£15k for an STI.
Discussion
Evening all,
I have a set a notional budget of £15k for my next daily driver. Looking at Focus ST's, Golf GTI's and Astra VXR's. I like the idea of 5 doors for practical reasons
The hatchback STI looks good but I'm aware of the 2.5 engine issues. What work is required to make sure the engine doesn't grenade itself and how much is this likely to cost?
Martin.
I have a set a notional budget of £15k for my next daily driver. Looking at Focus ST's, Golf GTI's and Astra VXR's. I like the idea of 5 doors for practical reasons
The hatchback STI looks good but I'm aware of the 2.5 engine issues. What work is required to make sure the engine doesn't grenade itself and how much is this likely to cost?
Martin.
Pay £80 to get a compression test done by Subaru before you buy. This will confirm whether the car has a looming ringland failure / head gasket leak or not - but the test won't guarantee it won't bite you in future. Subaru quote +/-£8,700 to fit a new short block (worst case). An independent will replace it cheaper and you will fit forged pistons if you go independent (Subaru still supply cast pistons). Great daily driver and I'll be a returning Subaru customer when Subaru move on from this weak engine. Worth discussing it with Litchfield as they have a lot of knowledge on these cars.
paulmoonraker said:
A rebuild will cost between 2-3.5K with forged pistons, race bearings and so on. I would get a 2007 Hawkeye with a rebuild already done, or budget for one. They hold their value too.
Or import a mint JDM of the same ilk. Torque GT would be happy to help, I'm sure. Or even a Forester XT for 12k (low mileage example) and keep some money aside in case. That'll depreciate even less than an Impreza and a better overall car too IMO.I've got a 2.5 conversion in mine, cost £4350. That includes, CP Pistons, BC Rods, STI Crank, CDB Conversion, strip/clean/porting/reassembled heads, Uprated Oil Pump, New Modine, All New Seals and Gaskets everywhere, 14mm Head Studs and Conversion, all machining work and removal/refit of engine and general clean of the engine bay. Car was in and out in just over a week. All the machining work took place separate to car going in.
IvanSTi said:
I've got a 2.5 conversion in mine, cost £4350. That includes, CP Pistons, BC Rods, STI Crank, CDB Conversion, strip/clean/porting/reassembled heads, Uprated Oil Pump, New Modine, All New Seals and Gaskets everywhere, 14mm Head Studs and Conversion, all machining work and removal/refit of engine and general clean of the engine bay. Car was in and out in just over a week. All the machining work took place separate to car going in.
Who did that if I can ask? 14mm head studs are a good addition.paulmoonraker said:
IvanSTi said:
I've got a 2.5 conversion in mine, cost £4350. That includes, CP Pistons, BC Rods, STI Crank, CDB Conversion, strip/clean/porting/reassembled heads, Uprated Oil Pump, New Modine, All New Seals and Gaskets everywhere, 14mm Head Studs and Conversion, all machining work and removal/refit of engine and general clean of the engine bay. Car was in and out in just over a week. All the machining work took place separate to car going in.
Who did that if I can ask? 14mm head studs are a good addition.
Pistons crack around the rings (Ringland Failure) and the cylinder liners move causing a leaky head gasket.
This is generally only on cars that have been mapped and have higher boost pressure than the block should have.
If you can find one, go for one with a rebuild with a pinned block, or closed deck inserts. If not, find one that's not been modified and budget for the work to be done.
The 2.5 in the hawkeye cars start to fail at about 360bhp or will be on the limit of tune, the hatches I believe can take a bit more as the cylinder walls are a little thicker.
I know Chevron have a Hatch Block which can run 3+ Bar of Boost, but there's been a lot of work done to it, but not pinned IIRC.
This is generally only on cars that have been mapped and have higher boost pressure than the block should have.
If you can find one, go for one with a rebuild with a pinned block, or closed deck inserts. If not, find one that's not been modified and budget for the work to be done.
The 2.5 in the hawkeye cars start to fail at about 360bhp or will be on the limit of tune, the hatches I believe can take a bit more as the cylinder walls are a little thicker.
I know Chevron have a Hatch Block which can run 3+ Bar of Boost, but there's been a lot of work done to it, but not pinned IIRC.
Edited by IvanSTi on Wednesday 18th March 09:51
I haven't heard many of the facelift hatches and saloons with ring lands so I'd get one of those if possible. Nicer looking interior, standard Recaros and the JDM Spec-C suspension. I was very impressed with it when I took it out and those hatches are looking pretty handsome nowadays too.
Gassing Station | Subaru | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff