el_freddo

Don't forget a new thermostat! The build looks good! These things take time! Cheers Bennie

Don't sell the wheels - roll the guards so you don't need to run with flares That would look totally awesome! Looks good mate! I still can't get over the amount of work you guys put into rust repairs, I really take my hat off to you all who do it! Over here a vehicle like that would be scrapped, which is why you don't see many these days Keep up the good work! Cheers Bennie

I'll also add that the above kit is for an "auto" - but a second brake switch on the clutch pedal is an easy conversion to make it a "manual" kit rather than buying their kit. Cheers Bennie

I've used this kit twice now with great results: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cruise-Control-Ap60-Diy-Vacuum-Actuator-Automatic-Universal-Fit-/251487481199?pt=Caravan_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a8dd26d6f&_uhb=1 The first application was with my EJ22 converted L series. I've used the supplied magnets on the tail (prop) shaft for the Vehicle Speed Sensor pick up, works well. The other application was on my mother inlaw's Brumby. I'll be looking at adding it to my Brumby once it's on the road. Cheers Bennie

Geez Tom, that rear end is about to hit the stratosphere! What's the lift combo there? You've got some crazy angles on the rear drive shafts... Your L is looking great, I'd love to get the paint on Ruby Scoo shining like that, but I know I'd only scratch it again... Cheers Bennie

Looks like an EJ radiator to me. Neat looking unit. Pity it's an auto... Should be a great runner once fixed up properly. A few rust spots I didn't see earlier too Cheers Bennie

Sorry mate, you didn't specify 2wd or 4wd so I covered both. Not that it's relevant now but the 2wd clutch is different to the 4wd clutch in size of the disc and the gearbox input shaft. I also couldn't tell you if it's the same between dual range 4wd or single range 4wd. From other's responses it seems that it is the same. On top of the diff out put stub spline differences the turbo box also has the "dodgy" low range - 1.19:1 rather than the good L series low range of 1.59:1. Cheers Bennie

Lumber Jack Jeff - Why bother? The 4 speed would be a lot of work for what's really a backwards step IMO. Subarocket - I'd say that paying a shop will cost more than you'd think - especially if it's some sort of conversion, in which case this could come under that classification. Basically what I'm getting at is that if you're paying someone to do the work and they don't understand something it will take longer to sort it out. If it were a subaru specialist that knows their stuff about the older models I'd probably say go for it. Otherwise, if you pulled all the gear from the donor I'm sure you could put it in yours over a weekend. If you have a motor bike jack you can use this to remove the gearbox, my brother used one on his 10t truck with a modified frame - worked a treat! Tman1058 - I know it's been a while, but I wouldn't mind a push button 4wd setup for my ride - they're rare as hen's teeth in Oz! Cheers Bennie

Unless it's a 2wd it's pretty straight forward. If it's a 2wd you need all the rear end gear and make some mounts for the moustache bar Personally I'd also grab the flywheel and clutch setup from the donor vehicle just to be sure you've got everything you need - and avoid that disappointment when you've got it all together only to find that the clutch system doesn't work... Cheers Bennie

Along with all fluids, I'd also check out your bearings and make sure your drive shafts are in good order, any clicking ones either replace or carry a spare with the required tools to swap out. While probably not so much of a concern compared to Australian heat/weather, but if your radiator is of an unknown age with plastic end tanks have it replaced along with any rad/heater/coolant hoses that you don't know the age of. I blew the side out of my radiator in the middle of no where on a 45C day - that killed the old faithful EA82 I had at the time. It was a great trip though! Don't modify your engine and decide it's a good idea to do a trip that takes you across a continent and back without a decent amount of run time - I had barely 1000km on some solid lifters before we left, after the first 1000km of the 8500km round trip I relaxed about the solid lifters... One died. I had the tools to strip and replace with originals but it could've been so much worse than it was! Great trip, did I mention that! I'd also say check out as much stuff along the way as possible, don't leg/rush it to the destination thinking you'll see it all on the way home - if it goes pare shaped you'll luck out on your chance to see those sights! As for the bottom end of your EA82 - they're pretty much bullet proof - what lets the EA82 down is the rubber band cam belts and the cam box with it's factory oil leaks. Best to get on top of any oil leaks before you go. When you do the cam kit put new oil seals on the crank and cams, make sure they're lubed with a plastic grease so they don't prematurely wear out due to being dry, or start leaking due to an incorrect grease used to lube them with (such as what I've accidentally done on my EJ). If you think it needs replacing, replace it. If you need to save to do the maintenance on your vehicles, save for it - don't take the money out of your travel budget! If you're not on a time schedule for an event or something of the like, you've got time up your sleeve. If it makes it easier, build an EA82 up on the side while you daily run your L (if this is an option). Most of all, once you're on the road, have fun, enjoy the drive and make some good memories! Cheers Bennie

Awesome work mate! I think I need to get a welder! Also - how'd you end up doing the inner guard plumbing for the snorkel? Cheers Bennie

Hmmm... I need to get me one of these SPFI kits to play with some day... Personally I'm an EFI convert after stuffing around with an MPFI conversion to my originally carbed L. I'm currently considering MPFI'ing an EA81 more for shits and giggles than all out fuel economy... Cheers Bennie

I'm keen for pics of this return spring setup too - even though this thread has been quiet for over 2 years! Cheers Bennie

What tyre size are we talking here? 33's? I've seen a radius rod bent with a 3 inch lift and 27s - but that was due to "over enthusiastic" driving - and I mean REALLY over enthusiastic! I've been offroading my 3 inch lifted L with 27s for years now without issue, I've never considered the control arm to be an issue. Take things easy and you'll be fine. Drive like you're in the Dakar and you'll be in all sorts IMO Cheers Bennie

Pull the carb and clean it out - I wouldn't think you'd need a kit unless you want to do a general overhaul anyway. The compression, pretty low to run an engine IMO. But anything is possible. You could have bent things, or damages valve seats/have something stuck in a valve seat thus it's not closing properly. The factory tool kit has that long pressed tube with a different socket on each end - one end will remove spark plug no worries Cheers Bennie

Looking awesome there Thomas, and it's going to be even better once that snorkel is fitted properly! Then we'll be L series bothers in more ways than one - you have one of my ideas on your L, I've got one of your parts on mine (the coupe grille!) ^ That's Nachaluva Matt's Foz where I got the idea of which unit to use after comparing his before it went on his foz I'm not happy with my bracket on the A pillar - since my snorkel was hand-me-down second hand unit it didn't come with the bracket, this what I came up with using what I had. Not really neat and I'm still refining it - I got a rivnut tool and inserts to hold the bracket on now, previously I was using a couple of screws (highly NOT recommended!) While I had the sand in mine I took the time to do some bending of the snorkel's intake for a bit more of a natural angle - just makes it look like it's really meant to be there - I'll have to dig up an image of this being done - I used some rachet straps on some choice angles to get a better look, still could have pushed it further... but it's all good! I'm looking forward to the finished product! I bet you can't wait! Cheers Bennie

Yep, but thought it worth while for the "sake" of others - they're not just a simple bolt on upgrade Cheers Bennie

^ The "elusive" dual port EA81s heads - you need a matching cam to run with these heads! Cheers Bennie

I think it's time for more pics! Cheers Bennie

There was also a factory Carb'd EJ sold I believe in the Latin American markets. There are images of them around... Another guy in/near Perth, Australia built his own one too using a fiori or ford escort dizzy and I think a weber carb. Probably the same as monstaru's build... Cheers Bennie

How could you not notice rust that serious if it's torque twisting the body? Or has a body mount rusted out? Cheers Bennie

Pull the engine and do the seals when you do the L series 5 speed upgrade Cheers Bennie

Any grinding when down shifting is usually due to worn synchros - this means the gearbox has been well used or the previous owner doesn't use the clutch properly. Rev matching is the best way to avoid this as a gearbox rebuild really isn't worth while unless you know what you're doing/own a gearbox specialist workshop... Cheers Bennie

Yes it's doable - but as mentioned be aware that seals etc are very well worth the effort while the engine is out. Rear main is a must! Is this EJ a twin overhead cam (DOHC) or a single overhead cam (SOHC) EJ? IF it's a SOHC it'll drop straight in, if DOHC you'll need to hammer/notch the chassis rails to clear the cam covers... As for the radiator, just use the stock unit with a piece of the factory EA hose size with the EJ hose over that done up nice and tight - much like those rubber adaptors you can get. Have you already filed the flywheel to fit the EJ crank bolt pattern? With an adaptor plate you need to use the EA flywheel to make use of the factory EA clutch. WIth a weekend swap the neatness of the wiring will be very tricky - and that's just fitting it to the vehicle. You'll need to work out where you're going to source your power(s), earth, fuse panel (yes, run an auxiliary one between the EJ harness and the Brat's factory loom to protect both from eachother); also to consider where you'll fit the ECU and it's check engine light (must have!), how you'll mod the exhaust and how you'll run a fuel return line - will you be using a "swirl pot" for the EFI pump? If you're going to cut the wiring down over the same weekend that you'll fit the engine you'll be pushing tin with only two of you with neither having done the conversion before. Get the wiring cut down and if possible do a bench test fire of the engine, if it runs go from there, if not reassess your wiring! I know of a "double conversion" done over a weekend in Western Australia - but this was a bunch of mates (4 to 6 from memory) that did everything from a pile of parts and a Friday Arvo. In my opinion, get the wiring cut down to only what you need. You'll need to source a wiring diagram/schematics for that particular vehicle to know what you'll need. I suspect you might need the security part of the wiring loom to make it work, but I could be wrong here as I've only messed with a mid '90's EJ loom. All the best with the conversion, it sounds exciting with the weekend challenge! Cheers Bennie

Two things: First, the worst: You could have bent a con rod but not enough to stop the engine or really notice it when the engine is running, only a pressure test will determine this. Second - you could have a crank case full of water so the engine was working harder to move all that liquid due to it's height. As you cranked without removing the spark plugs you were probably forcing water past the rings into the sump - and possibly doing more damage to the rings too. Always, always, ALWAYS remove the spark plugs before trying to start a hydrolocked engine! It's also a good idea to turn it over by hand a few times before using the starter motor with the spark plugs still removed. I hope you've not done any damage and it's just a case of a high sump level - check your oil to make sure it's not a water/oil soup Cheers Bennie