john in KY

Drop the pan and replace the ATF temperature sensor.

Just check the back of the passenger-side head. The holes used to mount the turbo should be there, just not threaded. Also the provision for the turbo oil-return line should be there but will need drilled.

Cracks between the valves are very common and are to be expected/ignored. Subaru refers to them as "bridging cracks". But do look for a crack up in the port runner. A crack there and time for another head. The heads used on the XT and any model with a turbo are the same. Engine has to be the MPFI type.

The CAS is indeed located inside the distributor. Very slim chance I may still have an 88 XT distributor. Have to look around.

Replace the radiator with a new one. I put 250K miles on the same car.

Almost sure my old 85 turbo had two vacuum lines.

PM me if you decide to replace the manifold.

Swapping the front engine cradle is suprising easy. Done it before and not a problem. Don't bother swapping some of the harness. Swap all of it. Once the dash and LF fender is removed, plug and play. You'll need the fuel sender from the turbo/digital car if you want the gas guage to work. Don't use the JDM intake. Again, don't even try to use the JDM intake.

Once owned the exact same model. Served me well for the 5 years I had it. My advice is to install a new radiator. The transmission is the fairly rare 4EAT. I would be on the lookout for a spare. 88 and newer XTs and the XT6 used that transmission and it was an option I believe in the 88/89 GL-10 models. Would be nice to have on stashed away should yours ever fails. I know mine did and it took months to find a replacement.

Could just leave it and disconnect the cables under the parking brake lever.

The diameter and width should be cast into the wheel somewhere.

Or just use your hand. Compare one side to the other. If the hub is hot to the touch, time for a new bearing.

Can't believe everyone has missed the obvious: the 3 AT won't bolt to the EJ series engine.

The 1990 Loyale wirh the turbo was AWD.

With those voltage spikes it doesn't take long to cook the battery. May want to pop a cap and check it.

One of the camshafts could have seized.

Engine needs lots of air to idle at 3000. If the throttle plate is still in the closed position with the high idle, air has to be coming from somewhere else.

I would inspect the front CV axles and driveshaft as possible problem areas. Not too often a transmission goes bang, quits working and then begins to work again.

To make 150 HP on a tired, EA82T with mileage on it, you need to increase the boost - but the engine will last about 5 to 15 thousand miles. Maybe less. It happens every single time someone does it. That last part just isn't true. Ran 12 pounds for 5 years and 100k miles. Car was still running around town two years after I sold it. Kids driving it finally ripped out the front differential and that is what finally killed it.

Check that fuse/relay panel next to the battery. Something in there that will also cause this problem.

[quote It could be that they have left the flexiplate bolts loose in the crank or the torque converter bolts loose. That was my guess when I read the first post. Many year ago I bought a used Fairlane that had a new engine installed. Few months later I swore I had engine knock. Eventually discovered the flex plate bolts came loose. As for "the problem was created because the engine ran hot one time" explanation, how many cases of this happening have you ever heard of? Wish I had a dollar for ever time I overheated an engine. None ever needed replacement afterwards.

I see it is a turbo. Check the rear for a LSD.

Get a used low-mileage one from a wrecking yard for around $100. Bet one from a 2009 is the same.

My 95 LS came stock with the 15"wheels.

Stripped a few of these over the years. Original problem probably a failed relay. Relay is behind the passenger side panel in the back seat area. Real pita to get to because the complete back seat has to come out and those plastic panels can be a bear to pull without breaking. Just throwing this out there if you ever feel a need to truly fix the problem.