SUBARU3

The 81 BRAT is the same body as the 77-80 BRAT. You need a shock that has the threaded rod at the top and the rubber grommet hole at the bottom. You must have been looking at the wrong picture. For that matter the 77-79 2WD car rear shock are the same too. This is weird. Todd

The AC system was not installed at the factory. All the cars were "AC ready", with holes in the firewall and the air handler box capable. Of course there was the blue markings on the dash with "AC". The kits were made by Subaru of America "specifically" for the gen 1s. There were also some other kits made by Lone Star. The compressors were Sanden, or Mini Yorks. As for the cooling fan, all AC installs had one. You had to have one for efficient condenser cooling. As for "no AC/belt driven fans", the 4WDs were suppose to have them. But it might be possible that they stopped this with the stage 2s. I do believe every stage 1/ 4WD had that belt driven fan. My stage 2 4WDs had them without AC. Todd

Gen 1 4WDs and Gen 1 automatics ALL came from the factory with the aux cooling/belt driven fan. (or were suppose to). Most have disapeared by now with engine repairs and transplants. After market AC kits installed also had a belt driven fan. No Gen 1 came from the factory with AC. I'm unsure about gen 2 Todd

No, it's on the north side of TX. (Near Ft.Worth) Todd

Sounds like you have the wrong wiper arm, or you have a broken pivot joint. Can you get a pic? Todd

Well, it has a VERY weak suction when the car is running. The hoses are somewhat blocked too. I'm looking through my piles of subaru stuff, I know I have one! Ya know, it's so frustrating to have tons of Subaru crap, but I can NEVER lay my hands on something I know I have, when I want it! Anyone else have that problem?? I can SEE that PVC valve in my head...I think it walked off! Todd

Took a look tonight. It's not a 4WD, because it has shocks on the bumpers. I bet it's not an automatic either. (I could not see inside at the shifter). It looks like a southern car...no rust. But the bottom of the right, rear quarter has the typical " full of dirt and leafs rust". Seems pretty straight. It was inside, so I assume it's someone that works there. I'll call tomorrow and be inquisitive!! (and plant some seeds). Todd

This forum is great!!! (If you gen 1 advise......always feel free to ask me, so I can return favors)! I will check the PVC valve today. I'll update. Todd

OK, a 1999 SOHC EJ25 81K .......This motor has a puff of blue smoke after a warm start. (Vehicle previously run and then shut off for a short duration). No smoke while running/driving and no smoke from a COLD start. (Just that damn piston slap)!! New mobil one 15W50/correct level. Runs/drives fine. No oil usage to speak of. Have noticed a blackened tailpipe inside surface though. Valve seals already! Can these be replaced with heads on car/engine in car? Thanks you New gen gods! Todd

I'll have to check it out! (Man you are close to me....Euless. We should exchange #s and meet sometime). subaru3@aol.com Todd

If someone has an unlimited account, I could use one on this: JF1SF6354XH714362 Thanks a bunch! email: subaru3@aol.com Todd

Yes, you are correct. It can be a few miles too, till it finally shifts, (depending on outside temp). Todd

You guys are GREAT! I really appreciate this dialog.......alot! I don't know what I would do without this board!!! So, although it may appear that the 95 2.2 is doable, it would not be perfect because of the bolts and the wiring/management differences. So it sounds like the 1999/ 2.2, (phase 2 SOHC), would be the best overall 2.2 to use?? That engine IS plug and play? Todd

So the wiring harness/computer in this Forester will work with a 95 2.2? Will the manifold need to be switched? And will the 2.5 manifold fit the 95 2.2 block? Phew! Thanks a bunchhhhhhhhhhh Todd

Stage 1 or Stgae 2 ? Some 77s were Stage 2. Todd

Thanks all! I'll look for a 95 Non EGR 2.2 then. Let the hunt begin! (Too bad, I have a 95 with low miles sitting in the shop...... with EGR though). Todd

So, the 1995 2.2, with no EGR, from a Manual trans car, will bolt up correctly? I guess my biggest concern is will any 2.2 bolt/fit correctly to the auto trans in a 99 Forester. Essentially, a plug and play application would b the 95 2.2 with no EGR? Boy this is confusing!!! LOL Todd

I can't seem to find the final answer to this. What is the best 2.2 engine replacement for a 1999 Forester, automatic, no EGR. Thanks! Todd

Time will tell! I'm a bit spooked by this engine.....even if it's still seems OK. I going to find a good 2.2 dropin and place in storage!!!! (PRONTO) I'll keep you posted. Thanks! Todd

Thanks! I know it's a SOHC. What are the mid year differences? Todd

Yep...timing belt replaced at 71K (well ahead of schedule) No "obvious" external heads gasket leaks.....yet! :-\ Todd

Ok, I just got a FANTASTIC deal on a 99 Forester for my Mom!! Too cheap to mention. Might upset you all. LOL! I didn't have too much time time to research. Put my mind at ease please! It has 81K Nice condition automatic, no torque bind. Strong , no overheating, perfect oil and coolant. BUT it is the SOHC 2.5 Phase 2 I believe? What's the synopisis on this engine, good, bad, indifferent??? I know it's not the troublesome DOHC 2.5, but is it reasonability close to the reliability of the mid 90s, non-interference 2.2's?? Thanks ALL!! Todd

I have used the VW beetle rag joint.(60's and 70's) It works nicely! Retain and use the 4 metal inserts from your original Subaru joint. VW aftermarket parts are widely available and cheap. These joints make steering much tighter! Todd www.vintagesubaru.com

There are still plenty of cars that use that engine on the road, that either need an engine, or will need one in the future. Hang on to it....don't part a perfectly good engine for some "simple" part that can be found easily elsewhere. If you want to sell it, try craigslist or ebay. Our board does not have alot of big spenders! Todd

I'm glad I finally got this kinda figured out......Axles are an easy switch out, esp if the hub side is the same. You guys are the best! Todd