My Saabaru needs a heart transplant

[desertaero]

My '05 92x has been rock solid for the better part of 8 years. I've autocrossed it, trudged through snow, moved into/out of college, took road trips to Toronto etc. There's nothing it hasn't done admirably.

For the past 2-3 months, I had been seeing slightly higher than normal oil temps under normal (for me) driving conditions; 220-235 *F. I did an oil change short of 3k miles just to see if the temps would decrease, but it did nothing. For most of the life of the car, I was used to seeing temps in the 200-220*F range. I run through second WOT when merging onto the highway, usually shift at 3.5k etc. - nothing crazy, but I don't baby the car.

So maybe 3 wks ago I started hearing a rpm-dependent ticking sound that started around 3k rpms. Not incredibly loud, but you could hear it distinctly - I was pretty confident it wasn't a loose heat shield or something of that nature. After doing a little research, I came to the conclusion that I had some good ol' rod knock; andrewtech then confirmed this last friday.

What to do? I wouldn't get crap for the car if I sold, and truth be told I really don't want to. The car is fully paid-off. I live in DC, so I don't use the car to commute to work. Use it to run errands on the weekends, go places after work etc.


20110701-July 01, 2011untitled-10.jpg by dekonti, on Flickr


20110701-July 01, 2011untitled-12.jpg by dekonti, on Flickr


20110701-July 01, 2011untitled-13.jpg by dekonti, on Flickr

Here are options I've considered:

1) V8 EJ207 w/AVCS & JDM ECU
2) Full STI swap
3) EJ257 long block
4) EJ257 w/2.0l heads
5) Don't fix the car, try to get into a BRZ - drove one and loved it. Was more fun than my car w/KW coilovers on it.
6) Sell the car as is, use the money to buy Honda VFR800 - dream bike. I already have a class M.


Thoughts?

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[pauli133]

I vote for anything that doesn't involve selling it. You'd regret the hell out of selling it.

[goob_os101]

Keep it!

Here is a guy that did a V8 swap: http://saab92x.com/viewtopic.php?id=41312

When my 1st Saabaru started to rod knock I ket here go...4yrs later I am back in a Saabaru:

2nd Saabaru:

[xXBISHOPXx]

if you need a motor i have a 2003 wrx motor with 120k on it. Sell it cheap. runs really good.

[saabarupp]

I had a Saabaru that got totaled when a stupid driver hit me. I miss it, but i love my STI's drive train. An STi swapped 92x would be awesome.

[desertaero]

Okay so I've decided I'm going to keep the car. xxBishop I appreciate the offer but am looking for something to "upgrade" to.

I'd love to do the EJ207 + STI drivetrain, but I have a feeling that would become pretty expensive and time-consuming. An EJ257 + STI drivetrain is probably more realistic. Time to start researching and sourcing parts.

Any opinions on getting a brand new shortblock vs. a used motor? I know that if I were going used, I'd prefer an '05 - '06 as those seem to have less instances of detonation and engine trouble than the '07.

[goob_os101]

Another option which will cost less is:

There are a few good shops in the area that can rebuild your stock 2.0

Want more power? Go with a hta68 and supporting mods. You can keep your 5spd, just upgrade clutch/flywheel.

[Dr. octagon]

Rebuilding the stock ej205 will cost just as much maybe 400 less to do hybrid swap. If you are looking for more of a rev happy motor then V7,8 or 9 ej207 but your expense replacing gaskets and such will add up quick. Also remember the motor is used.

I would suggest 2.1 stroker, especially as I have sti rods for sale at 75 dollars for all four!!!!
My vote is anything is better than another ej205. Its the labor that kills ya, not the parts.....it helps if you know good people. Be wise with who builds your ****

[goob_os101]

PM'd you the quote I got for a 2.1 stroker with a big 16g.

[jonathoner]

257 short block.

[carnz-pj-410]

do an EJ257 hybrid and call it a day. I could do the work for you, PM me

[Boogalo]

I'm going to do the 207 swap when mine dies. 8200 RPM redline

[SneakySh0rty]

Originally Posted by Dr. octagon

Rebuilding the stock ej205 will cost just as much maybe 400 less to do hybrid swap. If you are looking for more of a rev happy motor then V7,8 or 9 ej207 but your expense replacing gaskets and such will add up quick. Also remember the motor is used.

I would suggest 2.1 stroker, especially as I have sti rods for sale at 75 dollars for all four!!!!
My vote is anything is better than another ej205. Its the labor that kills ya, not the parts.....it helps if you know good people. Be wise with who builds your ****

^This guy with the 2.1 suggestion. I see so many people so willing to jump into a hybrid or a built ej257? I've been doing research and fell in love with a 2.1 stroker build idea. Id take those rods from you but i doubt id actually start my engine build to ways down the road. But reading all the threads i can find here on nasioc makes me want to push the time table up.

[Dr. octagon]

I would have done the 2.1 , but good a steal on a 06 255 long block. My labor rate is basically nil, and my people have my back on parts.

[SneakySh0rty]

Originally Posted by Dr. octagon

I would have done the 2.1 , but good a steal on a 06 255 long block. My labor rate is basically nil, and my people have my back on parts.

Im trying to keep my labor rate to just machinist costs. That and im an avid DIY'er. I did my v9 trans swap myself.

I actually picked up a shortblock and heads for 200 bucks to play with. They still have their cross-hatching and a bit of scuffing at the top, not too serious though. And the heads apparently have bent valves (havent disassembled those yet) but literally only have 1 small crack that doesnt even reach a valve seat nor the spark plug threads. Potential usability for future build? hopefully. If not, atleast i gain the knowledge and experience working with both of those things

Originally Posted by goob_os101

PM'd you the quote I got for a 2.1 stroker with a big 16g.

PM'd you about that PM for a quote. quite interested on what kind of quote you got for that build. Thanks

[Dr. octagon]

Originally Posted by SneakySh0rty

Im trying to keep my labor rate to just machinist costs. That and im an avid DIY'er. I did my v9 trans swap myself.

I actually picked up a shortblock and heads for 200 bucks to play with. They still have their cross-hatching and a bit of scuffing at the top, not too serious though. And the heads apparently have bent valves (havent disassembled those yet) but literally only have 1 small crack that doesnt even reach a valve seat nor the spark plug threads. Potential usability for future build? hopefully. If not, atleast i gain the knowledge and experience working with both of those things



PM'd you about that PM for a quote. quite interested on what kind of quote you got for that build. Thanks

Pm me the quote that you got pm'ed from the last pm

I am interested to know as well

[desertaero]

Wow, good amount of responses..I guess I'm not the only one who is dealing or has dealt with engine trouble on these cars. Sooooooo...I think the EJ207 + 6spd would be sweet - of course it's probably the most expensive option. Both in terms of parts and labor. I'll see what I can find the next couple days in terms of full drivetrain swaps.

Dr. Octa and goob, the 2.1 you speak of is just a stroked EJ205 with stronger internals I take it? My inclination is to go with something close'ish to stock but still upgrade, I don't wanna have to do this again anytime soon.

Carnz - thanks for the offer. We'll see how the numbers shake down, I might be in touch.

[guroove]

I say just fix it with a built 2.0L short block so you don't have to change anything else. throw on an AOS or proper catch can setup, and a conservative tune for reliability.

[Dr. octagon]

Originally Posted by desertaero

Wow, good amount of responses..I guess I'm not the only one who is dealing or has dealt with engine trouble on these cars. Sooooooo...I think the EJ207 + 6spd would be sweet - of course it's probably the most expensive option. Both in terms of parts and labor. I'll see what I can find the next couple days in terms of full drivetrain swaps.

Dr. Octa and goob, the 2.1 you speak of is just a stroked EJ205 with stronger internals I take it? My inclination is to go with something close'ish to stock but still upgrade, I don't wanna have to do this again anytime soon.

Carnz - thanks for the offer. We'll see how the numbers shake down, I might be in touch.

As i have been told and reasearched a 2.1 is nothing but a destroked 257, you will reach peak torque at basically the same point, put spool will be a hair behind. (If i am incorrect i am sure someone will correct me).

The 2.1 stroker is the cheapest option and best bang for the buck, with a stout valvetrain you could rev it out to 8000rpm as long as you have cams and turbo to flow up there.

2.1 is an upgrade and quite frankly will keep your trans alive. I ran 25-27 psi on my ej205 with a fp green for 3+ years with a stellar tune and zero issues on stock 5mt and oem clutch.

5mt in my current setup........i hope to make it through the summer


My suggestion:
2.1 stroker w/ NOTHING SMALLER than rotated 3076

[ButtDyno]

Did you see this?

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2477281

Just sayin'

I sold my old STX car, but ended up in a Saabaru... couldn't stay away for long.

[ImNOrobo]

Damn phone.

[ImNOrobo]

Originally Posted by desertaero

Wow, good amount of responses..I guess I'm not the only one who is dealing or has dealt with engine trouble on these cars. Sooooooo...I think the EJ207 + 6spd would be sweet - of course it's probably the most expensive option. Both in terms of parts and labor. I'll see what I can find the next couple days in terms of full drivetrain swaps.

It actually isn't the most expensive option. Ask the people with fully built motors how much it cost, some have good deals but not always. I had been researching motors for awhile, low and behold mine blows last June. I ended up going with a full v9 drivetrain swap. It cost $7200 shipped to my door, I did all the labor myself with help from some good friends here and there. I sold most of m performance mods I wasn't going to need anymore and got half my money back. I have a little over 10k miles on the motor now and haven't had any issues. JDM motors run around 3200-4000, that is a long block with ecu, turbo, intercooler.

Look into jdmracingmotors.com, they are a vendor on here, they are in Richmond va. Awesome to deal with and lots of choices on good motors. Mine had 20k kilometers on it which is nothing really. Most people don't open up the motors other than changing plugs and timing belts while it is out and easy.

Good luck on the choice you do make. If you have any questions on the swap feel free to pm me.

[HaubeRR]

I plan to buy my transmission from these people.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2162945

Im doing a 2.5 fully built block with a v7 6 speed. This vendor has very good prices. Ill let you know my results with them. Maybe get a quote from them for an engine.

[desertaero]

Originally Posted by ImNOrobo

It actually isn't the most expensive option. Ask the people with fully built motors how much it cost, some have good deals but not always. I had been researching motors for awhile, low and behold mine blows last June. I ended up going with a full v9 drivetrain swap. It cost $7200 shipped to my door, I did all the labor myself with help from some good friends here and there. I sold most of m performance mods I wasn't going to need anymore and got half my money back. I have a little over 10k miles on the motor now and haven't had any issues. JDM motors run around 3200-4000, that is a long block with ecu, turbo, intercooler.

Look into jdmracingmotors.com, they are a vendor on here, they are in Richmond va. Awesome to deal with and lots of choices on good motors. Mine had 20k kilometers on it which is nothing really. Most people don't open up the motors other than changing plugs and timing belts while it is out and easy.

Good luck on the choice you do make. If you have any questions on the swap feel free to pm me.

Will PM you..v9 would be great, but I thought the wiring etc. is more difficult, polarity of neutral sensor is opposite etc.

[desertaero]

Originally Posted by ButtDyno

Did you see this?

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2477281

Just sayin'

I sold my old STX car, but ended up in a Saabaru... couldn't stay away for long.

Didn't know you got a saabaru, only knew you went to the darkside And that wrecked sti engine/trans would be great, but its from the newer body style (GR?) - don't know if that works.