Hello everyone! I have a 92 Subaru Loyale, loved it since I bought at a low 92k miles. It still only has 114k and I still love it. Low on power, but handles great. I've recently began making minor modifications such as a cold air intake that I hooked up to the old air intake line, and mass air flow sensor. I've installed an aluminum rack that I built from scratch using 1 1/2 aluminum tubing. I've also installed a hood vent for the air additional air flow. My dream is to put an EJ25 motor + tranny in it, however I need to save the money. Until then, I would just like to get a couple suggestions on some less expensive modifications that can improve performance of the EA82 motor (whether it's horsepower or gas mileage)

 

Thanks!

New air filter

New fuel filter

Proper tire inflation

New plugs, cap and rotor

 

Wagon or sedan? Auto or manual? 4w or FWD? PICS?

Edited August 7, 20169 yr by MR_Loyale

@Mr_Loyale

It's an automatic, with the push button 4WD, I'll post a picture soon I'm still trying to figure how, I'm using my phone to post on the forum

Here's one picture of the exterior

Here's one of the cold air intake I have hooked up to the old air intake system

The original air intake was pulling from the fender / front , not the heated air over the engine, I'm not sure you are getting "colder" air this way.

 

From reading many threads on here, there are not a lot of inexpensive or simple ways to get a lot more power from this engine.  There are expensive and complicated ways to get some more power, some with the additional cost of lower reliability.

 

From what I understand of those discussions, most of what limits it is the way the intake and exhaust ports are routed, and the size of the valves.

 

An EJ2.2 is something like 40% more horsepower, and still NA, and a very reliable engine.

@DaveT

I hear what you're saying about not receiving colder air, although I have noticed a difference in throttle response, my engine has also been running at a cooler temp since the installment. I have plans for better air flow via hood vents, to allow for cooler air to enter the intake. I also understand there isn't much I can do, but I have limited experience so I was hoping for a few creative suggestions to help me in the right direction.

 

As far as an engine swap goes, I just don't have the money saved up to do it, and I lack the tools/experience to do it myself so the cost will be high for me.

Edited August 8, 20169 yr by LittleLoyaleMan

what are you getting for gas mileage now ?

@Dee2

Currently I range from 20-22 mpg

@Dee2

Currently I range from 20-22 mpg

 

Get a timing light and check it is correct. The spec is found on the VECI label on hood.  If check engine light is on, correct any issues. If it says egr solenoid, replace it, don't bypass it. While bypassing makes the code go away, the egr solenoid improves gas mileage by recirculating unburnt gasses into the combustion chamber. An AC delete will also improve mpg.

The stock air snorkel/water seperator  in the fender on the ea82 is very restrictive removing it or opening it up helps it breath in the lower rpm range  Cdi ignitions are amazing to get a complete efi iant fuel burn there I sent any way to get alot more power but you can however play with the powerband to get more drivability with the power it dose have if you want real power swap in a ej motor or spend massive amounts of time and or money just to have 10-20 more power than a stock ea motor and still be 15-20 less hp than a ej 2.2

After some extended research I think I'm going go for basic maintenance on the EA motor to keep it running good. While doing so, on the side get an EJ from a pick n pull/ various wrecking yard. With proper time and money management I want to look into rebuilding said EJ motor, and eventually lead up to a full conversion. I believe it will be the most time consuming given my financial situation, but the end result will be satisfying

Interesting, I seem to have missed threads about the oem air intake being restricted. I might think about changing that. With the caviot that heavy load at low rpm isn't the greatest thing for these engines. They are made to spin fast.

 

As you consider the ej swap, read the threads about it. You really want a doner car, not just the engine, as you need a lot of the wiring harness. Factory service manuals for both would be good also. And yes it is a big project as are any of the ways to get big (but not as big as ej swap) additional hp. .

 

Small ones , it would seem the intake, and I've seen reports of small improvement from build exhaust 1 or 2 sizes bigger but not bigger than 2" ..

I've thought about exhaust modifications, and also looked into improving the fuel injection process. However all of which would be money spent that I could be spending on an EJ swap, and most of which would also be replaced in the middle of the EJ swap. I may need to bring am additional person in on this so I know exactly what is needed from an old EJ system to be able to convert over to my car. I've done some calling around and I can get a motor through pick n pull at roughly $200, or $250 with a warranty. I'm going to need a compiled list of parts though, so it's more of an "over the course of time" cost rather than an immediate $1,500.

@Dee2

Currently I range from 20-22 mpg

Replacing the O2 sensor will usually give you a bump in fuel mileage.