The Ruby Project
The Ruby Project
Hey Ausubaru,
Been reading on this site for awhile now and have been able to find information on almost everything to do with my car of choice.. The L series wagon, i have 2 white ones.
I finally decided to actually get around to "publishing" my project on here. I have been taking pictures but have been putting them on facebook and never got around to sharing them with other people who actually like L series!
The story goes like this..
Bought a 1990 L Wagon with an apparent blown head gasket with spare engine for $1000.. named her Ruby. (yes, im one of those guys who names their cars)
The plan is too fix the original engine. I would love a EJ but i just cant afford it yet but will come later and i also wanted to have a tinker with the EA82. 3" inch lift, 14's, bullbar, spotties and personalisations..
This was around october last year. Since then I have pulled the engine out and stripped down to the cylinder heads for testing and have a full gasket kit to put it together with. Pulled gearbox/put another gearbox in, put in new lower ball joints, swaybar with nolathanes, new front bearings, front cvs from my other L and front brake pads. Stripped out seats, floor cover, roof lining and side trims for cleaning and possibly painting still decided on interior modifications
Still to do:
Get cylinder heads tested and then put engine back together and put back in and try to get it running!
Put in lift kit and lengthen the steering link and swap the heavy duty suspension, bullbar, spotties, roof racks and 14" from my other beloved L (Lizzie is her name if you wondering)
The interior is going to be a little different to make it less of the dull grey/blue colour with no interesting features that is. Havent fully decided exactly what im doing but it wont be standard and i guarantee some people wont like it.. but i'll guess we'll see.
I'll have pictures eventually.. working that out atm..
Cheers for listening..
Wagonman.
Been reading on this site for awhile now and have been able to find information on almost everything to do with my car of choice.. The L series wagon, i have 2 white ones.
I finally decided to actually get around to "publishing" my project on here. I have been taking pictures but have been putting them on facebook and never got around to sharing them with other people who actually like L series!
The story goes like this..
Bought a 1990 L Wagon with an apparent blown head gasket with spare engine for $1000.. named her Ruby. (yes, im one of those guys who names their cars)
The plan is too fix the original engine. I would love a EJ but i just cant afford it yet but will come later and i also wanted to have a tinker with the EA82. 3" inch lift, 14's, bullbar, spotties and personalisations..
This was around october last year. Since then I have pulled the engine out and stripped down to the cylinder heads for testing and have a full gasket kit to put it together with. Pulled gearbox/put another gearbox in, put in new lower ball joints, swaybar with nolathanes, new front bearings, front cvs from my other L and front brake pads. Stripped out seats, floor cover, roof lining and side trims for cleaning and possibly painting still decided on interior modifications
Still to do:
Get cylinder heads tested and then put engine back together and put back in and try to get it running!
Put in lift kit and lengthen the steering link and swap the heavy duty suspension, bullbar, spotties, roof racks and 14" from my other beloved L (Lizzie is her name if you wondering)
The interior is going to be a little different to make it less of the dull grey/blue colour with no interesting features that is. Havent fully decided exactly what im doing but it wont be standard and i guarantee some people wont like it.. but i'll guess we'll see.
I'll have pictures eventually.. working that out atm..
Cheers for listening..
Wagonman.
- RSR 555
- Elder Member
- Posts: 6951
- Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:42 am
- Location: ATM... stuck in Rockingham
Welcome Wagonman and hope to see you out and about on a trip
As for EJ conversion, I have voted EJ22 for many reasons but the best reason is you can buy them cheap. You should be able to pick up a unlic'd Liberty (early 90s model) for around $1000. This would then give you everything you'll need for the conversion.
Sounds like you have a bit of work infront of you with your EA engine, so hope that works out all well for ya.
Cheers,
Paul
As for EJ conversion, I have voted EJ22 for many reasons but the best reason is you can buy them cheap. You should be able to pick up a unlic'd Liberty (early 90s model) for around $1000. This would then give you everything you'll need for the conversion.
Sounds like you have a bit of work infront of you with your EA engine, so hope that works out all well for ya.
Cheers,
Paul
You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
there is virtually no difference between the two. EJ20 you can probably find one newer with less kms. Really just comes down to what you come across.
EZ30 L series - Monsterwagon
https://www.ausubaru.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=26163
https://www.ausubaru.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=26163
Heres a few more pictures of the progress i've made in the last few months.
Cheers for the EJ opinions guys, i have plenty of time to decide and save up for..
Im leaning towards an EJ20 because of the 'newer' factor and it may easier to get licensed..eventually
Cheers for the EJ opinions guys, i have plenty of time to decide and save up for..
Im leaning towards an EJ20 because of the 'newer' factor and it may easier to get licensed..eventually
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- Engine apart small.jpg (92.62 KiB) Viewed 3007 times
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- Engine Pull small.jpg (88.52 KiB) Viewed 3007 times
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- Gearbox,engine bay small.jpg (91.65 KiB) Viewed 3005 times
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- new old gearbox small.jpg (92.04 KiB) Viewed 3003 times
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- Ruby front rh side small.jpg (88.24 KiB) Viewed 3005 times
I voted EJ22, As toonga said, better low revs torque, cheaper to get. You can still get pretty good Ej22. just need to look around:)
The project, EJ22 --->>> EJ25 Quad CAM:D touring wagon
Thinking of going on holidays on a little paradise island, Check out http://www.dodolidays.com
Thinking of going on holidays on a little paradise island, Check out http://www.dodolidays.com
a much lower kms and newer EJ20 probably better torque than an old clapped out EJ22 anyway. Besides, look up the standard specifications, it is virtually no difference at all when you compare the difference from the EA82!
If you can afford to recondition an EJ22 then naturally it's gonna be better, but it might be false economy.
If you can afford to recondition an EJ22 then naturally it's gonna be better, but it might be false economy.
EZ30 L series - Monsterwagon
https://www.ausubaru.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=26163
https://www.ausubaru.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=26163
- RSR 555
- Elder Member
- Posts: 6951
- Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:42 am
- Location: ATM... stuck in Rockingham
if newer is what you want then look at the EJ25 SOHC.. wouldn't cost you any more than a newer EJ20
You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
So many options to choose from hehe... Just put a H6 in and dont bother about the EJ's hahahahah:)
The project, EJ22 --->>> EJ25 Quad CAM:D touring wagon
Thinking of going on holidays on a little paradise island, Check out http://www.dodolidays.com
Thinking of going on holidays on a little paradise island, Check out http://www.dodolidays.com
- RSR 555
- Elder Member
- Posts: 6951
- Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:42 am
- Location: ATM... stuck in Rockingham
EJ22 = 9 votes (atm) and EJ20 = 1
Should tell you something I was thinking last night do you have a budget that you are planning to work with?
Should tell you something I was thinking last night do you have a budget that you are planning to work with?
You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
- Brumby Boy
- Junior Member
- Posts: 594
- Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Yea EZ30R only .7" longer than an EJ25, would be an epic project if you have the cash...guyph_01 wrote:So many options to choose from hehe... Just put a H6 in and dont bother about the EJ's hahahahah:)
Long live the 1990 Subaru Brumby 2" lifted and soon to be mig locked
RIP 1992 Brumby
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2507954
http://www.myspace.com/brumby_boy
few self-respecting ricers would spend the time to modify a Daewoo.
RIP 1992 Brumby
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2507954
http://www.myspace.com/brumby_boy
few self-respecting ricers would spend the time to modify a Daewoo.
As i said before im playing around with the EA82 just making it work and getting some experience from it until im ready to do the conversion.. "learning in a pool before swimming in the ocean"
Im looking to have a budget of about $2000 inc getting an engine and doing most of the work apart from the wiring loom cut down myself and hope to start on it next year some time.
Has anyone come across and done anything about the flimsy roof and its braces? Getting the roof to not pop up when you reach 100kmh?
Im thinking of cutting out those braces and putting in a better setup that supports the roof better as well as a custom roof lining.
Im looking to have a budget of about $2000 inc getting an engine and doing most of the work apart from the wiring loom cut down myself and hope to start on it next year some time.
Has anyone come across and done anything about the flimsy roof and its braces? Getting the roof to not pop up when you reach 100kmh?
Im thinking of cutting out those braces and putting in a better setup that supports the roof better as well as a custom roof lining.
- Brumby Boy
- Junior Member
- Posts: 594
- Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Townsville, Queensland, Australia
When your ready to do the EJ swap you could probably buy a whole car, I picked up a complete 1st gen lib for 300 bucks, needed a crankshaft but thats nothing for me, you could probably pick something up with a good motor for less than 1k, maybe even less than 500 if you buy one from the auctions, then you know you will have everything for the swap bar maybe an EFI pump
Is your L MPFI or Carb?
Is your L MPFI or Carb?
Long live the 1990 Subaru Brumby 2" lifted and soon to be mig locked
RIP 1992 Brumby
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2507954
http://www.myspace.com/brumby_boy
few self-respecting ricers would spend the time to modify a Daewoo.
RIP 1992 Brumby
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2507954
http://www.myspace.com/brumby_boy
few self-respecting ricers would spend the time to modify a Daewoo.
Yeah both of my L's are carby and im not sure of the set up needed for a EFI engine apart from the larger diametre return line.
I'll be keeping my eye out for a decent ej22 or ej20 wreck.. i know libertys have the 2.2 but what else has them?
hey guy, I'll chuck a H6 in there ay radiators and firewalls are over rated anyway!
I'll be keeping my eye out for a decent ej22 or ej20 wreck.. i know libertys have the 2.2 but what else has them?
hey guy, I'll chuck a H6 in there ay radiators and firewalls are over rated anyway!
- RSR 555
- Elder Member
- Posts: 6951
- Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:42 am
- Location: ATM... stuck in Rockingham
You'll also need an external EFI fuel pump.Wagonman wrote:Yeah both of my L's are carby and im not sure of the set up needed for a EFI engine apart from the larger diametre return line.
I'll be keeping my eye out for a decent ej22 or ej20 wreck.. i know libertys have the 2.2 but what else has them?
hey guy, I'll chuck a H6 in there ay radiators and firewalls are over rated anyway!
EJ22 were only available in the Liberty as SOHC or as a DOHC in the 22B
You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
It's always going to be a flimsy car. That said, I've never heard of roofs popping up. Is your roof skin still fully bonded to the braces?Wagonman wrote:Has anyone come across and done anything about the flimsy roof and its braces? Getting the roof to not pop up when you reach 100kmh?Im thinking of cutting out those braces and putting in a better setup that supports the roof better as well as a custom roof lining.
Dane.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1993 EA82/EJ18/EJ22/EJ22/EJ20/EJ22 L Series perpetual project
1993 EA82/EJ18/EJ22/EJ22/EJ20/EJ22 L Series perpetual project
nearly every l-series wagon ive been in thats had decent off roading has done this.Wagonman wrote:
Has anyone come across and done anything about the flimsy roof and its braces? Getting the roof to not pop up when you reach 100kmh?
Im thinking of cutting out those braces and putting in a better setup that supports the roof better as well as a custom roof lining.
pull the roof lining off and stick some dynamat or something up there. Should stop it.
alex
my07 Outback
my13 Hyundai i45(shhhh)
my02 Gen3 Liberty limited ed.
previously
L-series wagon, LSD, EJ20turbo, 29in tyres, 'wanky wagon'
2000 gen3 outback, lifted, otherwise stock.
my13 Hyundai i45(shhhh)
my02 Gen3 Liberty limited ed.
previously
L-series wagon, LSD, EJ20turbo, 29in tyres, 'wanky wagon'
2000 gen3 outback, lifted, otherwise stock.
Weren't quadcam N/A EJ22's were in some Gen2 Liberties? Alex might remember, I believe he actually looked at buying one for one of his many replacement EJ22 engines.RSR 555 wrote: EJ22 were only available in the Liberty as SOHC or as a DOHC in the 22B
I rekon a rear strut brace will make a world of difference to knock out alot of the body flex. Body flex is also what causes the standard braces to separate from the roof. I can feel a huge difference putting one in in my Legacy wagon has made, and that's just while cornering on the road. An offroader it will probably help heaps. Only problem is that it's quite annoying having a big piece of metal stuck right across your rear boot space! Also you'd have to be abit creative mounting it in an L series without any rear strut tops inside.
I think the voting is not coming from actual experience. Just the old "more cubes=more power" mentality. People claiming the EJ22 is so much more torquey and powerful than the EJ20 and thus voting so....I wonder have you got hands on experience driving both engines in the exact same car? I don't think there is bugger-all difference really.
I really think the benefits of a much younger, lower kms, and probably more easily available engine would outweigh the benefits of a puny 200cc extra capacity.
EZ30 L series - Monsterwagon
https://www.ausubaru.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=26163
https://www.ausubaru.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=26163