nimblemotorsports Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 I have found a 78 Brat that is complete but has been sitting for over 20 years, engine does not turn over. I was thinking to 'restore' it into running condition, but the engine seems too far gone. Given a swap to another engine, there was an 88 wagon, which i understand is a straightforward swap into the brat. On the other hand, i was thinking a rotary engine would be rather cool and would fit easily. A 4wd rotary car itself is pretty rare, but a rotary brat? the older rx7 motors with carbs might be a simple swap with an transadapter. Found a rotary Samurai on youtube.. Or the other thought is lower it and make it hotrod and just rwd? Opinions? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 (edited) 2 liter JDM turbo ? I once saw a Suzuki - uh, Brute I think? 2 cycle engine. For reverse, you kill the engine and start it backwards and use first gear! Edited February 20, 2019 by 1 Lucky Texan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carfreak85 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 Been daydreaming of doing this to my '75 4WD wagon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 It's been done. But Mazda rotary engines are garbage for reliability so it's really a pretty poor idea to put one in..... anything. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carfreak85 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 EA63s are equal in reliability and can't make power to save themselves. Plus my '75 doesn't have an engine installed, sooooo…. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nimblemotorsports Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 Rotaries are very reliable, until they are worn out after 75k-125k miles. nothing like a toyota, i have two rav4's, a 2-door with 300k miles, and just bought a 4door with..wait for it..368k miles, both all original. Now a EJ25 blows head gaskets too, so let's not talk down rotaries too much, and with the rx8 motor, 200hp that fits in no problem, and i like. However, just looked over this car, and it is amazing, only 69k miles, fully intact, just weathered from sitting in a field for 30 years, so i think it is best to try and restore it..i think. I made a video of it, will post it as soon as I can edit it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 another fun idea; a soob diesel EE20 ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 Easier to get the 1600 up and running. I have NOS main bearings in standard and probably first size up too. Also have lots of NOS seals , etc. You’ll see me on flea bay again soon. I’ve been slow about getting back into it. And I’m not alone , there’s still some others with old dealer stock. 78 Brat is worth keeping close to original until absolutely desperate. But of course you want to have what you believe will be more fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nimblemotorsports Posted February 26, 2019 Author Share Posted February 26, 2019 Here is the video on the car, while i did buy a Tribeca with the EZ30, i think this car is just too good original condition to do anything but restore it, so that is my plan now. I do hope i can get the parts I need. cheers, jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Here in CT I have been selling off a serious amount of New Old Stock and great used vintage Subaru parts. Currently gearing up to ship a windshield. I also have at least one more. I have correct side mirrors new and old. Also lots of small items you may find that you need like brake switch , neutral switch , side markers , seals , bearings , etc. If on eBay check my sold items and the little bit I have listed now. ”cashingmystuffin” Everyone wants to be my friend and make deals on the side etc. but please be understanding that sadly I kind of need eBay lately. So if you see me there please DO NOT ask me to make deals off their site while on their site. They do have robots that search and they do warn you and threaten you with fees etc. Just contact me here or through email - moosens@yahoo. com But that’s no promise that I’ll yank an item from auction. Depends on how the item is doing and how I feel about it’s potential. Cheers! Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YaBoyKingsley Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 (edited) I actually have a lot of experience with a rotary and a buddy of mine just got a brat with a 13b rotary mounted and is working on the transadaptor but might change the transmission and rotarys are not terrible engines but you need to drive them or they go bad similar to a Porsche anyways best of luck to the project but I’m afraid my friend is one step ahead of you Edited February 26, 2019 by YaBoyKingsley Grammar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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