April 21, 201213 yr Guys I am seriously thinking about buying a 1982 Brat DL parts truck and installing the 4 speed hi / lo tranny in this parts truck in my 1985 Brat GL which currently has a 3 seed auto (which I really dislike). I ASSUME that there is nothing different on a Auto tranny Brat that would prevent me from installing all of the manual tranny parts. I know I will need to do a lot of work, clutch pedal, console shifters, front and rear diffs, tranny,....etc... I am tired of the poor performance with the Auto tranny. My 1985 GL Brat gets 22 mpg around town and about 25-26 on the hwy. I have been told that with the 4 speed I can get 30-32 mpg, Is that realistic? I am also going to install a Weber 32/36 or maybe a slightly larger Weber. And after the work is done, I can make a little money selling my 3 speed that works fine, and all of the extra parts from this parts truck ( with the rusty bed) to earn a little extra money. I would really appreciate any opinions from you guys! thanks, Tony P Edited April 21, 201213 yr by Tonyp5143 fixing poor spelling!
April 21, 201213 yr If it were me I would skip the 4 speed and go with a D/R 5-speed from an EA82 car. It is WELL worth the small amount of extra effort and the swap is really well documented. Also, buy the parts Brat too:lol:
April 21, 201213 yr Back in my 4-speed, Webber carbed '81 GL (EA81), I got ~25 MPG average. But the engine wasn't running right, so I'd say 30 MPG is realistic if you drive it like an old person. If you can, get a 5-speed. I don't know anything about the Brat, so I can't say if it'll work. But try for a 5-speed if it'll work. Converting it to hi-lo will also probably be difficult, but again, I don't know.
April 21, 201213 yr 4 speed will be about 25 to 27 MPG in mixed driving. Over 30 will be with 100% freeway driving on long trips. 4 speed's are junk - 3rd gear syncro issues, lousy linkage system that's always loose - skip it and go to the 5 speed. DL will have a single range 4 speed in it anyway. High range only. GD
April 22, 201213 yr The last driveshaft I had made (5 speed trans means you need to lengthen the driveshaft) ran me $200 with U Joints. Then the $100 plus shipping for the kit from Bratsrus1 A little wiring for the reverse and lo lights. IMO worth it.
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