Hey everyone, I'm a complete newbie at this forum let alone subarus. I've currently got an 1989 Justy RS 4WD. It currently has a 3 cyl. 1.3 liter in it, but I was wondering about putting something with a little more power in it. Can anyone help me out?

You could put a 1.8L 4 cylinder in it, but you are going to be looking at a lot of work.

 

Personally, I'd get rid of the justy and buy a 88/89 Hatchback. Its just a little bigger than the justy and you'll get the 1.8L OHV 4 cylinder with a lot more reliable transmission and body

Subaru got 120 HP from a 1.0L Justy engine. The full 1.2L would probably make 140..... but it's at about 11,000 RPM. The Justy actually has 3 valves per cylinder, and a good power to weight ratio stock. It's got better power to weight than an EA81 vehicle by far. The EA81 hatch would actually be a downgrade (unless you are talking 4WD, and off-road performance)

 

You have the only subaru made for the US market with a transverse engine. There is nothing that will go in there without massive fabrication, and that was the only engine offered in the EF series for the US market.

 

GD

Leave it be and take advantage of the gas mileage.