so im getting an XT turbo this week, the thing is, i want to keep this car and restore it, it´s recently been converted to 5sp with hi/lo and put in it another less mileage engine.

 

the thing is...

 

after all the horror stories i´ve heard about the EA82T can someone please tell me if this engine is going to last if i treat it right and service it ?

 

i´ve already decided that if it blows i am going to be swapping to EJ but still thats something i don't want to do.

 

it has a digital dash, is that somthing that can be used with an EJ series engine ?

Depends on how it was treated...

My old vortex xt turbo was still running after it had done 300,000kms and the motor hadnt been touched.

it was well looked after since new.

it was starting to be a little bit tired.

Most importantly is getting and keeping the cooling system in top condition, the turbo adds a lot of extra heat and these engines don't like heat. Replace all coolant hoses (also the hard to reach under the turbo).

 

And if you treat it right (not doing 40miles full throttle/boost) it will stay together. But it will need more maintenance than a newer engine or a non turbo engine of this vintage to keep running properly.

 

It is NOT true that this engine explodes when you look at it Oh and it doesn't take to modifying very well, keep it stock or expect to be swapping/spending alot.

they aren't horrible engines, but you need to be strategic about it if you want to keep it reliable.

 

keep in mind this is a 20 year old vehicle. all of the seals, gaskets, hoses and anything rubber are old and have a good chance of not being in great condition.

 

and it's a turbo, there's probably a good chance it's been run hot before - leaking coolant, old radiator, bad hose, clamp, etc.

 

your best bet is to plan on replacing every maintenance item you can get your hands on -all your turbo oil and coolant hoses and clamps. any coolant hose you can replace is a good thing. rebuild the turbo if you feel up to it.

 

i drive XT6's as daily drivers - 120 mile commuter car, driving 700 miles back and forth in college, and they were very reliable. but i also do a lot of prevenative maintenance.

 

oh, and you're going to love subaruxt.com/forum - come visit us over there ASAP!

 

Gary

talking about modding, the only thing i was thinking about was adding an intercooler and a oil cooler, that could only do the beast good, wont it ?

 

i can rebuild a motor no problem, the thing troubling me is that i don´t want to deal with a cracked head, there are only about 10 (yeah TEN) running EA82t´s in the whole country....

99% of EA82T heads have cracks between the valves, so dont be surprised or panic. Its only catastrophic if the crack goes into the exhaust port where the water jacket is.

Installing a IC is a good idea, but a oil cooler isnt mandatory. What is the average temp there? I imagine it does not get real hot, unless your close to the some of the thermal activity around there.

99% of EA82T heads have cracks between the valves, so dont be surprised or panic. Its only catastrophic if the crack goes into the exhaust port where the water jacket is.

Installing a IC is a good idea, but a oil cooler isnt mandatory. What is the average temp there? I imagine it does not get real hot, unless your close to the some of the thermal activity around there.

 

yeah, we are experimenting with nuclear city heating here

 

no no i just thought cooler oil = cooler turbo = cooler engine

 

am am going to replace all the coolant hoses, thermostat and a few other things.

is the radiator the same as the other EA82´s ?

you'll want the dual core turbo radiators i think. there are differences.

+1 for the intercooler. However, if you install an intercooler its a good idea to install a bypass valve. The EA82T in stock form has no BOV or BPV, just a contraption that keeps the throttle body from slamming shut, but it doesn't do a good job if you add an intercooler.

 

A Saab 900 Intercooler & Bypass valve are what I used on my EA82T and it worked great.

 

Here is a shot of my intercooler installed:

 

Here is a shot of the bypass valve and how I routed it:

 

If your XT has a spider intake, things may look alittle different, but the same applies. Neither of these modifications will cause any harm. They, in theory, should do only good. However, if you start to mess with the boost and fuel ratio's then the EA82T gets crabby & doesnt play well.

Spider intake with WRX IC and recirc valve. Still need to hook the recirc valve up.

Seeing how yours is a XT, application will be different. You may have to go with a front mount or a smaller unit placed off to the side.

thank´s for the pics guys,

i have no intention of tuning this, i just want to keep it stock with some upgrades only to keep it running.

 

still, i cant wait to get her

 

this is one of only 4 left in the country and the only one running