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Old 06-19-2009, 03:15 PM   #1
ROFLBOXER
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 188503
Join Date: Sep 2008
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Seattle, WA
Vehicle:
2003 Built EJ257 WRX
2.5xtr+W2A IC

Default To Build or not To Build?

So, I joined Nasioc shortly after getting my 02 Outback Sport. I love the thing, and have put many hours into keeping it up and making it my own. I haven't been able to do much power-wise due to my lack of funds (I'm in High School), and the fact that it is NA. Here's what is making me reconsider:

I was driving it up a long stretch of highway, with 4 other friends of mine in the car, uphill, pushing around 70-75, 70 being the legal limit. I felt like I had to keep pushing the pedal down further to maintain speed, so I took the next offramp, and as I was about to park it, it died with a hideous knocking sound. It wouldn't turn over at first, and when it finally did, it sounded awful so i killed it and called AAA. Long story short, its sitting at my local shop, facing an engine rebuild or replacement.

Now comes the question: To Build or not To Build?

Keep the existing engine and get cams and some other internals done?
Swap for remanufactured or wrecked 2.5 NA?
Swap for remanufactured or wrecked WRX or STi?
Buy different car, as it would be more economical than any other option?
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Old 06-19-2009, 03:36 PM   #2
ownnij
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Member#: 70459
Join Date: Sep 2004
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: Las colinas, TX
Vehicle:
2002 AW Bugeye ej257
6spd, GT3076R, Alky & EWG

Default

find a cheap replacement motor and sell it. although it would be interesting seeing a crazy outback but it wouldn't be worth it.. in the end you end up with a overpriced outback.
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Old 06-19-2009, 04:03 PM   #3
kellygnsd
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Member#: 32669
Join Date: Feb 2003
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Woodland Hills
Vehicle:
2007 2.34LR, EFR7670
LINK G4+ hybrid STi

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You're in high school? Do you have the money for a proper engine build? Not beign a dick but it adds up and if done right is always more expensive than you planned.
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Old 06-19-2009, 04:37 PM   #4
ROFLBOXER
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 188503
Join Date: Sep 2008
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Seattle, WA
Vehicle:
2003 Built EJ257 WRX
2.5xtr+W2A IC

Default

You aren't being a dick, cost is a major factor. At this point, my local shop estimates 5-7k to rebuild or replace. I cannot pay all that, so I'm working out the logistics with my parents. If we go that route, I would like to do any internal work I want done now, so that I don't have to pull the engine to do it later, looking at the long term over the short term cost.

It may end up being a better option to move on, and buy a different car. I saw an 02 STi in my area for 9k, WRX's for less.

At this point, the engine has not been disassembled, and we don't know what precisely went wrong. The mechanic, whom we trust, is betting on a snapped rod or broken piston.
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Old 06-19-2009, 04:47 PM   #5
madmax718
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Member#: 172501
Join Date: Feb 2008
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No way to tell what da heck is wrong with it that way. Short of a borescope or other testing. But for about 5, you can get a wrx. So...
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Old 06-19-2009, 07:31 PM   #6
ownnij
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 70459
Join Date: Sep 2004
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: Las colinas, TX
Vehicle:
2002 AW Bugeye ej257
6spd, GT3076R, Alky & EWG

Default

lol dudee **** that man.. the money you put into a built motor.. it's like another car and who ever you go through might mess it up then thatsl ike a whole car down the ****. i say fix the car as cheap as possible and buy a sti and enjoy it.

building a subaru costs a grip.. you got a motor but you aint got any suipporting mods.. then you dont got a transmission,.. then you car messes up and your stuck with a huge bill.
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