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Old 04-03-2013, 09:28 PM   #1
gfv355
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Default Short block swap vs motor swap advice wanted

Hey guys ive seen a few threads like this but i was wondering whats the best decision to fit my needs on this issue.

I have a 02 wrx non sti stock with around 150000 miles on it, about seven months ago i noticed a potential knock. That was about 2 months after i bought the car. Anyway ive been driving it as my dd and would like to figure out my next course of action.

Everything about the car i love, clutch grabs great, suspensions good although could use some freshening up. Bodys in decent shape ect. At first i was going to trade it in twords an sti but i figure now that i really like the car and could just work with what i currently have for much less insurance money.

I went to automotive school for 1.5 out of a 2 year ase certification degree and ironically enough couldent finish because of car problems so i understand the basics at the very least about cars.


What i want to do is spend no more than 6000 dollars, have a good solid foundation for modification id say up to 300 whp if possible, my choices so far seem, get a stock ej205 shortblock and swap it out. Try and find a rebuilt ej205 block (if anybody knows where i can have a good block rebuilt id like to do some number crunching). A full motor swap with a used motor, (possibly a ej250?) Are there any other avenues i should consider?

This is my daily driver car and i work full time so i wont be doing the work myself although i would prefer it. Im kind of uneasy about putting the stock head on a brand new block should i be? Anyway let me know what you guys think
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Old 04-03-2013, 09:42 PM   #2
rdieder
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I would go with a jdm sti swap myself, but with 6k..you can choose to get a new 2L block or build a 2.5 hybrid. Just get your heads resurfaced and a reputable shop to check the condition of the valvetrain before assembly.
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Old 04-03-2013, 10:07 PM   #3
dictoresno
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when my bottom end went, it was cheaper for me to buy a brand new assembled block from subaru (under $1500 at that time) than rebuild my current block. i then did a new clutch while i was at it as well as new gaskets on everything. complete refesh, basically for the cost of parts since i did most of the labor myself.
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Old 04-04-2013, 09:34 AM   #4
shamrock 05
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dictoresno View Post
when my bottom end went, it was cheaper for me to buy a brand new assembled block from subaru (under $1500 at that time) than rebuild my current block. i then did a new clutch while i was at it as well as new gaskets on everything. complete refesh, basically for the cost of parts since i did most of the labor myself.
Flatirons sells 2.5L short blocks for $1800....however I have yet to see anyone sell a 2.0L except dealers and they want anywhere from $2200-2500 for them....WTF
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Old 04-04-2013, 09:47 AM   #5
Dr. octagon
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First identify if it is actually knocking

Then 2.1 stroker
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Old 04-04-2013, 02:42 PM   #6
mod maniac
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^^^Im with the doc.
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Old 04-04-2013, 04:13 PM   #7
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You live and work within easy driving distance of several top notch Subaru shops. Go to the MAIC forum here and read the sticky threads and get PROFESSIONAL advice as what you are planning is a no messing around deal. If you are super, super lazy, just go to www.fastwrx.com and open a line of dialogue with Dan as he will treat you right.
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Old 04-04-2013, 04:36 PM   #8
boosted25
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you sure it isnt just piston slap when cold?
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Old 04-04-2013, 04:46 PM   #9
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http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2474788

Check out our thread. Extremely friendly pricing on OEM Shortblocks

-Adam
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Old 04-04-2013, 05:07 PM   #10
gfv355
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thanks for all the advice everyone. this paycheck im going to be buying a tactrix cable and hopefully will do a log to see if my knock sensor is detecting knock. Im not 100 percent positive that is is knock in the first place. I was spraying around the engine bay with sudsy water looking for boost leaks and sprayed all the pulleys i could manage and it seemed to make the noise go away for a short period of time. Id love to hear that its not a knock. I will check out the top notch subaru shops in my area and would love to hear a professionals opinion.
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Old 04-04-2013, 05:08 PM   #11
gfv355
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I doubt its cold start piston slap seeing as i can hear the noise even after the engine warms up mainly under light throttle around 3-4k rpms
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Old 04-04-2013, 05:09 PM   #12
gfv355
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Thanks, i grew up in massachusetts actually not too far from there. Small world
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Old 04-05-2013, 08:08 AM   #13
Somerset Subaru
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gfv355 View Post
thanks for all the advice everyone. this paycheck im going to be buying a tactrix cable and hopefully will do a log to see if my knock sensor is detecting knock. Im not 100 percent positive that is is knock in the first place. I was spraying around the engine bay with sudsy water looking for boost leaks and sprayed all the pulleys i could manage and it seemed to make the noise go away for a short period of time. Id love to hear that its not a knock. I will check out the top notch subaru shops in my area and would love to hear a professionals opinion.

When I was living in that area last year you have a couple great shops with IAG and Element Tuning. I never met the guys at IAG but from what I gather on here they are extremely knowledgeable and I have met Phil a few times he may or may not remember, through Dave Baker and (AAM). Phil knows these cars in and out and is a great tuner and a all around good dude.


-Adam
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Old 04-07-2013, 12:07 AM   #14
yosemitemtb
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You should probably think about an oil analysis, a sample sent off to Blackstone Labs would let you know if you have a bad rod bearing or some other internal issue. They'll send you a sample kit for free. $25 for the test, money well spent if you think you have a problem.
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Old 04-07-2013, 12:03 PM   #15
gfv355
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I like the idea of an oil analysis. this week Im going to remove the timing belt cover to see if its the tensioner flapping around. if everythings normal down there then i will send some oil off for analysis
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