Which engine for 89 Vortex

Vortex75 · Post by **Vortex75** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 11:38 pm

Hi, I'm looking at doing a conversion in a year or so, I know it's a way off but I wanted some opinions as to which engine would be best to use. I've heard the EJ20 is the way to go but I wouldn't have a clue. I want to get one with a turbo or put on it. Which one would fit with the least mods? My XT is auto so I'm thinking it might be easier to get it auto and get a auto box that goes with the engine I end up choosing. Thanks for any thoughts.
Canny

justincase41 · Post by **justincase41** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 1:39 pm

First thing is research your local transport authority laws and regs. An example is what can be approved and registered in NSW is different to what can be done in QLD as each and every state is different.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 6:58 pm

justincase41 wrote:First thing is research your local transport authority laws and regs. An example is what can be approved and registered in NSW is different to what can be done in QLD as each and every state is different.

Just to show how archaic this country is - with Australian Design Rules you;d think the ADR's would apply the same in every state, territory and province !
Wonder if Hutt River Province requires engineering certificates ?

Vortex75 · Post by **Vortex75** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 7:05 pm

I know a few Subaru wagons that have the 2.2 engines put in to them and passed no problems so as long as its done and signed off by an engineer it'll be right. Tasmania has the least strictest laws when it comes to this.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun Mar 16, 2014 7:06 am

The only down side I read of EJ in the Vortices is engine clearing bonnet, or not, rather, until an increase of tyre top to wheel arch distance increases with spacers fitted between engine cross member and chassis rails etc. Others have done bonnet scoops - to hide the dents

Vortex75 · Post by **Vortex75** » Sun Mar 16, 2014 10:32 am

Ok. I'm a bit confused about the EA82. People seem to bag the hell out of it on here, saying its gutless, doesn't rev and overheating. I find this the complete opposite with my EA82. I know I have the turbo model but it revs hard as, goes hard and has never over heated. Think I might stick with the EA82T. 100hp my arse.
Canny

brumbyrunner · Post by **brumbyrunner** » Sun Mar 16, 2014 8:57 pm

The EA82 gets a bad rap due to it's weak head design. It replaced the EA81, one of the toughest petrol motors ever built, so had big shoes to fill from the start.

The head and head gaskets are a problem on the carby motors, the injected motors and both the turbo versions, but if you follow these two very important rules you'll be ok.

No.1 - don't let it get hot. Ever. The EA81 can boil, cook, seize up, cool down, start again and go for years. The EA82 will only let you overheat it once....

No.2 - Watch your AFRs. If you play with compression, turbos, boost, injectors or even air filters you better know what you're doing. Or you could just leave it alone and enjoy it. Bottom line, if you want to go faster, go EJ.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun Mar 16, 2014 10:22 pm

I tidied my EA82T up 100,000km agao, still lovin' it, telling self that when rego runs out in a month, it comes off the road for good as an L sedan, morphs into my Brumby, a project supposed to happen in 2006, just been such a beauty to drive as a test mule, kept it is it was ......

FujiFan · Post by **FujiFan** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 10:45 am

The EA82 family of engines are good, not great. The carbed example in my wagon is going as good as ever. No reason why you can't be happy with it.
+1 for brumbyrunners points.
Excellence in maintenance and servicing will see it run for yonks!

J.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 9:40 pm

and unlike some local manufacturers, the agents or dealerscan get genuine bits and pieces, sometime from the mother land - but can still get them and reasonable price for the quality for something a quarter of a century old !