you could write a book on what i don't know about these cars !! down the road i want to put a bigger motor and dual range trans in the brat.. what is the best option? im fine with EFI ..what years and models .what should i steer clear of? 

I just picked up an 88' GL wagon to basically take the dual range 5 speed to use in my brat, I might put an EJ22 in it but then again I might just get an EA81 with a weber carb. The 81 would be a lot easier to put in there and there wouldn't be any ECU or wiring issues.