Big end failure, det or oil surge? (long post)

Gerry H · Post by **Gerry H** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:37 pm

Get down there and try it. You'll see how driveable they are on the road.

Andy916 · Post by **Andy916** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 8:56 pm

Weighing up the options. Finding it quite hard to justify 4 grand (drive-in-drive-out) on a forged 2.1 from Enginetuner or 4.5 grand on a forged 2.2 from Bob at BGV, both of which would need turbo and fpr to realise their potential. Oh, and an oil cooler and probably a fuel swirl pot.

Another option is the 3k-mile 2.5/20G at Crawley, which can be heard running but not driven (car is partially broken). That would need my v6 heads swapping onto it and installing if (big if) it's all ok. Very tempted at around 2.5 grand but problem is assessing its health and finding someone who'd build it up and install it - I don't have facilities or enough nouse to do this myself (I wish I did, and I'd love to assist someone who knew what they were doing and learn along the way).

Another option bit closer to home (Hadleigh) is a 2.0 with CP pistons, ARP studs and ACL bearings just built-up but not run yet. Same problem, assessing quality of the build and finding someone to install my heads and into the car. Quite cheap though at 800 quid for the short motor.

Also talking to Zen and Harvey to see what they come up with.

Gerry H · Post by **Gerry H** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:51 pm

Oops! I'd forgotten that you now have a v6. I was thinking it was the v4 which would have meant the 2.5 would have dropped straight in. Not so straightforward and more expense swapping heads, cam belts and the rest.

Andy916 · Post by **Andy916** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 4:04 am

Yup, but swapping heads would mean an opportunity to check the pistons (and bore clearances presumably) and the existing heads would sell on. Do you know if the sump is the same, ie. would my Cosworth baffle plate and (when I get it back from being modified) baffled sump fit? Cost inc turbo is still a good amount less than a rebuild.

Gerry H · Post by **Gerry H** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:03 am

Everything from your engine will fit on the 2.5 the only sump differences are the narrow versions to accomodate the twin scroll.

Andy916 · Post by **Andy916** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:24 am

Anyone near Crawley who'd take a look/listen with me, next week, or anyone who would come along expenses paid?

Talking to a couple of people on installation but basically still looking for ideas on that one.

blacky · Post by **blacky** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 6:56 am

Andy

Another question for ya, tell me to shut up if I'm talking rubbish;

Will you feel you've got value for money if you spend all this extra on the car?? Or were you completely happy with it as it is/was??

Also,another cheaper option if your looking 2ndhand and dependant on your answer from above, is get a STI 7/8 engine and drop it in, as straight away you have better crank, pistons and rods.

Andy916 · Post by **Andy916** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:03 am

blacky wrote: Another question for ya, tell me to shut up if I'm talking rubbish;

Far from it mate!

Was happy with power level, yes, although swapping for something like VF35 was on the cards due to setup issues with existing one (surge, requiring boost to be turned down). Then I drove Ian's near-400bhp 2.1 and it liked it a lot. Did I like it enough to spend 5k getting there, and then having gearbox worries ... I guess not. Will certainly look into the s/h options - is it just STi7/8 that slot straight in, or the 9 as well?

Andy

Andy916 · Post by **Andy916** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:20 pm

Apparently the s/h 2.5 uses a litre of oil per 1k miles, don't fancy that much...

Hadleigh one looks like it has potential, to be a budget 2.0 build with forged pistons.

blacky · Post by **blacky** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 4:14 pm

Hmmm, on the STI engines....I think the STI 9 wouldn't fit as it have the variable cam timing etc.

Now, you say you enjoyed having a go in a 400bhp car, just think whats needed to make that reliable on an Impreza.....

Okay, over to the Evo, if you fancied another 4WD japbox and were thinking of changing.

Brembo's as standard, oil cooler, no intercooler, turbo etc change. just a full exhaust, re-map boost controller and your at mid 300's very safely, go for 400 and you need cams and maybe bigger injectors etc. NO messing with custom fit intercoolers, turbo swaps, custom oil cooler setup, the worry of the oil system etc...

I would also say having both the Evo is a MUCH better road car, I have done 18k since last March in mine as I enjoy driving it so much.