Jump to content
Ultimate Subaru Message Board

Legacy engine into a '89 1800 4WD GL


Konyak
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hey USMB guys and gals,

 

Just found this board and decided to test the waters for this project. I know it's been done, but not sure if it's possible to shove in just an EJ20 or EJ22 instead of the EA82, or if I need to replace the whole transmission and if so, where does it end? Struts and all? Any info on this would be GREATLY appreciated, as I just finished restoring the bodywork, and am feeling a strong need to get better MPG's and allround power uppage.

 

Am I better off tweaking the EA82 (currently carbed) with a rebuild and the Weber?

 

Thanks! You can see my wagon at cardomain.com here:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2464455

 

Konyak

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A quick search for " *EJ* Conversion " came up with these links.

( * is a wild card, the search engine here only allows 4 letter words or more. )

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=64472&highlight=%2AEJ%2A+conversion

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=65561&highlight=%2AEJ%2A+conversion

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=48848&highlight=%2AEJ%2A+conversion

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=60331&highlight=%2AEJ%2A+conversion

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=59255&highlight=%2AEJ%2A+conversion

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=52111&highlight=%2AEJ%2A+conversion

 

The third one down is a good one.

 

Look through these too

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/search.php?searchid=346498

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/search.php?searchid=346499

 

Also look at all the posts by this guy

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/search.php?searchid=346495

 

 

I'm putting a EJ22 in my Brat at the moment. I think I got the wiring done. I got lots of pictures but before I know it's working I won't post any. I just gotta get the adaptor plate and do some work on my flywheel now. Then she should be ready to go in.

 

 

You'll be looking at around 50 to 100 man hours for the swap as a first timer I reckon. But for 135hp it's way better then the 95hp you may get out of your EA with all the "upgrades" you can get (without going computerized EA)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Phizinza. Yeah, I should have spent more time searching, but like many, I was daunted by the number of threads that touch on this, but never offered a compiled list of problems I'd encounter. Your list of threads proved to be 100% what I needed to know, especially the 3rd one.

 

I'm especially pleased that it does indeed seem worth the effort to only swap the engine and keep my GL drivetrain, since I'm not looking to offroad or drag race ;)

 

Thanks again, much appreciated!

Konyak

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Welcome, Konyak.

Go with a SOHC cam EJ22 and you won't need to cut the frame rails .

Most EJ20's are DOHC cam and too wide.

If I started again I would go All Wheel Drive from the Start.

Even with the EJ22 unmodified it was a handfull on dry road

(in front wheel drive)

 

Go with a Liberty or Legacy dual range AWD box or an RX full time box and adapter plate.

 

HUGE DIFFERENCE (sorry to shout)

 

Please ask anything you like.

 

Cheers

 

Matt

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, if you don't care about offroad go with a FT4WD box or a AWD box.

 

Hey Matt, how hard was it to bolt your Lib D/R box in? I am thinking of putting mine in with the EJ. Although I want to modifiy it first (lower low range, lower diff gears, and more, just cos I can.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We fabricated the gearbox mount.

The driveshaft needed cutting, there could have been a factory combination which worked, we didn't have time.

The L series shifter needed shortening,

so did the linkage rods.

A low range cable needs to be rigged.

 

Engine fits even better now,

Ahem, I haven't hooked up low range yet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the welcome Matty, it's really nice to find such a knowledgable and active Subaru community.

I started up the car earlier, it's about -5C° out and there was quite alot of blue smoke until it warmed up. While I didn't plan to do this swap in the immidiate future, it would seem that time is not on my side. Car only has 256.000 km on it though.

In regards to AWD, it is currently 4WD Manual. As I recall, the 2.2 is only about 135 HP stock, and I can't see that being a problem in FWD. How bad was it?

I'd *like* to have the drivetrain from Impreza/Forester with the LSD's and all that, but I'm having a hard time justifying that sort of work on a car that has no resale value here, wots-o-ever :) Even if the 1st gear sounds like I'm in reverse :D

If I do this though, I'll be sure to keep a journal of my experience that would hopefully help towards the comprehensive step-by-step guide that SuberDave and others have spoken of making.

 

Matt, like your avatar. Jeremy Clarkson's ride in the Ariel Atom was phenomenal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been amazed the last couple months driving my EJ-swapped wagon around in FWD. the thing refuses to hook up! I've got decent tires too, not track tires or anything, they're just basic all-seasons, but they've got lots of tread left. and I can pretty easily do a rolling burnout anywhere in 1st gear. carefully idle it up to ~8-10mph....floor it. and there's smoke!

 

now there's snow....so I've been driving my lifted wagon for the last few days....

 

I'm going to make it my personal goal to finish the text portion of my EA-EJ writeup by the end of this week. hopefully get it to pdf file by the end of next week.

 

especially since it looks like my wiring harness has to come back out :rolleyes:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In regards to AWD, it is currently 4WD Manual. As I recall, the 2.2 is only about 135 HP stock, and I can't see that being a problem in FWD. How bad was it?

 

You have to be carefull at stoplights on wet days. If you use more than half throttle in FWD, the front wheels will both break loose and the front of the car slides to the right. It's fun, but only if there isn't a car to your right at the stoplight.

 

This is with 235/75R15 BFG All-terrain T/A's

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, add me to the list of folks working on the legacy into GL swap! I finally scored a decent '91 Legacy with a baked clutch for cheap! Runs great- drove it home for $275!!!!only about 110K on the motor...:banana:

 

I just ordered my adapter plate from MRose, so hopefully I'll get the process started in the next month or two.

 

Thanks to all of those on this board that have posted and compiled SO much info about this process. I'm pretty sure I would never have thought about doing the swap without all of the hard work done by you folks...

 

Cheers-

Aaron

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...