May 23, 200520 yr I am thinking of swapping a EA71 motor to an 1980 EA81 motor in my 1978 4X4 wagon. I have a question or two if anyone can help. I located a 1979-80 brat at the JY and can get the crossmember if I need it? Will the crossmember bolt right into my wagon? The EA81 is a automatic (they suck) will the flywheel off my EA71 work with the EA81 motor? I want to keep my original s/r 4speed transmission. Anyone ever done a swap like this? Any other considerations I need to think of? Thanks...
May 23, 200520 yr The 79 and 80 BRAT are also EA 71. You need a 1981 BRAT for the special pieces. The 81 BRAT only....had the EA81 and the dual range 4WD. Quite frankly, the 1600 vs the 1800 is not that noticeable a difference to me. Not worth all the effort anyway. If you tune out the EA 71 you are usually just fine. Feel free to call me if you want to discuss. Todd
May 30, 200520 yr You will find that the 1600 gear box will not fit the 1800. The starter motor is in the center on the 1600 and on the left side on the 1800. The belt housings are different. That is only one problem you will find there are plenty more. I am thinking of swapping a EA71 motor to an 1980 EA81 motor in my 1978 4X4 wagon. I have a question or two if anyone can help. I located a 1979-80 brat at the JY and can get the crossmember if I need it? Will the crossmember bolt right into my wagon? The EA81 is a automatic (they suck) will the flywheel off my EA71 work with the EA81 motor? I want to keep my original s/r 4speed transmission. Anyone ever done a swap like this? Any other considerations I need to think of? Thanks...
June 22, 200520 yr You might try to see if a 1600 2wd bellhousing with side mount starter usually out of 84' and newer ea71 might help, Its got a larger clutch and may fit a ea81.
June 22, 200520 yr Hey Captain This is Jerry, i have the set up you need to do this swap over. I have a 86 hatch that has a EA81 with the 5 speed front wheel drive. The car has the Ea81 engine with the Ea71 bellhousing that will bolt up to your tranny. I am removing the engine and tranny in about 2 weeks, that stuff will be for sale or trade. Let me know if you are interested in it. Thanks Jerry
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