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I was wondering if anybody could suguest a good cheap engine converstion for my 89 sportswagon as I am finding the old ea82 a bit sluggish & not to much in the way of performance upgrades....

Thanks

The EJ series of engines can be made to fit. You could fit anything from an EJ16 (similar power to the EA82) right up to the EJ25, or if you wanted more go than that you could fit the EJ20T.

The sky is the limit, but be warned these conversions aren't for the faint of heart. They will require a lot of time, effort, money and beer.

For a cheap upgrade, asuming your current engine is vaguely healthy, your looking for a weber, a higher flowing exhaust, higher powered coil, increased spark plug gap, advanced timing to ~12 degrees BTDC.

Total cost under $500

Pro's: No compliance or legal issues, relatively simple.
Con's: Only goes so far, relies on current engine being healthy...ish

You could also look into getting a 2nd hand or reconditioned engine then do these mods.

For a larger performance upgrade as Tim has said you need to look at an EJ series engine.

This requires a gearbox adaptor to use the current gearbox or modified driveshafts to use a mtaching gearbox. You'll also need modified or custom engine and/or gearbox cross members. Then there is the decision of using a matching or after market ECU and the wiring there of. Also if you choose a DOHC engine you may need to modify your chasis rails which I have been told the RTA is cracking down on big time lately.

In NSW anything upto a non turbo EJ20 can be fitted and complianced without further modifications.

Total cost: from $1,000 if you score major bargains and do all work yourself, realistically looking at $3,000-5,000 for parts and upto $10,000 to pay someone to install and provide parts. Turbo engines also recquire brake upgrades.

Pro's: Depending on engine serious performance upgrade, fuel injected, more modern engine,

Con's: It's a big job, compliance issues larger and turbo engines.

Have a look at some of the threads in the conversion section to get an idea of the scope of this project.

Work out a budget, work out what you want to achieve.

If you want am easy upgrade just buy an impreza or liberty, cost from around $4,000.

Jordan.

Just a note on advancing timing guys, why would it be that my EA81 pings when I set timing at even 10degrees BTDC with 98octane?

Best I can do it 8degrees on 98octane, if I use normal unleaded then I have to set it between 0-2degrees

Do you have a points dizzy? if yes what condition are the points in?

Also check for a vacuum leak, this can cause it to run lean and ping like crazy.

Jordan.

Mars bar,

Go for an RX turbo motor, easy conversion, bolts straight up, hardest part is the loom but you could get someone to help with that.
I had and I miss a Sportswagon 1990 with this set up with TD04 WRX turbo and TMIC with Microtech Fuel only ECU and it was brilliant even useing only 7lb boost.
Hardest part would be finding a good motor that is not in need of a rebuild.

Majordad

majordad wrote:Go for an RX turbo motor, easy conversion, bolts straight up

Nuf said.

Good power increase and bacng for buck, cheep n easy... if you want more still once this is in then look at intercooler and chip.