So... I have been tossing around either doing a weber or a SPFI conversion on my 1985 GL carbed 4wd single range wagon with a 1.8 in it. I am a jeep guy and clueless about subies, but thanks to this board learning a lot about subies the last few weeks. Still clueless though...

 

Anyway, I am a little confused about the wagon years and engines... So they made the GLs for like 10 years or so, but do the 85-86 wagons have a different engine than the rest? Was the 85-86s a EA82s, and the rest EA81s? They only made them for two years?

 

And if this is correct when looking at putting a weber or SPFI conversion will the same stuff work on the EA82s? Which is what I think have?

 

Did they ever make any fuel injected 85s? or was that just the GL-10s? I have also been reading the manuals from GD (which are awesome) and other by Voodoo (?) about the SPFI conversion. And ones says to make sure the donor car for the SPFI conversion has the same trans as the car you are putting it into. It's this a deal breaker?

 

Sorry so long, but the rookie is confused, and needs good answers, because my Jeep is KILLING me in gas (and it's looks like it's going to get worse). I need to get this subie on the road!

 

Thanks guys for your time!

If your GL is the one in your avatar pic, then you have the first year of the EA82 motor. They did NOT make a SPFI (only MPFI and those went in the Turbo models if I Remember Correctly) until 87.

 

Keep in mind when reading GD's manual, that he is talking about converting an EA81 (the previous body style) motor (which had No timing belts) to SPFI where you are basically just upgrading your EA82.

 

Someone else will have to explain what differences there are in the wiring aspect of the conversion as I have not done this myself and therefore have no expertise in the area. I do know that if the transmissions are the same then there are fewer complications with sensors and since you have a 4WD single range, I have to assume that you have an automatic transmission as the manual trans had dual range.

 

If you are pulling parts from a 5 Spd Dual range trans, then get the trans too. You'll be glad you did. Then basically follow the rest of the instructions until you're ready to wire it in. You also shouldn't have to change the distributor either since both vehicles will be EA82s.

 

Good Luck!

easiest way is to sell it and buy a d/r 5 speed 88-89 wagon, it comes spfi and gets decent gas mileage. with stock tires, I have gotten up to 32mpg. with the 16" rims, I get 24-26mpg.

a complete spfi harness and intake wil swap into your car. Ideally you want 88 and up for a harness.

If your GL is the one in your avatar pic, then you have the first year of the EA82 motor. They did NOT make a SPFI (only MPFI and those went in the Turbo models if I Remember Correctly) until 87.

 

They had SPFI in some '85-'86 models... 2 wheel drive automatic transmissions only though I think, maybe? There is also a difference in MAF's if I'm not mistaken, one was a flapper and one was a hotwire... your easiest bet is a Weber, as long as you don't have to deal with California emissions.

Edited February 17, 201115 yr by misledxcracker

Thanks for the input everyone.

 

After a lot of thought and research, I am just going to go with a weber. There's was just too many "i am not sures" that left me kinda of scare to venture into such a project. Seems like the weber is alot less of a hassle. And I just want a car that runs ASAP.

 

Shawn is going to get me hookup with a weber. Thanks Shawn!

Edited February 18, 201115 yr by GLwagonlove
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