Anyone familiar to mid 80's XT turbo's?

Muiretta · Post by **Muiretta** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 8:56 pm

Iam thinking of getting a 1986 Subaru XT Turbo and
am interested in learning about the reliablitity of the
engines. Any idea's? Also, Could I swap motors and
put in a bigger powerplant from a Legacy? Thanks

thehookeup · Post by **thehookeup** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:21 am

I dont know much about those older turbos, but i do know that if the turbo in that thing hasn't blown yet, its close.

here is a link to a company that makes adapter plates for a EA motor to a newer style EJ motor. Other than wiring this is the biggest thing you would need.

http://offroadingsubarus.com/ej22swap_f ... ngine.html

PhyrraM · Post by **PhyrraM** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:44 am

The early motors are not usually as stout as EJ series motors. The heads are known to crack occasionally, but never having owned one, I can't say exactly how common of a problem it was.

An EJ series motor will swap in fairly easily. There are a few write-ups on the Ultimate Subaru BBS on EA to EJ swaps.

If you can source XT6 hubs and knuckles (5-lugs and newer brakes compatable), you can do pretty much a complete WRX swap.

Caboobaroo · Post by **Caboobaroo** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 8:42 am

The EA82Ts have major headgasket issues and if overheated, will crack the water passage that runs through the head, into the exhaust port.

I'm currently swapping an EJ22T into my '87 RX for A) reliability and B) more upgradable parts. I would also recommend doing the 5-lug conversion as well. I have the XT6 rear hubs and brakes on the car, XT6 front lower control arms but I'm also using '96 Impreza front knuckles, brakes, axles and this also gave me an option for upgradable suspension as well. Check out www.ultimatesubaru.org and start browsing around there. you'll find most, if not all the info you need for these types of conversions.

zak78 · Post by **zak78** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 10:05 am

Regarding the reliability of the stock engine, a friend of mine had an XT Turbo FWD that he beat the crap out of, daily, for about three years. Nothing but crazy launches, speed shifting, top speed runs (limiter at 108, hehe), and he never broke anything. It was an amazing car.

Numbchux · Post by **Numbchux** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:58 am

The EA82t is probably the least reliable subaru motor ever made. they definitely tried too hard with it. That said, it's still better than most motors out there.

as for upgrades. well, it's on the same platform as my loyale.....

Caboobaroo · Post by **Caboobaroo** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:28 am

Numbchux wrote:The EA82t is probably the least reliable subaru motor ever made. they definitely tried too hard with it. That said, it's still better than most motors out there.

as for upgrades. well, it's on the same platform as my loyale.....

Picture whore....

kingbobdole · Post by **kingbobdole** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:28 am

Hey!
This is a thread about XTs!

As far as engine swapping XT's goes... ditch that tranny too! Go EJ all around... or EG or be like me... EZ

ohh yes Russ... I'm here too... watching you...

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Anyone familiar to mid 80's XT turbo's?

Anyone familiar to mid 80's XT turbo's?