First off an introduction. I have typically owned Land Cruisers, which are extremely easy to work on. My brother (twin actually) has a GC 2.5RS that is fairly modded. Hes got me hooked on Subarus, but I've always found the older ones cooler. I am a NOOB when it comes to turbos, I've only worked on NA vehicles.

 

I just bought this suby for 400 bucks. It's got a swapped RX engine in it from the same year. A lot of ghetto mods have been done to the engine, including a Volvo intercooler.

 

The thing hauls rump roast. I didn't even know Subaru made part time 4wd cars. Its got a dual transfer case too. I love it.

 

Its got some problems though. I'm pretty sure the power steering pump is dead. Its leaking all over. Also I don't think the alternator is working. It needs to be jumped but after that it runs.

 

Anyone know why it would be idling at around 1700 RPMs?

 

I plan to turn this thing into a rallycross machine. I love it!

 

Pics:

 

 

 

Ill post some engine bay pics in a couple weeks when I'm back in Truckee! (i go to school in Santa Cruz)

wow, nice and welcome to USMB.

 

as for the idle, these things have an idle air controller valve (IAC, AIV). remove it and clean it out really good, give it power to make sure it works. if that doesn't work get another, but they don't fail very often usually just dirty inside.

 

the power steering pumps often just need an oring at the base of the reservoir. an easy 50 cent fix. just find a generic oring off the shelf that fits.

 

if it runs fine after jumping (and removing jumper cables), then the alternator is probably fine, it's running of the alt output. look at the battery and clean the battery cable end links. they often need replaced anyway by now, very corroded, dirty, or loose.

 

i think you'll find out that's not a GL Hatch, that is a sedan. a hatch would originally have an EA81 in it, where an 88 sedan has an EA82 in stock form.

The Sedan is normally a 4dr, this car is called a 3dr so it wont get mixed up with the earlier EA81 Hatchback.

They did have a 3dr, on demand 4wd with a turbo, so I'm not sure if this is a swap. Dont see to many of them, but they are out there.

Theres a idle/air screw on the back of the throttle body, adjustable from the top. It may have a black rubber plug in it, but most times its gone.

Might want to check the timing on it also. Theres a green test connector that needs to be plugged in to check timing. It could either be in the engine bay by the drivers side strut tower/windshield wiper or under the steering column next to the ECU.

"A lot of ghetto mods have been done to the engine, including a Volvo intercooler."

 

"The thing hauls rump roast."

 

Hummm. You bought it for that and drive it like you stole it...is that a problem?

 

I'm going to go read the rest now.

 

Doug

Welcome to the board, I have an RS coupe myself. I am going to be the first to warn you about the headgaskets on the EA82T, be forewarned.

If you're in truckee and need cheap parts, the pick n pull in Sparks is subie heaven and Carson City rocks too. Welcome to the USMB.

 

Daniel

The Sedan is normally a 4dr, this car is called a 3dr so it wont get mixed up with the earlier EA81 Hatchback.

They did have a 3dr, on demand 4wd with a turbo, so I'm not sure if this is a swap. Dont see to many of them, but they are out there.

Theres a idle/air screw on the back of the throttle body, adjustable from the top. It may have a black rubber plug in it, but most times its gone.

Might want to check the timing on it also. Theres a green test connector that needs to be plugged in to check timing. It could either be in the engine bay by the drivers side strut tower/windshield wiper or under the steering column next to the ECU.

 

My mistake, this is the 1988 3 door GL, with a swapped engine (EA82T) from an 88' RX

 

Thanks for the help, i'll check those out! Glad it's so cheap too!

If you're in truckee and need cheap parts, the pick n pull in Sparks is subie heaven and Carson City rocks too. Welcome to the USMB.

 

Daniel

 

Thanks man! Yeah I know the PicknPull in Sparks, its HUGE. I'll check it out next time I'm home.