Brumby engine quick fix options

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 5:39 pm

I have the chance to get a really good Brumby fairly cheap, but it has engine problems.

Now the problem is that I will have 1 week (in 3 weeks time) to fix this so that it is good enough to drive 1300kms home and it will only be a temporary fix because it will be getting an EJ motor when I get home.

Now the best option will be to put in a known good engine but getting one might be a problem. So I have a few questions :

1. Does anyone have a good EA81 available in Perth for a reasonable price ?

2. Is a carbied EA82 pretty much a straight bolt-in and drive away?

3. If so does anyone have a good EA82 available?

4. Given that I have a complete EJ equipped car available in Perth - how long would it take to do the conversion, assuming all necessary bits and pieces will be available and some work can be started before I arrive.

5. Should I try and fix the EA81 - the seller does not know what is wrong with it but it does drive.

Any thoughts ?

INEEDABEER · Post by **INEEDABEER** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 5:56 pm

You can't use the EA82 as it will not fit between the chassis rails without modification.
Sorry cant answer your other q's.

justincase41 · Post by **justincase41** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 6:27 pm

What are the sign's and symptoms of these engine related problems? ie Head gasket issues, cv joint issues. 1300Km is a lONG way the drive in a Brumby when there are potential issues which could become and expensive trip on the back on a Flat Bed tow truck.

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 6:42 pm

INEEDABEER wrote:You can't use the EA82 as it will not fit between the chassis rails without modification.
Sorry cant answer your other q's.

Are you sure ? EJ motors fit OK don't they so why wouldn't EA82 ?

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 6:43 pm

justincase41 wrote:What are the sign's and symptoms of these engine related problems? ie Head gasket issues, cv joint issues. 1300Km is a lONG way the drive in a Brumby when there are potential issues which could become and expensive trip on the back on a Flat Bed tow truck.

No idea - the seller is a girl who knows absolutely nothing about it and I will be buying it remotely. I have seen photos though and it looks ok for the money. Thats why I thought it would be easier just to swap it straight out for a known good motor.

GOD · Post by **GOD** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 7:00 pm

niterida wrote:Are you sure ? EJ motors fit OK don't they so why wouldn't EA82 ?

The timing gear on EA82s was basically an afterthought, and not packaged very well. EA82s are wider than SOHC EJs.

I wouldn't like to count on getting a conversion finished and ready for a big trip in under a week. Even if you have things ready to go, shit invariably happens to upset your schedule.

Try to find out more about what's wrong with the EA81, and see about getting it good enough to drive home.

Dane.

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:51 pm

I'd bring tools and stuff and go there when you pick it up, It might be a small thing rather big thing! could be dizzy that is playing up? who knows...
If you really wanna know before you go down is ask her to take it to the mechanic's and get it checked out - but its a risk because he'll tell her if its a small problem and change the price!?
Cheers
AP

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:17 pm

AlpineRaven wrote:I'd bring tools and stuff and go there when you pick it up, It might be a small thing rather big thing! could be dizzy that is playing up? who knows...
If you really wanna know before you go down is ask her to take it to the mechanic's and get it checked out - but its a risk because he'll tell her if its a small problem and change the price!?
Cheers
AP

Cars on the other side of the country - its either buy it as is unseen now or let somebody else get it. Its only just been advertised but I am still surprised it wasn't sold it is that good a price.

90brumby · Post by **90brumby** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:35 pm

a ej conversion is a fair bit of work but if u have everythin organised 4 it u could probably do it in a weekend

the ea81s are fairly relialble engines not much goes wrong with them i would attempt to fix the ea81 here in peth or swap it out for another ea81 probably ur best option

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:42 pm

niterida wrote:Cars on the other side of the country - its either buy it as is unseen now or let somebody else get it. Its only just been advertised but I am still surprised it wasn't sold it is that good a price.

a gamble eh? Its worth taking a risk I guess.
Cheers
AP

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:43 pm

90brumby wrote:a ej conversion is a fair bit of work but if u have everythin organised 4 it u could probably do it in a weekend

the ea81s are fairly relialble engines not much goes wrong with them i would attempt to fix the ea81 here in peth or swap it out for another ea81 probably ur best option

If I do an EJ conversion it will be with the WRX gear that I have sitting down in Perth - just not sure I would be able to finish it and I'm screwed if we hit a snag and get delayed .....

The other problem is that even if I get it fixed withthe EA81 I stillneed to drive 1300ks with a trailer and all the WRX conversion bits which means quite a bit of weight

Thats why your car is looking tempting Tristan - it will pull that weight no problems and a lot of the hard work is already done for the turbo conversion.

90brumby · Post by **90brumby** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:50 pm

the ej20g quad cam will not fit into a standard height brumby with out cuttin the chasis rails not trying to make u buy my car but with the 6inch lift it LOOKS like a quad cam engine would actuall fit

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:55 pm

90brumby wrote:the ej20g quad cam will not fit into a standard height brumby with out cuttin the chasis rails not trying to make u buy my car but with the 6inch lift it LOOKS like a quad cam engine would actuall fit

Yeah having to cut the rails is not an issue

90brumby · Post by **90brumby** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:03 pm

did u get the email i sent u?

and i see ur issue with converting a car while u are in perth

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:11 pm

yep got the email. I am sitting here at the moment deciding what I sould do. Bascially have to make a decision by tomorrow morning if I am going to get the other one. From the photos it is in absolutely immaculate condition - been kept undercover and with a tonneau on all its life - no rust anywhere.
But the engine is such an unknown - I can maybe get 10 days in Perth to do a conversion or fix but that s still not much time.

The other thing is if I grab yours I can then put the WRX in a Liberty

90brumby · Post by **90brumby** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:32 pm

ill help u out that last email ill do that at 300 less than wat it says

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:41 pm

tempting................

maybe I should rephrase my question :

I have a choice of 3 Brumby's -

1. 90brumby's car with EJ22 etc - for around $4000

2. Stock standard white brumby with minimal rust, a dented LH front fender and a canopy - $1800

3. Repainted Brumby with immaculate body, brand new racing buckets but dodgy engine - $1800

Knowing that i have to get them to Exmouth towing a trailer with complete WRX running gear (engine, box, rear diff, front and rear suspension, complete interior and dash) OR do the conversion in Perth in less than 10 days - which one should I go for ? Decision has to be made by tomorrow morning.

GOD · Post by **GOD** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 11:05 pm

Do you want a project or do you want something like Tristan's ute that's mostly done?

And can you do body work? i.e. what premium is the immaculate body of no. 3 worth? The dodgy engine might have another 1300 km in it, even if it's burning oil/coolant/chemiweld all the way.

Is trailering one of them home an option?

Dane.

niterida · Post by **niterida** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 11:31 pm

GOD wrote:Do you want a project or do you want something like Tristan's ute that's mostly done?

And can you do body work? i.e. what premium is the immaculate body of no. 3 worth? The dodgy engine might have another 1300 km in it, even if it's burning oil/coolant/chemiweld all the way.

Is trailering one of them home an option?

Dane.

Project is OK

Body work is OK too - although I don't want to have to do too much. But I would prefer the immaculate body.

Trailering home is not an option - I am driving a vehicle down to Perth which is being left there, so whatever car I purchase is my transport home.

tony · Post by **tony** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 11:43 pm

I assume the brumby is in Perth.
It is possible to do an engine swap for the same engine in about 3 hours given enough red tops (lagers).

I could check it out for you if you like and give an opinion.

I WOULD NOT try to drive a dodgy car 130 k let alone 1300.
My ea82 died in 100k, started good, died, melted piston, cracked heads.
Don't worry about me buying it from under you, I have 4 cars and two rebuild projects, don't need any more for the moment, the threat of death awaits me if I bring another car home.