Ah yes. Ye olde N/A vs. forced-air argument. :D

Though, in my case, more of a quizzically, out-of-boredom sort of puzzle. My eventual goal for my car's power (which is now stock) is to get it to about 200hp, maybe a bit less, if I stick with N/A. 2.25" exhaust, headers later, maybe a few tiny other mods that'd keep the car *extremely* reliable. I've got 115K on my motor, and this car's my only one until I get that great job.

Or win Powerball.


If I go turbo, which I'm equally willing to consider, it'd be a stock WRX engine. That way I can utilize my OE transmission, until cash is ready enough for an RA/6-spd. swap, or maybe an 2006/7 Legacy GT or something. :)
I already have an Exedy Sport clutch, with only 13K on it, so that part's handled. (Stock flywheel; I like the driveability, but might change it with a turbo swap.)


Stock WRX power of course is 227. Prices vary on used engines quite a lot of course, but what do you guys think, insofar as what'd be the most cost-effective? If I got the WRX engine I'd definitely go for a 2.5-3.0" exhaust to maximize that end of it, but otherwise.... I don't see finances allowing for much else in the foreseeable future.

I've been around long enough to know the benefits of both the EJ25 and the EJ20. Since there's a lot of swap talk goin' on these days, plus some extra love for the EJ25, I thought I'd throw my iron in the fire too. Thanks. :cool:

=S2=

Oh....

Also, is a particular year of (USDM) WRX engine preferable?

If so: why?

swaps are yummy. I dont know about a the years, aernt they all the same? the 227 horsepower from 2002-2005 besides the sti. any motor i would say

I heard from someone that the 03's were a better batch in contrast with the 02's. No idea why, but I'm guessing its because the 02's were too fresh and had some minor issues. I dunno I could be completely off here.

This is a actually a great question, all factors aside I think cost effectiveness is a big issue.

For example the cobbstage 3 powerpack is pretty well known and can produce some wicked power for the EJ25 being priced at 4k + 1200 core charge.

Wrx engine runs from anywhere between 2-5k pending on mileage and such.

Now it all comes down to install and down time. The wrx swap will definetly cost more and will give you more downtime no matter how you go about wiring, standalone or straight up nightmarish wiring is going to hurt the wallet.

N/A route will not require wiring but will require you to bust open the block taking 15-20 hrs to install so downtime is minimal compared to the swap.

If all the work is going to be done by yourself then its just a matter of downtime.

These are both great routes for more power, but personally I'd go with swap given these two choices. As I believe that my lust for more power will not be so easily satisfied with just a mere swap. I think that a turbo wrx engine is a lot more easier to upgrade then a RS N/A.

thats my 2 cents.

Also, is a particular year of (USDM) WRX engine preferable?


02-03. There's been argument recently that 04+ blocks actually make a little less power (I'm not sure I could give you numbers on that, though).

Also, most GC's with an EJ205 swap dyno a smidge higher than 227. I keep this (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=636771) thread linked for just such a question to show what potential a swap has with some minor bolt ons later :devil:

As the old saying goes...Bottles are for babies, Real men get blown ;)

Well, no bottles for me. I'm not in to the NOS thing.

Good info, though. Thanks for the chart. I probably wouldn't adjust boost much, or if I did, only by a very small amount. Upgraded exhaust and a few other small things I guess... Probably swap out the flywheel, but I wouldn't touch the pulleys.