Suck-Through Turbo's for EA81 N/A
Suck-Through Turbo's for EA81 N/A
Hi,
I've recently come across another idea about my engine (EA81), a gemini 2L turbo suck-through setup.
I was wondering if:
A) it was even possible?
B) it was practical?
C) it would require more than just a fuel pump, turbo, and turbo-carby?
D) it would be any good; and
E) if anyone has done it to an EA81 before?
my budget is rather dim, so i was wondering if it was an actual cheaper alternative to an EA82T or EJ20K/G that actually worked?
The carburettor in question is a CD175 or something, what turbo would go onto it?
I've recently come across another idea about my engine (EA81), a gemini 2L turbo suck-through setup.
I was wondering if:
A) it was even possible?
B) it was practical?
C) it would require more than just a fuel pump, turbo, and turbo-carby?
D) it would be any good; and
E) if anyone has done it to an EA81 before?
my budget is rather dim, so i was wondering if it was an actual cheaper alternative to an EA82T or EJ20K/G that actually worked?
The carburettor in question is a CD175 or something, what turbo would go onto it?
I reckon it's possible, an EA81 turbo might be a bit more practical though!
You should be able to get by with the original fuel pump, and if it's a suck-through setup I can't see why ye olde 32/36 Weber wouldn't work.
You could even use an engine-pipe and turbo from an EA82 turbo.
You should be able to get by with the original fuel pump, and if it's a suck-through setup I can't see why ye olde 32/36 Weber wouldn't work.
You could even use an engine-pipe and turbo from an EA82 turbo.
Monster Subaru sold to a good home!! Still a Subaru owner. Will try stay in the Ausubaru loop. Sorry 

I think a sidedraft Weber would be better like 40 DOCE. Do some googling for some similar blow throughs.
I do seem to remember the standard EA81 head design doent lend itself very well to boosting, as detination dur to port layout is the problem, not so with a Turbo head EA81T as they are different. Look for Steve - Rising Sun comments in earlier posts.
I do seem to remember the standard EA81 head design doent lend itself very well to boosting, as detination dur to port layout is the problem, not so with a Turbo head EA81T as they are different. Look for Steve - Rising Sun comments in earlier posts.
'03 Forester X, stock standard for now.
'89 EA82T Touring Wagon, 5-speed D/R, 14" alloy wheels, bullbar. (Past ride)
'81 MY wagon, 3" lift, 5-speed D/R, Weber, 14x27" tyres. (Past ride)
'89 EA82T Touring Wagon, 5-speed D/R, 14" alloy wheels, bullbar. (Past ride)
'81 MY wagon, 3" lift, 5-speed D/R, Weber, 14x27" tyres. (Past ride)
- tim_81coupe
- General Member
- Posts: 1693
- Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Perth
My 2c worth....
I'd hate to try and tune a carburettered turbocharged engine. You'd have to play around with jet sizes for ages to get it right, and at the end of the day you'd still end up with a poor tune compared to an EFI motor. The factory EA81T's are EFI, as well as having a different head design to help prevent detonation.
The cost involved in doing all this would be a fair bit, remember if you're pioneering a conversion (ie have noone to help) it will cost you a whole lot more than if its a tried and true swap. I'm all for crazy conversions and definitely love seeing someone work outside the square, however I feel on this one the costs outweigh the gains.
I won't harp on about an EJ conversion too much, its obviously something you have given thought to. The cheaper option is simply an EA81 rebuild, maybe get a performance cam, shave the heads a little and freshen the old girl up. Won't go a whole lot faster than it does now but its guaranteed to be more reliable and even produce similar HP figures compared to a homemade turbo setup....
I'd hate to try and tune a carburettered turbocharged engine. You'd have to play around with jet sizes for ages to get it right, and at the end of the day you'd still end up with a poor tune compared to an EFI motor. The factory EA81T's are EFI, as well as having a different head design to help prevent detonation.
The cost involved in doing all this would be a fair bit, remember if you're pioneering a conversion (ie have noone to help) it will cost you a whole lot more than if its a tried and true swap. I'm all for crazy conversions and definitely love seeing someone work outside the square, however I feel on this one the costs outweigh the gains.
I won't harp on about an EJ conversion too much, its obviously something you have given thought to. The cheaper option is simply an EA81 rebuild, maybe get a performance cam, shave the heads a little and freshen the old girl up. Won't go a whole lot faster than it does now but its guaranteed to be more reliable and even produce similar HP figures compared to a homemade turbo setup....
82 MY Wagon, EJ20G
87 RX, EJ20G
89 Brumby, EA81
12 BRZ, FA20
87 RX, EJ20G
89 Brumby, EA81
12 BRZ, FA20
I put one together with a pair of SU's.
Screamed and wouldn't idle.
Good for WOT applications like hovercraft or jet boats.
Screamed and wouldn't idle.
Good for WOT applications like hovercraft or jet boats.
1989 Subaru WonderBrumby II
EJ22 Dual range AWD lifted, widened and much happier now thanks very much.
1991 L Series wagon, white and perfectly normal apart from the ticking, no I think that is normal.
Jet boat..webbered EA81 with a hybrid tin dish welded and glued to it.
EJ22 Dual range AWD lifted, widened and much happier now thanks very much.
1991 L Series wagon, white and perfectly normal apart from the ticking, no I think that is normal.
Jet boat..webbered EA81 with a hybrid tin dish welded and glued to it.
- Gannon
- Senior Member
- Posts: 4580
- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Bowraville, Mid Nth Coast, NSW
There was an ea81 turbo hatch from america that was used in the movie "Canon Ball Run" The car was known as "Quattro San"
It had a draw throught turbo setup that was designed by students at a Washington unerversity.
I will see if i can dig up some info
It had a draw throught turbo setup that was designed by students at a Washington unerversity.
I will see if i can dig up some info
Current rides: 2016 Mitsubishi Triton GLS & 2004 Forester X
Ongoing Project/Toy: 1987 RX Turbo EA82T, Speeduino ECU, Coil-pack ignition, 440cc Injectors, KONI adjustale front struts, Hybrid L Series/ Liberty AWD 5sp
Past rides: 92 L series turbo converted wagon, 83 Leone GL Sedan, 2004 Liberty GT Sedan & 2001 Outback
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Ongoing Project/Toy: 1987 RX Turbo EA82T, Speeduino ECU, Coil-pack ignition, 440cc Injectors, KONI adjustale front struts, Hybrid L Series/ Liberty AWD 5sp
Past rides: 92 L series turbo converted wagon, 83 Leone GL Sedan, 2004 Liberty GT Sedan & 2001 Outback
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- Suby Wan Kenobi
- General Member
- Posts: 1914
- Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Sunny Godwin Beach Qld
- Suby Wan Kenobi
- General Member
- Posts: 1914
- Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Sunny Godwin Beach Qld
Yeah I've seen a few on v8s and by all reports they run just as well as any other carby engine. Just never could get my head around the practicality side.
Kerazy, I reckon a carby EA81t is a good idea and I think you should give it a go.
Kerazy, I reckon a carby EA81t is a good idea and I think you should give it a go.
Monster Subaru sold to a good home!! Still a Subaru owner. Will try stay in the Ausubaru loop. Sorry 

- Suby Wan Kenobi
- General Member
- Posts: 1914
- Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Sunny Godwin Beach Qld
from what ive gathered, i wish it was. i could probably get the same result as a single 32/36 weber and a new muffler if i tried to do it, but i just like the feel of a turbo, as well as the sound. what sorta power would someone get out of a weber? at some point EJ20K would be goin in it, but til then, its weber unless i can find an EA82T n try to install it myself. so what can i get out of a weber?
- Suby Wan Kenobi
- General Member
- Posts: 1914
- Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Sunny Godwin Beach Qld
- Suby Wan Kenobi
- General Member
- Posts: 1914
- Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Sunny Godwin Beach Qld