filonin_2

Thanks again, very helpful info.

I'm not even looking for a power increase really. That old car never once got stuck when I was a child with the stock motor, which is enough for me. I just would like to put a newer motor in so it will pass smog easier. Since you say the ea81 motor will basically bolt in with the late model d/r trans, I'll go with that. Unfortunately, I can't add fuel injection to a motor that didn't come with it because I'm in california. I just need to get this car on the road and reliable as I need it as my second car and for hauling supplies for my foundry project.

I apologize as I wasn't clear, and the answer is almost certainly the same but I have to be sure, my transmission is also shot so I have to swap that too. So my question is, is there any FI engine/tranny combo that will bolt up without chassis modification into my '78 wagon? If worst comes to worst on the wiring, I know a guy who can do it for about $350, but I should be able to handle it.

So, just to be really clear before I really dig into this, there is NO fuel injected motor that will simply bolt into the chassis, right?

I have seen that writeup, do you know if it applies to a wagon as old as mine? I'm pretty sure it will be very similar, just looking for confirmation. I am also getting some conflicting info, but it seems a 4" lift will help clearance issues, right?

It does have the original hi/lo trans, but it's toast, which is the main reason it's being swapped, second being it needs a carb rebuild to pass smog. I know I have to notch the frame rails, what I really need to know is if the original motor mounts will work. I have decided on the Phase I EJ22 BTW.

Sorry for the thread resurrection, but did a build thread ever happen?

So I am getting my dad's old Subie wagon and it has a bad transmission and it won't pass smog anymore. I am looking to swap in a newer fuel injected motor and to keep the 4wd as I want to use it for offroading. How does an EJ18, 20, or 22 sound? I have heard that they should bolt into the chassis, but what transmission should I use to keep the 4wd? Rear diff? Thanks!