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Hi All...

For those of you who dont already know, I drive a 1978 subaru 'not fugly' brumby, and I love him...

I was under the impression that the motor that he had in him (before I did a head gasket) was an EA81, and that, that motor was the orig.... Now.. the motor I put in after that I believe is an EA71... So whats my question.. I cant really remember actually...

Oh Yeah... what should the orig motor be ? Is it the EA81 ? How do I find out?
Is it worth getting reco'd ?
Reco'd is better than rebuilt yeah ?

Appreciate your patience !!

Cheers all !

=Carlie

ea71 is the o.g I reckon. ea81 is from 79-84 gl/my's. (I may be corrected)

You could upgrade to ea82 or ea82t without too much hassel, or even better you could go ej--.

I can't understand why they called that model "Ugly Series" as I think they look great

But to answer your question, your model should have come with a EA71 (1600) which should be on your compliance tags (silver plate in the engine bay) I believe the EA81 was not available until the next generation utes were made, I believe that weren't released until 1981 or 1982. Now the easiest way to see if your car has an EA71 (1600) or the EA81 (1800), is to look at the back of the engine and see if the starter motor on the gearbox is right on top (1600) or across to the passenger side (1800).

If your engine is a EA71 then I reckon a rebuild is the best way to go (subject to pricing) but if someone has converted it to the EA81, then you should be able to find a good secondhand one around.

Hope this helps and best of luck with the new engine. Keep us up to date with your progress

Definately check your compliance plate. It will be either "1600" or "1800".
I'm not 100% sure but Subaru might have fitted EA81s at the model change to MY. Cannot verify this but I have seen a few EA81s under the bonnet. My old L88 (which is a much better model designation than "ugly") came with an EA71 and single range 4 speed. I fitted a 1990 model electronic ignition EA81 and dual range 4 speed to it fairly easily.

To me, rebuilt and reconditioned are the same thing. Others might have differing views....

There should also be a fairly easy to spot [EA81] or [EA71] embossed stamp on the top of the block, I think usually down behind the alternator - should be able to spot it fairly easily with a torch.

From what I know, Subaru did make (i think for one year 1980) a L88 brumby with a EA81 and D/range, the first MY was in 1979 in a wagon and sedan the Brumby did not change to the MY shape till 1981 if my brain is working right.

Rik.

Thats right

The late 78 may have been a ea81 (if it is actually an 89 model)

If it has a EA81 I would rebuild that and put that back as they are a much better motor and parts are easy to get as they were made up to 92 in late brumbys.

Cool... Thankyou all.. I will check it out and go from there..
~Carlie

riksta wrote:From what I know, Subaru did make (i think for one year 1980) a L88 brumby with a EA81 and D/range, the first MY was in 1979 in a wagon and sedan the Brumby did not change to the MY shape till 1981 if my brain is working right.

Rik.

Prize for the most correct answer! The MY Brumby would have been introduced late in 1981 as a 1982 model.

Carlie if your Brumby is from 1978 it would have originally had an EA71.