Loyale-ist

Thanks y'all, I am more optimistic about doing the swap and keeping the Loyale. I am finding some folks that are willing to do the project too. If you have any other resources or references for the Portland area, you can swing them my way. Much obliged Ronjon

Hi Subardudes/ettes. I am fresh to the forum, hailing from Portland, OR. I am seeking advice on a car that I like, one that is beginning to test me, but one that I think I may marry myself to. At least, she is worthy of seeking advice upon I have a 1992 Loyale 4WD (push-button) wagon, with roof rack. It has been an adventure-mobile. I would like it to be even moreso. The engine is leaking oil typically I believe, but leaking all over, and over the last year has been burning more - I top off a quart per tank of gas. But I'm getting tired of the smoking, I'm trying to quit. It has broken down on me just once, we put a new distributor cap/rotor in, and it seems to be an improvement. But we'll see what happens when it gets hot out again. I like the car enough that I would consider a rebuild. I do not want an outback, and I don't know if I'll get my hands on a 2.2L Impreza in my budget. However, my one struggle with the Loyale is the lack of power - I am considering having a 2.2 installed. I don't know much about cars, but I know there is more to consider. I am looking for the pertinent questions to ask as to whether it will be worthwhile to upgrade this particular car. Electrical? Power distribution? Transmission? Everything? The car runs decent at this point, minus the recent breakdown, but it seems like it would be worth it. Next I need an idea of what accompanies the transfer over to a 2.2L - and will this add up to several thousands of dollars? I could have the current engine rebuilt for under $2000. OR, is there another engine that could go in there that will give me some more power? Thanks so much, feel free to post links to articles/threads, I can do the research. ~rj