PalouseLeone

Gloyale - that is the impression I was under. I've been interested in swapping an EJ into an EA since I read about it more than 15 years ago, after throwing a rod in my first '86 GL. This most recent GL was purchased more for nostalgia purposes than practicality. Although we are hoping my fiance can use it as a commuter on heavy snow days, we aren't going to be in a bind if it isn't available. Regardless of whether we ever end up doing an EJ swap, I'm glad we live in the PNW with so many other Subaru enthusiasts and resources.

OK, thank you for your help. I got the Chilton repair manual in the mail and your description of the location is much easier to follow compared to the manual. Here you go. So the car was stolen off his lot while awaiting to have ball joint, clutch, and flywheel replaced. We actually paid for the ball joint, clutch, and flywheel and the installation costs previously, the mechanic shouldn't have left those on the same repair order as the engine. The kid who stole the car was also ordered to pay the mechanic $1,600 in damages. The irony in this situation is that we specifically purchased a turbo with the mindset that it would simplify a future EJ swap. This would have been the perfect opportunity to do it. Several times the mechanic's secretary told me they couldn't find an EA-82T anywhere or that they found one, but it was damaged. Each time the secretary told me they were having troubles, I suggested that the mechanic swap the EA-82T for an EJ, but I never received a positive response. It seems like in the end, swapping in an EJ may have been less expensive and less of a headache for the mechanic.

Thanks for the advice, it isn't going anywhere until we get the coolant leak and hose situation figured out. Awesome, that gives me a good place to start. Thank you!

Thanks for letting me know. I think I fixed it.

After searching for almost a year, my fiance and I got this car in the spring of 2016 for her to use as a commuter during bad snow days. Shortly after purchasing it, we took it to a local mechanic to have it inspected and to address any glaring issues. We ended up putting in new wheel bearings, suspension, flywheel, clutch, axle shaft assembly, and several other things. Before the mechanic was done working on the car, it was stolen off of his lot (left unlocked with keys in the ignition). The kid who stole it couldn't drive a stick and blew the engine about a mile up the road. Other than the blown engine, no other apparent damage was done. They ended up catching the kid who stole it and he was ordered to reimburse the mechanic for the damages. The prosecutor told me the mechanic was responsible for replacing the blown motor. Fast forward more than a year - we just got the car back. The mechanic really dragged his feet finishing the job and gave me a sob story of how he spent $7,000 of his own money fixing the car. Also, when I picked the car up, he sent up some red flags that he may not have fully completed the swap. He said that it didn't have as much power as he thought it would, but "we all know how these old Subaru's are". I took the car for a test drive up the highway and noticed that the car was really lacking power and the turbo light only came on once and only for a second or two. After a brief visual inspection (I'm not the best mechanic), I was able to identify several problems. I have a Chilton coming in the mail and I downloaded the 1989 EA-82 FSM. I have also spent some time searching through the 1987-1996 repair instructions. I am having trouble identifying a couple of hoses and a connector. Any help identifying where these things go would be a huge help. Thanks in advance! There are two loose hoses that I think have to do with the turbo. I cannot figure out where they go. There is an electrical connector that is disconnected. What I think is the "waste gate valve controller" is not connected. The vehicle is leaking what looks like coolant. The front skid plate is missing!

Hello, When I was in high school (early 2000's) the first vehicle I purchased 100% with my own money was a 1986 GL wagon. I drove that thing everywhere. We used to load it up with friends and explore logging roads after school. Out of all the cars I've had since then, that old car is still probably my favorite. I actually used to be active on USMB back when I was in high school, but it's been so long I wouldn't even know how to look up my old username or the email associated with it. My fiancé and I recently purchased a 1987 GL wagon (turbo) for her to use as a commuter on deep snow days. We looked and waited for almost a year before finding this one. It's definitely a 30 year old car, but in relatively good shape. We got one with turbo because it would make things simpler if we ever decided to do an EJ swap. We are excited to be classic Subaru owners again and we look forward to spending more time on USMB. Cheers.