Would this make a nice upgrade? STi cams on an EJ22 with standard WRX heads?

So the axis ej22 with forged pistons at 8.5 to 1 CR on wrx heads with ej257 sti/xt cams?

Ya, it will work and good... but you should realy port thoes heads and get a shimless valve train. What kind of money have you put aside for this? How much power are you looking for? I love the ej22 and next to the ej257 its funny. I was thinking of a set up like this when I start my project car. But with ported heads and jun 256 cams or spec C heads.

My budget limits me on picking up JDM heads and more radical cams.

I'm basically planning on replacing the short block with the Axis stage 1 2.2L 8.5:1. I was considering the cams but wasn't sure since I haven't read of anyone on this forum with the Axis S1 & 257 cams. I'm sure there are some out there though. I'm working on getting some mild head work done. The package should be pretty powerful without carrying a hefty price tag.

It's an interesting choice... the Axis S1 or S2. The 2.5L costs just $50 more. But yes, the 2.2L case IS stronger with its thicker sleeves and true closed deck. The Axis S3 is also a 2.5L. But then the S4 2.35L is the 2.2L case which is capable of a lot of power.

I will retain my VF34 for the time being. Shooting for 315whp on pump gas. If it's capable of more, I'll probably dial it back a bit as I still have the stock trans.

I do plan to tune it on C16 and see what kind of numbers it's capable of.

Ya the 2.5 STi cams will work fine... You will need the ej22 oil pump for the ej22 block. It should be a great block good luck...

If you are going for large tq go for the 2.5 if you like to rev your motor go for the 2.2. Something like this will run you 3 to $5k keep that in mind.

I've already priced it out. It actually seems like a great alternative if you don't want just a OEM STi block or don't have the funds for a nice 207 swap.

Erik
I say go for broke and get the 2.35l from axis. That was the route I would have gone if the House Finance Commitee would have passed my budget.

The 2.5l block with the vf34 is like driving a powerful na engine. Boost comes on real quick.


Have you started to pull your motor yet?

Originally posted by LiquidForce
Erik
I say go for broke and get the 2.35l from axis. That was the route I would have gone if the House Finance Commitee would have passed my budget.

The 2.5l block with the vf34 is like driving a powerful na engine. Boost comes on real quick.


Have you started to pull your motor yet?



:lol:

Its only a $1k more... and its a real shame to use a block like that with stockish heads. You should realy get jun cams, and big ports... along with a real turbo. gt25 or 28....
Originally posted by Si2WRX
I've already priced it out. It actually seems like a great alternative if you don't want just a OEM STi block or don't have the funds for a nice 207 swap.

Cool...
Im thinking along the same lines. But im think of buying a 2.0 front clip and trading the 2.0 block in for a 2.2/2.35 axis or crawford. $10k easy down the crapper. :lol:

The trans just went in my Legacy Turbo. I got the winter out of it so I'm happy. I plan on parting out the car and keep the short block. I'll probably rebuild it this summer. I'm still trying to figure out what to do for heads.

Should be a fun little project either way. :devil:

Pete

used, refreshed wrx heads would work good, no?

I’m happy to hear your 2.5L is running good Mike. I noticed the STi’s also have a very linear feel to them.

I had considered the 2.35, but I really wouldn’t be able to push the short block to its limits. I still have a smallish turbo and that block can hold a lot of boost. I also still have the stock trans. I wouldn’t be able to put a package together that would use the potential of that block.

The 2.2 build should work great. The guy I’m lining up to do my heads is very experienced and sounds like he may work his magic at minimal cost. I could very well end with nicely ported heads. Still working on putting that together.

Erik