The 3.4 came from a '94 Camaro. Parts are no problem, they're still very similar to the 2.8 and 3.1L versions of that engine, which are the first generation most parts are interchangeable. They are pretty inefficient though. The engine I have on the stand now is a LX9 3500 from an '05 Chevy Uplander. Same bell housing and similar external dimensions, but it's the 4th generation of that engine family. Much more modern. More efficient aluminum heads, roller valvetrain, improved oiling, cross-bolted mains, etc. But the LX9 is only used in FWD applications so there will be a bit of fabrication work to get it installed in a Trooper. Full multiport injection conversion too. I did originally run my 3.4L as multiport, but I was having wiring issues and ended up reverting to TBI (which I could do since everything was interchangeable with the 2.8L). Of course I figured out the problem later, so now I'm thinking of reinstalling the multiport. It was just better.

 

Ah so you're familiar with the "S" code 3.4! Most of the parts are the same similar, from what I understand they had different heads and a slightly different intake and different injectors etc. That engine is "better" with a little more HP but a good chunk extra torque (200 ft-lbs?).

 

Hope all goes well and the car is not too bad off. EA is a solid engine but an EJ might be a slightly exciting upgrade.

Yeah, the 3.4L is a heck of an upgrade from the 2.8L. Mostly a bolt-on install too.

 

If the EA doesn't have a ton of miles on it, I'll probably just convert to EFI and run it. The donor car that I might be able to talk a friend out of has 170k miles. It's a '93 Impreza.

Edited March 29, 201115 yr by Red0ktober

Im very fond of the chevy 4.3 vortec

Ok, it's on. I'm leaving tomorrow evening.

Still on the train. Should be trying to start an old Subaru in a few hours. If be there already, bit the train was delayed in spokane.

Good luck! I'm making a 500 mile round trip to pick up a 1st gen Legacy Wagon on Sunday!

I have it, title in hand. A mere 77k miles and running great, but the car is pretty weathered. It was repainted with tractor paint or somesuch and it's not looking pretty. Some rot on the body. I don't think it's worth doing much with. But, it'll get me home!

I think everyone has lost interest at this point, but I got the car home without incident.

Not true! Happy for you. What do you think of the car now that you've had some open road under it?

If it weren't so damned ugly, it'd be a great little car! Could use some more power and a 5th gear though. I think I'll convert it to EFI and free up the exhaust, hopefully that will pep it up a little bit. That's after I take it to a body shop and see if it's even worth saving.

 

The engine only has about 30k on it. Lost oil somehow around 40k and blew the engine, crate or rebuilt long block was installed at that time. Decades ago.

And pics:

 

 

 

 

Love it! Sure hope the body's worth fixin', let us know what you find out.

 

Good luck.

Very cool with some serious potential, hope that body rot isn't any worse than it looks. Keep us updated!

Lets see some interior and engine bay pictures.

Where should I start in addressing the oil leak(s)? It drips on the exhaust and I'm not a fan of that.

Glad you made the trip okay!

 

You are right.... that thing is UGLY

 

As for leaks, the first thing id do is go to the self wash car wash and spend $10 and an hour or so pressure washing the poop out of it.

 

Having a set of ramps is a plus too. Take them to the car wash with you, drive the front of the car up on them, then pressure wash the underside well.

 

Cleaning things up well will help tracking down leaks in a BIG way.

 

I recently finished chasing all of the leaks in my '84. It was quite the adventure, but she is bone dry on the underside now.

We have a pressure washer / steamer at work and I have ramps. Convenient.

Upped some more pics to photobucket:

 

 

 

 

 

 

A battery popped in this once, nice repair 'eh?

 

Some rust on the forward portion of the battery tray. Can see daylight through the metal. This is after I vacuumed and hosed out the area.

Edited April 11, 201114 yr by Red0ktober

I about spit my drink out when I saw the wire nuts. Sweet heavens.

Last time I saw that many nuts under the hood of a Subaru, there was an angry squirrel scampering off!

 

Cool beater though.

 

Hmmm, Subaru body with a trooper drivetrain?

Lets see some interior and engine bay pictures.

yeah until i saw the wire nuts.....holy wire nut spagetti.....

 

you NEED to carry a fire extenguisher.....and need to redo that with a jy harness...

My worry about finding parts is that the car I pull parts from will be nicer than this one.

My worry about finding parts is that the car I pull parts from will be nicer than this one.

 

You know you're a Subaru driver when ^ !!!

That wiring could be fixed with a nice day of patience, solder, heat gun and shrink tubing. Its not 100% necessary to replace the harness but it might be cheaper.

I think I'm going to pull the engine and re-seal it.

 

I'm going to need new front fenders. What is the interchange on these? Can I get some of the newer model years if I convert the grille/headlights too?

 

There are some refurb fenders for an '83-'84 on eBay for $150. I assume there were cosmetic changes between the years.