing MPG that it would get when the Hitachi would run right, which was not often. But when it did run right,  could get 33 MPG on the highway reliably. I'm sure Ill see an MPG drop, but is there anything I can do as far as jetting that can reduce that?

 

Also, I found this thread talking about the weber in relation to EA71s. Is all the info in here applicable to the EA81?

 

Thanks for all your help guys and gals!

 

 http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/155339-advice-on-hitachi-to-weber-conversion/?hl=%2Bweber+%2Bconversion

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Okay sorry about that. I just read the part of JesZeks thread where he talks about fuel consumption...

 


"Fuel Consumption remains close to the Stock Specs ... (if you drive carefully) ... but the Weber swap could make you to want to keep the gas pedal floored ...  :o ... in that case, fuel consumption will increase for sure"

 

That pretty much answer's my jetting question although I wounder if the EA81 would behave any differently? 

Edited by Sapper 157
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Thanks for the help and awesome write up JesZek! ...

 

You're Welcome!

 

 

 

... As far as jetting and tuning,  my understanding is that the Weber is extremely customizable (unlike the helltachi)...

 

Well, the Craptachi carburetor is also customisable, I even wrote ~► another writeup regarding that, however, Craptachi carburetors doesn't worth that effort, unless you really want to keep them; Webers are long lasting and gives less troubles  in the long run for sure.

 

 

 

... What would the "standard" jets be for the Weber? ...

 

For both the EA81 and the EA82 engines, I recommend to use both main Fuel Jets at 140; having 140 Low (primary) Stage and 140 High (secondary) Stage, gives the best balance between Fuel Consumption and Performance.

 

 

 

... could I get jets that run it even leaner? The reason I ask is because I really want this car to retain its amazing MPG that it would get when the Hitachi would run right...

Okay sorry about that. I just read the part of JesZeks thread where he talks about fuel consumption...

 

 

"Fuel Consumption remains close to the Stock Specs ... (if you drive carefully) ... but the Weber swap could make you to want to keep the gas pedal floored ...  :o ... in that case, fuel consumption will increase for sure"

 

That pretty much answer's my jetting question although I wounder if the EA81 would behave any differently?

 

That's the reason why I wrote this:

 

...Please read it slowly, as it has lots of information ...

 

 

... I found this thread talking about the weber in relation to EA71s. Is all the info in here applicable to the EA81? ...

 

Some but not all.

 

Remember that the EA81 and the EA82 are 1.8L engines, while the EA71 is a 1.6L engine.

 

Kind Regards.

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I hear you, and feel your pain! I do not rebuild the Hitatchi carbs. Ive been through all of this years ago. Bummer is there is no easy or cheap solution to getting rid of them.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUBARU-GENUINE-WEBER-CARBURETOR-32-36-DGEV-ELEC-CHOKE-1800-1600-EA81-EA71-WK730-/131353509954?hash=item1e95478042:g:m5gAAOSwcL5XMdYQ&vxp=mtr

 

If your in a bind consider this option, Im sure you have seen it. The unit looks to be a knock off, Ide message them and ensure the jetting is actually close for our cars. If so you (might) be rollin' right out of the box. Maybe even runin' well. Ive bid on used Webers and its pretty competitive. Unless you do get ahold of a deal on a complete set you could end up spending more than you are hoping too for used stuff. Not to mention the likelyhood of the used headaches. Things like; time searching and bidding, getting a wrong part etc. or even unding up with the dreaded $100 box of total junk. This stuff isnt always easy to source locally, so if you need your car keep in mind this will be time consuming. Some people get lucky on used webers, but not me. Ive been watching that kit in the link for years and it seems a short time ago they were $249 obo. Maybe they will take an offer of $255.

 

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/store/product/55-redline-weber-3236-carb-upgrade-kit-dgev-electric-choke-ea81-or-ea71-pn-k730/

This is another option worth looking at.

I hope someone will hook you up with what you need on this board.

Edited by ihscout54
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Thanks for the help and support everyone! I have been pouring over the fourms and JeZeks thread, and I have a few questions...

 

1st: Do I route the breather hoses from the rocker arm covers the same way as JeZek did with his EA82? I assume this is true, but I just want to make triple sure that everything in JeZeks thread transfers to the EA81

2nd: JeZek, what brand is your oil catch can? I am thinking about getting one, but cant find the one thats on your Bumble Beast 

3rd: So far from what I have read on the conversion thread, no fuel pressure regulator is needed... again, just double checking to make sure I am understanding everything correctly. 

 

Also, following ihscouts warnings and the dread of inheriting another crap carb, I decided not to buy the craigslist one, and just start fresh with one from USMB. Right now the order has been placed, just awaiting payment approval.  :D

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Yes, the P.C.V. system is configured likewise on the EA81, so you can connect the hoses in the same way.

 

You will not need a fuel pressure regulator, as long as your Subie has the original fuel pump, and your EA81 is carburated; or if you're using an aftermarket fuel pump that is intended for a Carburated engine, which delivers between 3 and 12 PSi.

 

If your subie has an EFi fuel pump, then Yes, you'll need a pressure regulator.

 

All this information was already written in my Weber Swap writeup, so I think that you're seeking a confirmation from other members, rather than me. Maybe I'll stay silent from now on.

 

Kind Regards.

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All this information was already written in my Weber Swap writeup, so I think that you're seeking a confirmation from other members, rather than me. Maybe I'll stay silent from now on.

 

Kind Regards.

No no JeZek! Your information/conversion thread has been EXTREMELY helpful! Its just that in the beginning of your thread, you said that,

"Many of the Ideas I'll explain here, might be applicable to the older Subaru EA81 engine as well, almost everything except the adapter plate." (underline and italics emphasis mine)

 

Its this warning at the beginning that has me a little cautious, and why I am seeking clarification. Your thread(s) are incredibly helpful, unbelievably precise, and explain all steps and procedures with accuracy far greater than that of any repair manual I have read. I really want to do this job the right way the first time, and your thread has been an incredible resource for me! I just want to be triple sure of the important things like the PCV and fuel systems are not in the category of things that dont apply to the EA81. You have answered my questions perfectly, and I thank you for that and for all the major contributions you have made to the USMB. I am so sorry if I came off like I was ignoring or disregarding your answers. 

Edited by Sapper 157
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No no JeZek! Your information/conversion thread has been EXTREMELY helpful! ... I am so sorry if I came off like I was ignoring or disregarding your answers. 

 

No problem, I never felt like you were disrespectful nor like disregarding my Answers, I only thought that you needed a confirmation from other members, which I found perfectly normal.

 

Let me know if you have more questions, and don't forget to update this thread as you Weber Swap Goes.

 

Kind Regards.

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  • 2 weeks later...

would this work for an 88 with spfi? mine is a cobbled up mess,to many mechanics working on it.

I cannot say... perhaps one of the other members with more EA82 SPFI experience can help ya out. I'm guessing the intake manifolds for the SPFI and carbd models are different and most likely only the carbd intake manifold would be able to take a Weber... now I am completely guessing on that and someone please correct me if that is not correct.

 

Update on coversion: STILL waiting on the carb to be shipped... can any of the moderators give me a little assurance that I didn't just blow $300 on a carb that is not gonna ship? It has been 15 days since my payment was processed (i.e. The carb is payed for), and still no news on the carb. Sorry if this comes off as being very impatient, I am just a little concerned that after 15 days, there is still no shipping information. If someone could just give me a time frame that it will be shipped out by, that would be very reassuring.

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... I'm guessing the intake manifolds for the SPFI and carbd models are different ...

 

Basically talking, to retrofit a Weber Carburetor on a SPFi engine, requires a Carb intake, to change the Fuel Pump for a lower pressure one, and the Timing / ECU management.

 


 

Back on Topic:

 

... Update on coversion: STILL waiting on the carb to be shipped ... It has been 15 days since my payment was processed ... Sorry if this comes off as being very impatient, I am just a little concerned that after 15 days, there is still no shipping information. If someone could just give me a time frame that it will be shipped out by, that would be very reassuring.

 

Where did you Purchased it online?

 

Sometimes the Shipping information is delayed online, but the item has been sent.

 

Worth talking by Phone or sending en eMail to the sellers.

 

Kind Regards.

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Regarding the USMB store, I've read in the past, that the new USMB system, not always lets the administrators to know when a payment has been done, in example, for a membership subscription; so I guess that the same happened with your Purchase, the administrator might not know about it.

 

So I kindly suggest you to contact via private message, to Shawn, he is very kind but always very busy working at RetroRoo; he might not know about your Purchase, due to said system's issue.

 

Kind Regards.

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Regarding the USMB store, I've read in the past, that the new USMB system, not always lets the administrators to know when a payment has been done, in example, for a membership subscription; so I guess that the same happened with your Purchase, the administrator might not know about it.

 

So I kindly suggest you to contact via private message, to Shawn, he is very kind but always very busy working at RetroRoo; he might not know about your Purchase, due to said system's issue.

 

Kind Regards.

You're a lifesaver JesZek! I will contact him promptly.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Not to thread jack but i am in the process of getting a weber too. I took the advice in the writeup and bought the transdapt 2107 adapter plate. I have a few questions, do the kits come with the throttle linkage? Also instead of routing a hose into the airbox, could we use a breather filter instead? Also i have a 3-9 psi pump, should i keep this or get the 3-7 psi pump?

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