Well, there's your problem!

[sixcharlie]

I have an '81 with a good drive train and a cancer ridden body. Found a '77 "Won't start" for sale near by, checked it for rust and made an offer. Here's the 1.8 coming out of the car. I think I see the issue.








Looks like the head gasket was leaking for some time and then, one day, this.

So I'm now in the process of swapping a solid 2.0 drive train into the '77 body. Good times.

edit: typo.

[bwilson27]

Nothing a little JB weld and sawdust won't fix!

[sixcharlie]

Nothing a little JB weld and sawdust won't fix!

For the short term, the 2.0 should be just fine. Still haven't decided to go which trans and diff to use.

I'm going to tear down the 1800 and see what other damage was done. I hope the head is in good shape, I have plans for it.

[So Cal Mark]

the piston may have given the head a good whack, I'd check it for flatness

[Exit98]

Charlie,

IMHO you'll definitely want to use your 81 diff. You won't be happy with the 4.10 gearset in the 77.

You need the 81 driveshaft and other stuff. I made the switch so if you need any info let me know. You have everything you need though.

[sixcharlie]

Charlie,

IMHO you'll definitely want to use your 81 diff. You won't be happy with the 4.10 gearset in the 77.

You need the 81 driveshaft and other stuff. I made the switch so if you need any info let me know. You have everything you need though.

Are you running FI in your '77? I know I want to move to the 2.0 drive train the only thing I haven't looked at is pulling power to the fuel pump and the ecu under the dash. I just haven't looked into the wiring diagram yet, too many other little things so far.

Did you swap out panhard rods as well? The vendors list different part numbers with the split in '78/79.

[bwilson27]

That's the same exact spot where my '72 threw a rod back in '82.

[Exit98]

Code: Select all

Did you swap out panhard rods as well? The vendors list different part numbers with the split in '78/79.

You need the 81 panhard rod. It has a bend on it theat goes with the 81 diff assembly. Brake backing plates are different too. Use the 81's.

My 76 is a stock 1800 motor but the 3.90 gears rather than the 4.10 give the car longer legs. Very happy with the switch.

[sixcharlie]

That's the same exact spot where my '72 threw a rod back in '82.

Makes sense. Figure with air flow, the number three cylinder will run hottest. A that spot has a little more air flow restriction with the starter motor right there.

Doug, thanks much. I'll measure the trailing arms to see if they need to switch as well.

[Exit98]

Charlie

Trailing arms are the same, all 4. Use the ones on there.

[bobplyler]

Trailing arms are the same, all 4.

Not quite. They are interchangeable, but the later trailing arms have different bushings that are supposed to enhance ride. I can't tell any difference.

[sixcharlie]

Trailing arms are the same, all 4.

Not quite. They are interchangeable, but the later trailing arms have different bushings that are supposed to enhance ride. I can't tell any difference.

I'm going to try the ones on the '77. Since there is so much rust on the '81, getting the bolts free is a significant challenge. It gets worse if they snap. I just finished prepping the transmission and diff to be ready to install in the '77 tomorrow. I'll spend the rest of the day replacing a couple of the hard brake lines, putting new pads and rubber hoses in, cleaning up and then I'll look at swapping throttle cables (carb to FI) and figuring out how to get power and the correct relay for the ecu and the fuel pump.

Good times.