2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI PPP Track/Hillclimb car
Discussion
Fonzey said:
Great read so far, and impressive persistence.
What a bodge-job that car has been in the past, you're doing it a real service now!
Indeed. Persistence far beyond my own patience levels. I remember the SP&L thread after you bought it, where you (rightly) faced a fair degree of criticism for running headlong into the purchase without doing any due diligence. Even though you've probably forked out more than the price difference of buying a decent one in the first place, your effort is commendable.What a bodge-job that car has been in the past, you're doing it a real service now!
There's only one thing that I'd say as a word of warning. Based on what you've learned about the quality of finish and components so far, I'd suggest that the idea that the engine is "forged" is far-fetched at best.
C70R said:
Indeed. Persistence far beyond my own patience levels. I remember the SP&L thread after you bought it, where you (rightly) faced a fair degree of criticism for running headlong into the purchase without doing any due diligence. Even though you've probably forked out more than the price difference of buying a decent one in the first place, your effort is commendable.
There's only one thing that I'd say as a word of warning. Based on what you've learned about the quality of finish and components so far, I'd suggest that the idea that the engine is "forged" is far-fetched at best.
Yeah I remember that thread very well. I'm well over all that now though. There's only one thing that I'd say as a word of warning. Based on what you've learned about the quality of finish and components so far, I'd suggest that the idea that the engine is "forged" is far-fetched at best.
The engine is definitely forged as far as pistons go, but whether it had forged rods etc. as claimed is certainly open to dispute. The noise a forged engine makes from cold is unmistakable and that gives some comfort. I am going forward with the expectation that it will let go at some point and hope to get as much use as possible out of it until such time should come.
TroubledSoul said:
C70R said:
Indeed. Persistence far beyond my own patience levels. I remember the SP&L thread after you bought it, where you (rightly) faced a fair degree of criticism for running headlong into the purchase without doing any due diligence. Even though you've probably forked out more than the price difference of buying a decent one in the first place, your effort is commendable.
There's only one thing that I'd say as a word of warning. Based on what you've learned about the quality of finish and components so far, I'd suggest that the idea that the engine is "forged" is far-fetched at best.
Yeah I remember that thread very well. I'm well over all that now though. There's only one thing that I'd say as a word of warning. Based on what you've learned about the quality of finish and components so far, I'd suggest that the idea that the engine is "forged" is far-fetched at best.
The engine is definitely forged as far as pistons go, but whether it had forged rods etc. as claimed is certainly open to dispute. The noise a forged engine makes from cold is unmistakable and that gives some comfort. I am going forward with the expectation that it will let go at some point and hope to get as much use as possible out of it until such time should come.
I'd be thrilled for you if you opened it up and it was the case (particularly as it might mitigate some of your spending decisions), but I would bet a substantial amount of money that you'd be disappointed.
Not sure how relevant, but my 1998 Turbo 2000 wagon suffered with exactly the piston slap you describe when cold, and that was bog stock.
I emailed RCM about it as I was very worried (it hadn't done it on test drive oddly enough, even though the engine felt cold to the touch) and was told a lot of cars of that year do it and not to worry so long as it goes away swiftly once there's a bit of heat in the engine. Though iirc they said at some point it would eventually become an issue.
I emailed RCM about it as I was very worried (it hadn't done it on test drive oddly enough, even though the engine felt cold to the touch) and was told a lot of cars of that year do it and not to worry so long as it goes away swiftly once there's a bit of heat in the engine. Though iirc they said at some point it would eventually become an issue.
Well it's certainly not common on the newage cars unless they're running forged pistons, but it's by the by. I'm well beyond worrying about any of that nowadays. It's a track/hillclimb car now and in my mind you can't use a car like that indefinitely and not accept it might throw a big bill your way at some point.
I'll use it and enjoy it until such time comes
I'll use it and enjoy it until such time comes
cmaguire said:
You certainly have commitment, and no lack of motivation (my biggest problem).
I think you may have been somewhat optimistic mounting the towing ring to the back rather than the front though.
With the removal of the front crash bar for the intercooler fitting you also lose the factory tow eye screw in point, so the only choice is a rear towing eye. If I could, I'd have both. I bought a webbing tow strap for the front but I can't see anywhere I'm confident of attaching it.I think you may have been somewhat optimistic mounting the towing ring to the back rather than the front though.
Fonzey said:
Also forgot how bloody complicated and fussy these engine bays look! I took the TMIC off mine a couple of times, anything more intrusive was handed over to a Garage!
The engine bays do look quite fussy but like TroubledSoul says they are nice cars to work on with just about everything easily accessible. I've just realised that I never rounded this thread off!
Basically myself and Mrs TS split up just before the turn of the year. This car was the one out of the fleet that was always "hers" and so it left with her. I put so much of my heart and soul into building this thing...
I still miss the car.
Basically myself and Mrs TS split up just before the turn of the year. This car was the one out of the fleet that was always "hers" and so it left with her. I put so much of my heart and soul into building this thing...
I still miss the car.
h and it's due an update but I haven't gotten round to it yet as not much has happened and what has happened is bad! 
How weird when searching google for some engine bay pictures that i stumbled across this post. Turns out I actually own the car now and use it for sprints with no prior knowledge that troublesol had been working on it for that purpose. Did really well in it last year. Did take engine out over the winter to do some light restoration on the car and considered selling it and buying a fully forged, but it did so well last year I change my mind. Back in now and getting ready to restart the season a little late due to covid.
Been using it for sprints in the south last year.
Just been recommissioning it for its first event of the year in a couple of weeks.
Bit of powder coating (everything a bit crusty) new oil seals, new brake pads and various other bits and pieces.
Edited by retrostu on Tuesday 4th August 09:13
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