Hello,

 

I am working on a project involving putting the chassis of a Subaru underneath a different vehicle.

 

This vehicle will be used to off-roading as well as a good highway driver.

 

I will be using the EA-81 engine.

 

I read that the 5MT transmission will bolt onto the EA-81, and is a 5 speed, dual range transmission. Can anyone verify this?

 

Also, a side question: Do the EA-71 and EA-81 share the same mounting patterns?

 

 

Thanks!!

You do know that Subaru's are a uni body and thus have no chassis per say? Do you mean just use all the suspension and running gear?

 

The 5sp can me bolted to the EA81, but you need to have an EA81 with 225mm version clutch (84 onwards I believe) and you will need the EA82's (what the 5sp comes from) friction plate. Then you will need to space the starter motor 4 to 6 mm out from the gearbox, I just used two washers and it works great.

 

Yes, EA81 and EA71 are the same. Although some EA71's I believe had a top centre mount starter motor and they don't interchange I think.

Yes, you're right, just the running gear and suspension. Sounds like a bit of work to make the 5 speed dual range work. I just found out that some of the 4 speeds have a taller 4th gear than the 5 speeds do in 5th-the only thing I need a 5 speed for is better gas mileage, so I guess that option may be out for now.

Heres the gear specs.

 

 

The 5sp is much nicer to shift gears in. Has a better shifter mechanisim that doesn't wear out so fast and badly, and is better on fuel for slower city driving because you don't use 2nd so much instead you can use 3rd and get good torque.

 

Its all up to you though.

 

Make sure you update us on here with the result from this VW/Subaru swapsie!

You bet I will. I have fallen on hard times and only have a motorcycle right now, but I have a good job prospect, and nobody said I cannot chip away at this a little at a time. I need the EA81, and obviously the tranny. It would uncomplicate things if I could just use the EA71, but sadly nothing with a dual range will bolt up to it. This project is going to come through, I have already obtained a VW shell and pan with matching vins so I am pretty stoked about that.

Thats weird you say nothing D/R will bolt to the EA71. I could of sworn I've seen a EA71 car with 4sp D/R box. And I can't see how the 5sp shouldn't work if the 4sp does. Unless its all about the clutch. I've never dealt with EA71's before but I have seen them in wrecking yards.