Project RSTi Unicorn

[dewmudgeon]

Project RSTi Unicorn

I’ve been the proud owner of an Arcadia green 2.5RS for several years now. However, last year, I started experiencing the symptoms of a headgasket malfunction. I considered many options for my future transportation. I often thought about selling the car and financing a new one, but I knew that if I went that route, I would miss the car and regret selling it. So, I decided to go all out (for a college student) and do an RSTi engine swap.

Before I bought the motor, the previous owner (Kaos22b) refreshed it!









Over the last two summers, I have dreamed day in and day out of doing this swap, so in preparation and wishful thinking, I revamped my little garage to accommodate my big dreams.



Of course, I needed a research station to make sure everything could go as planned…



After a few bloody knuckles, spurts of profanity, and 3 (yes THREE) broken breaker bars, the engine, interior, and accessories were removed.

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[dewmudgeon]

When I bought the car!





Swap Wiring!

[dewmudgeon]

Progress Pictures!




Goodies!



Old motor and new crossmember:



I’ll update periodically, and when I get new parts for the car. I also love to drive at the track. I have driven at Infineon, Reno/Fernley Raceway, and Thunderhill. I began autocrossing when I was 17 and fell in love with cars and racing from then on.


To do list (as of 9/1/12):
Finish running the front harness through the engine bay
Install Turbo Legacy crossmember
Install Perrin 22mm Swaybar
Have clutch fork reinforced
Put EJ257 in
Install front mount intercooler
Install Mishimoto Radiator
Wire Radiator Fans
Install GMS Catback
Install Downpipe (aftermarket no name)
Install Powersteering Reservoir
Install Powersteering Rack-lines
Custom Black Suede for Door Cards and Roof Liner

Done Already:
Power:
Walbro 255 Fuel Pump
Kartboy Shortshifter and Bushings
Group N Heavy Duty Transmission Mounts
Group N Heavy Duty Engine Mounts


Handling:
Koni Struts
Koni Yellow Adjustable Inserts
Group N Top Hats
Prodrive P1 Springs
245/45/17 Bridgestone RE01 Tires
WRX Rear Swaybar
Whiteline Steering Bushings

Exterior:
17” Rota Boosts
Version 5 Front Bumper
Pink "i" Badge (was originally purchased for my hawkeye)
Black Side Spats

Interior:
V3 Front Seats
Alpine 9856 Head Unit
Alpine 850/2 Amp (subwoofers)
2x 12” Kenwood Typhoon Subwoofers
Kenwood 400/4 Amp (speakers)
6.5” Infinity Kappa Component Speakers (front)
5.25” Infinity Kappa Coaxial Speakers (rear)
Autometer EGT Gauge
Autometer Boost Gauge
Autometer Oil Pressure Gauge
Kartboy Shiftknob

[Seahawk]

Nice work!

[Patrick Olsen]

The first 2.5RS I ever saw was a green-and-gold '98. It sat at the dealer in southeastern CT for a long time. Eventually, the gold wheels were replaced with the silver, BBS-ish Legacy 2.5GT wheels - I guess the dealership decided the green and gold combo was just too much.

Anyway, nice work so far, and should be a helluva fun car!

[RallySport Direct]

This looks awesome! I have always loved the unicorns, and it is nice to see it being upgraded in this way, should be a beast when its all done!

Thanks,
Rick

[SubieHondaGuy]

[NatSTI]

Looks amazing!

[manny183]

5x100,or 5x114?