Leaderboard

Bypass the heater core and see how it does. You didn't mention the electric fans I assume they are functioning normally ?

It could be a blocked heater core or a dodgy thermostat. Or worst case, something to do with the water pump, especially if it's one of those pressed metal impeller units. Are you running good quality coolant too? Cheers Bennie

Update. While checking everything out I also checked the belt that I installed about 5K miles ago. It looked fine but I decided that a little more tension will not hurt. That fixed everything. Apparently it slipped a little with the engine cold. Now everything is back to normal. My thanks go to @1 Lucky Texan for the idea of checking the hoses, etc.

I drive mine every day. The turbo is not pointless. It is all about the area under the torque curve,not horsepower. The ea81t has plenty. My automatic works fine. The torque multiplication combined w/the small turbo makes for an excellent around town car. Mine spun the wheels at a wet stoplight this morning. Not sure which parts you consider so problematic. I just put a $20 Chinese fuel pressure regulator on mine. I have to agree though,if you modify it,you will probably wreck it. The heads get too hot at much higher than stock boost.

Oh my friggin god, I about choked on my coffee. EAlbatross82!!! Hey at least there is a way to loosen the noose in the form of an EJ22. The OP here has the best platform too. MPFI car to start, Large line, Baffled fuel tank and F.I. pump. And if it's 5spd, he can stuff it's guts in a EJ trans case and use EJ clutch no adapter plate without any driveline or shifter mods and keep true 4wd and or difflock whichever he's got. Being an 87 could be either.

If you want to keep that car, best bet is find a used engine, but that will likely be tough. Other option, ej 2.2. A lot of work, but so is trying to find parts for the original, and a na 2.2 is more reliable than a turbo ea and more power.

Before GD says it.. it's a dead platform. get a early 90's 2.2L Legacy or Impreza