May 10, 200916 yr For $750. Not too bad of shape, came with some extra parts, and a topper. Supposedly it dies after about 30 minutes of driving, but starts back up right away. Haven't had that happen yet to me though. And I couldn't find 5th gear. Was a 4speed an option on this thing, and maybe the trans was swapped? Shifter is quite loose, but I would think I could at least find the gear! Can't say I have tried sitting still with the engine off yet though. Anything else I should look out for on this thing? Haven't dealt with 80s Subarus yet.
May 10, 200916 yr Author Its a Brat, they never came with a 5 speed. It has a 4 speed-Bill Oh... then the shift knob has been replaced at some point. Like I said, new to the 80s Subarus.
May 10, 200916 yr There are some that have replaced the 4 speed tranny with a 5 speed out of a later model EA82 vehicle. A worthwhile option. Write-ups can be found. As long as you're new to Brats, don't try the 4WD mode on pavement. It doesn't work and can damage the gearbox....only on dirt or with snow on the ground. Welcome to the world of Subaru. My son introduced me to his Brat 10+ years ago and I'm thoroughly hooked.
May 10, 200916 yr Author There are some that have replaced the 4 speed tranny with a 5 speed out of a later model EA82 vehicle. A worthwhile option. Write-ups can be found. As long as you're new to Brats, don't try the 4WD mode on pavement. It doesn't work and can damage the gearbox....only on dirt or with snow on the ground. Welcome to the world of Subaru. My son introduced me to his Brat 10+ years ago and I'm thoroughly hooked. Ah, 4WD thing I did not know, though I assumed it might be that way since it has a 4lo, unlike my Legacy which is obviously AWD.
May 11, 200916 yr Ah, 4WD thing I did not know, though I assumed it might be that way since it has a 4lo, unlike my Legacy which is obviously AWD.If it has a 4lo, it has a 4hi too. Try to find a copy of How To Keep Your Subaru Alive, it will give you some enjoyable reading and some of the basics that you need to know if you're doing your own work.
May 11, 200916 yr I think the most important thing to know is that I build lifts for these... Not really but it is an interesting tidbit Just dont overheat it or run it out of oil and it should run forever -Bill
May 11, 200916 yr Check out this thread: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=98627&highlight=Subaru+alive
May 11, 200916 yr Supposedly it dies after about 30 minutes of driving, but starts back up right away. Haven't had that happen yet to me though. When it happens to you, post back up. Check first to see if it's missing spark or fuel. Both fixes are pretty common and well known.
May 11, 200916 yr Author If it has a 4lo, it has a 4hi too. Try to find a copy of How To Keep Your Subaru Alive, it will give you some enjoyable reading and some of the basics that you need to know if you're doing your own work. Well I'm quite familar with the Legacy, as I've been working on them since 2001. Just haven't ventured to the old school stuff before. When it happens to you, post back up. Check first to see if it's missing spark or fuel. Both fixes are pretty common and well known. Hasn't stalled, though I did feel it miss a couple times just now on the way home from a friends house. It's raining out, so tomorrow when it's nice I'm going to check the distributor and whatnot. The miss was quite evident too, and only seemed to happen(could be coincidence) when I was engine braking.
May 11, 200916 yr Lets not overlook the obvious if the picture holds true to the interior etc.. Nice find! Lots of people in here dreaming of a $750. Brat... I would have bought it at a heart beat... (as long as low to no rust) I love my 84 Brat with the roof windows etc... This weekend I had abunch of kids (18-19 yrs) at a gas station asking me what a "Brat" is? sorry I didn't have my seats in the back or that would have really spun them up... and yes, assure you do/don't have a 5 speed.. if it didn't go in then probably don't. (just changed the knob) The only real difference is the 5 speed is shorter then the 4 speed but that 5th gear makes a world of difference.. I highly recommend the switch once you have had time to bond with your new Brat... All Hail the Brat... That is all.... Welcome to the old school section... Edited May 11, 200916 yr by Indrid cold
May 11, 200916 yr That looks like the one that "The Yeti" bought from a lady out in Byers a couple years ago. Same color and same topper. If it is it has some rust on the shock towers but overall is in pretty ok shape. I might be interested in buying the topper if you want to get rid of it.
May 11, 200916 yr Nice Brat! ... ... I Like it! Could I Ask if the 5 Speed Gearbox was Never an Option for any Brat? Kind Regards.
May 11, 200916 yr Author That looks like the one that "The Yeti" bought from a lady out in Byers a couple years ago. Same color and same topper. If it is it has some rust on the shock towers but overall is in pretty ok shape. I might be interested in buying the topper if you want to get rid of it. I do believe you are correct. I bought it in Arvada from a lady who was going to restore it. And there is some rust that's been seen to on the rear shock towers.
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