Leone compatability

Bren · Post by **Bren** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 7:50 pm

Hi all,
I have just picked up a Leone 1982 GLF-5 2-door and looked at a GL Sports Wagon 1986 today for parts. How compatable are the parts such as running gear, A/C and peor steering etc.
What other modifications are a must for this Leone?
Cheers
Bren

tim_81coupe · Post by **tim_81coupe** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:23 pm

Hello and welcome to the forums. Always good to see another GLF-5 owner, although mine's rusting away in a paddock I love the things to bits.... literally I guess.

The 86's motor (EA82) isn't really directly compatible with the EA81 in the GLF. Many argue the EA81 is superior. The 5 speed box can be swapped in with a fair bit of effort, however most if not all L series GL wagons are 4wd, and there's a fairly definite chance your GLF is 2wd. Various small bits and pieces can be directly swapped, others modified a little to fit but most of the major drivetrain and suspension components require a lot of effort to fit.
The A/C compressor might be able to be used, however nothing else in the A/C system will fit. The power steering is what I'd call extremely difficult to fit, certainly out of the question for a stock GLF.

My old GLF-5 had some modifications carried out that I feel are a must for any 2 door Leone. Ignore the black bonnet, that was a poor move on my part.

It was fitted with an EJ20G and 5 speed AWD gearbox from a 1993 turbo Legacy.

I miss it dearly. It was yellow stickered and I decided to pull it off the road for good. The running gear is now fitted to my 1982 wagon, which I have not got running yet.

Got any pictures of your car?

BaronVonChickenPants · Post by **BaronVonChickenPants** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:29 pm

For direct bolt on compatability, basically anything that looks the same is the same, any wagon, sedan, coupe pre 1985 and ANY brumby is compatible with your coupe.

Jordan.

Edit: I'll take an EA81 over an EA82 anyday as well

MUDRAT · Post by **MUDRAT** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:31 pm

Sorry Bren but I must defer to Tim's advice - there is not much that can be carried over between the two models as regards suspension, power steering etc.

GLf-5 is a great car however (I own a GLf Automatic and LOVE it). I would also happen to be one of those that believe the pushrod EA81 is a superior motor to OHC the EA82.

tim_81coupe · Post by **tim_81coupe** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:55 pm

I've had a bit more of a think about what modifications are really essential to the GLF-5 that are a little less complex than an EJ conversion. The only one I can think of is the interior light! Fit one from an L series (like that 86 wagon). The stock ones are lame and barely throw any light.

I also had semi-sealed beams and high output bulbs in my coupe, replacing the high beams only. The high / lows couldn't be swapped for some reason, can't remember what that was.

Bren · Post by **Bren** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:18 pm

Thanks for the replies.
I don't have any photos yet but will add when get around to it. It is very original and in good nick. Driven to the shops and back by some old man, (hold on that was my old man!!!) he bought it about five years ago from some old lady and it had only done 30 odd thousand Ks. The suspension needs doing and the cv joints. Are there any shockies that are good for the Leone - spring overs, or sports etc or are they pretty much standard, and what brands?
The carby on the subaru seems good - is it possible to put something like a weber on it get any better performance?

Cheers
Bren

BaronVonChickenPants · Post by **BaronVonChickenPants** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:58 pm

You can adapt the post '85 coilovers to the rear but it tends to make it sit very high, most people will recommend king springs and KYB shocks.

For performance options have a look here

Jordan.