Hey guys, i am thinking about using my RX as a daily driver for school and such for the next year or two. I was thinking about swapping in a newer engine that has a *tiny* bit more power, but basically is just newer and not turbo. My turbo EA82T is fine right now (but 150k miles), but naturally aspirated engines are just a whole lot easier to maintain and such.

 

Is there anything out there that would be a direct/easy swap? What about the newer 2.5 n/a engines, like mid-late 90's or so?

 

And what all would it involve? Is there any chance the same tranny could be used? And obviouly it would take a lot oof wiring...

 

Let me know what you guys think. I really have a gem of an rx, in AWSOME shape, and it would be a sweet little daily driver for a while.

 

Thanks!!!

There isn't really isn't anything newer that is a direct swap.

 

Check the retrofitting forum for one of the many EJ swap threads to see what is involved.

As far as easy swaps go... it's fairly straightforward to swap in a N/A 4cyl out of an 85-91 XT. They only make 100hp, but the one I had was one of the strongest and most reliable Subaru engines I ever had. Very easy to maintain, very tough, and the highest gas mileage of the late 80's 4cyl Subarus.

 

Not sure what all is required to do this conversion, but it's fairly easy. I'm assuming just the engine, exhaust Y-pipe, and airbox/intake tube will need to be changed, as well as putting your original belt-driven accessories and crank pulley on the new engine.