wingspan99

Well I decided to stop the bleeding so I sold the RX locally for $800. I could not get a dime more than that. I think the EJ20 swap is the only way to go, I just couldn't justify the expense of it though. -Tom

Well I have decided to sell this 87 RX, I have had fun with it but I already have something faster so it's on craigslist for $1250 in Colorado Springs, CO. I did title it in my name, so the title is clean. It still needs a windshield, although I may put a new one on it for a 4-door RX and just fill the bottom 1" with rubber, but two parties came to look at it today, both considering it as a first car for a teenage son. I think this would make the ultimate 1st car because nobody else has one, it has the cool drivetrain, turbo power, sporty handling, and can be upgraded later to more power. My number is 719 439 5569. -Tom

Very nice pic, with Cripple Creek in the background too. I think I can see the bluehairs working the one-armed bandits. With mine being white our cars would look like twins. -Tom

Hello ED, I found it in Monument. We should get together for a photo op. Post a pic of your RX. Everyone seems to know what the RX is, although finding a windshield has been tricky. -Tom

One thing I would have to say in defense of the EA82T is that this thing has 206k miles on it and still runs, although with some minor oil leaks. There's a lot of vehicles out there that don't get past 80k on the odometer before the motor blows, namely the Isuzu Rodeo, and the Dodge Raider. My first car was a Chevy Vega with the aluminum block 4 cylinder. (No wonder I got it so cheap, it burned more oil than a 2-stroke weed whacker.) I did the brakes on it, and am trying to replace the windshield although it's been a trick to find one for the 2-door RX. Had a guy out here today try to install one for the 4-door RX, it was an inch short on the bottom side. I did get the rust off the hood and primed. -Tom

I just want to add a thanks to the guys who wrote detailed responses to my Q's, laying it all out for me, you probably saved me from blowing it up right away. -Tom

I haven't taken my RX off the trailer yet, but here are some pics. The paint is only slightly oxidized, would probably shine with some Colorback. The windshield was smashed when the hood flew up so that needs replacement. The hood was replaced with one that had no paint so it completely rusted over but not rusted through so it's paintable. There's only one dent on the right front fender, which can be unbolted and a clean fender bolted on there. A small rust spot on the back of the hatch. Some hail damage on top, and a small dent above the windshield from the hood opening incident. The driver seat is torn up on the left bolster. Passenger seat good, rear seats good. Dash good. The hatch was ajar, it is the only way I can get in right now. I can't wait to fire it up and see what it's like. I don't think it looks bad for 206k. I have too many projects in my driveway this week, it will be Wed before I have room to let it off the trailer. This is such an interesting vehicle, maybe I'll convert it to an electric car. Its light weight would make it a good candidate, and the AWD would keep the electric motor from spinning the wheels. I've been wanting to do an electric vehicle conversion. -Tom in Colorado Springs, CO

After looking through the Subaru's of the 80's pics I definitely have a 3-door coupe, the RX version. It has a big hatch, but is not called the hatchback.

Yea, I would have to agree with resealing the engine and new rubber lines under the hood, I probably would overhaul with new rings at least. (I just did this with a 90 Eagle Talon TSI, and I did some performance upgrades as well). The motor does not seem to make a lot of power for a turbocharged engine, 115hp for 1.8L? I have a NA 2.0 motor in another eclipse that gives 135hp, and my 2.0 turbo motor gives about 300hp. I'm guessing it's the light weight of the RX that lets it move out the way it does. Anyone know the weight of an RX, the title says 2700lbs but I think they're lighter. Wiki says 2337lbs for the 3-door hatch, I think that's what I've got, it has a hatch with a wing on it, ground effects, rear differential lock, dual range, turbo, electric windows, AC, no sunroof, two doors, says full time AWD on the side, and RX. Is this the coupe or a hatch? The EA82T uses 7lbs of boost, is it safe to boost these motors any further? -Tom

Thanks guys. I noticed in the spreadsheet on gear ratios that for the turbocharged 5-speed transmissions the low range yields 1.19 rather than the 1.59 of the other transmissions' low ranges. So this car was designed more for speed running than off-roading? I don't have very deep pockets, if it's going to break I may want to pass it on to someone else who wants it. -Tom

I found a running 87 Subaru RX on craigslist and picked it up today. I didn't know it had a dual range tranny, just that it was turbocharged. I own a fast Talon already, but I could use an off-road vehicle besides my suburban. I want to go on jeep trails out here in Colorado. What kinds of maint checks or mods should I start with and what is the largest tire I can put on a stock suspension? Thanks guys, what a great forum. -Tom Andersen, Colorado Springs, CO