Crazyeights

Try this page and see if it helps. http://www.leoneturbo.com/docs/EA81_SPI_guide.pdf I can send you a section of harness with the MAF connector if you get stuck.

Agree, all you need is EA82 Turbo 25 spline front axles and it should bolt right in.

I have a custom RX (3.9 ratio XT6 gear set) FT D/R box with locking center diff and a clutch style rear LSD in my '83 wagon. It's a nice combo for old school parts. You would probably do well with an EJ trans also, but that opens up a whole new can of worms.

It's because of the trans, not the rear diff. You either have front or 4WD with no center diff so it might bind a little around corners on dry pavement.

I hear you Ivan!

They are different too.

What about the EZ30?

Correct. They also have the shortest skirts of all three types.

Solid vs Hydro EA81 pushrods are completely different. You will need to find the correct set.

Here is some info to get started. All of these measurements are approximate and the pistons are original Subaru parts. 1987 EA71 (JDM) OHV 1600 top of piston pin to top of piston (flat top - no valve reliefs) note, stamped "B" 0.851" or 21.61mm 1984 EA81 (Hydro) OHV 1800 top of piston pin to top of piston (flat top - no valve reliefs) note, stamped "B" 0.830" or 21.08mm 1988 EA82 (Spfi) SOHC 1800 top of piston pin to top of piston (flat top - with two valve reliefs) note, stamped L or R and UP 0.862" or 21.90mm I'll try and post a link to some pictures soon. I'll also record clearance to the deck at TDC with one of each type installed. This block has .005 removed from each case half deck surface for clean up, and both heads have .020" removed each. The intake bolts do still line up without any problems.

I fixed an EJ22 like this for a customer almost 100k ago and have since done another timing belt on the same engine. Still going strong. If you are really worried about it use some JB weld to fill in the keyway damage and some blue loc-tite on the bolt. I would suggest RED but it might be overkill.

I have a HP EA81 going together now. I have sets of EA71, EA81, and EA82 SPFI pistons available. I'll install one of each type of piston (without any rings) to see what the measurements are at TDC. I'll also try and post a photo of the different types.

With the D/R trans (23 spline) the axles should match the body style (EA81 car with an EA82 D/R trans - use EA81 axles, EA82 car with EA81 engine and D/R trans use EA82 axles). With an RX FT 4WD trans (25 spline) and an EA81 body, a custom solution is needed.

As I recall the cam and crank sensor wiring are swapped on the Ej22 vs the Ej22T. It is important that both the engine harness and the ECU type/pin-out both match or at least that you take this in to consideration when preparing your harness or choosing your ECU.

Try bumping the ignition timing as far as 28 degrees ( I also run premium fuel), it makes a BIG difference on the old EAs. It seems like 20 degrees just isn't enough with an older engine and today's gasoline blends.

That sounds right to me too. I just finished a couple of EA 5MTs and that is how they both ended up. Several thousand miles later and they are quiet and working fine.

It's probably urethane. Talk to a glass person, but I think you are supposed to leave some intact for the new adhesive to adhere to.

I have done 2 EA engines with the ebay "thompson-engine" piston and ring sets and they work well.

It sounds great. The hardest part of an EJ swap or SPFI conversion would still be the wiring harness though, correct?

Not only that, but most of the black ones are UV resistant as well Looks Good!

I spent quite a bit of time (and money) on a very well built SPFI high-compression EA81. In the end I finally gave up and EJ'ed it when the cam failed at about 5000 miles. In my opinion the SPFI is not a good match for the Delta torque grind cam on the EA81. You might actually do better with a Weber power wise.

That looks great!

All excellent tips and right on the money. Thanks as always Ivan!

"got my bumpers, roof rack and tail light protectors from justin at hti fab fab for a great price, he did some great work"

I just rebuilt an EA82 a few months ago and I took a fair amount of pics. I'm not ready to do a write up on it, but I'll be happy to help with specifics if you need some pointers. As long as it's NOT an EA82T it will probably run forever when you are done. It will also ALWAYS be underpowered, even after it's been rebuilt