Swapping your 2.5i/rs to a wrx/sti; is it worth it?

[oldgovernor]

Originally Posted by s00bn00b

I'm in the same position are the OP was before he made his swap. I have an 06 2.5 wagon with a bad bearing.

Based on what I've read here, having all the parts ahead of time is important and if you manage to get them all from the same vehicle, you're ahead of the game. So with that said, if I were able to pick up an entire car (at auction), would I be delusional in thinking the swap would be as easy as "unbolt here -- bolt-in here"?

The EJ-series swap thread lends me to believe that the interchangeability between mutliple vehicles is fairly simple but that thread was also posted a long time ago :P.

Just looking for more advice/input from the experience crowd we have here.

For reference, I have the opportunity to bid on a 2004 WRX wagon with "minor" corner impact.

Thanks in advance!

How much do you like YOUR wagon?

The easiest thing to do is throw in a new NA ej25 shortblock, sell the car, and buy a wrx wagon. If you like your car a lot then go for the wrecked wrx and just swap everything.

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[Presses]

Thanks for the read (op). You cleared up many if not all of my questions in regards to a swap. I'll save my money and go for the Rex

[radd269]

Originally Posted by s00bn00b

I'm in the same position are the OP was before he made his swap. I have an 06 2.5 wagon with a bad bearing.

Based on what I've read here, having all the parts ahead of time is important and if you manage to get them all from the same vehicle, you're ahead of the game. So with that said, if I were able to pick up an entire car (at auction), would I be delusional in thinking the swap would be as easy as "unbolt here -- bolt-in here"?

The EJ-series swap thread lends me to believe that the interchangeability between mutliple vehicles is fairly simple but that thread was also posted a long time ago :P.

Just looking for more advice/input from the experience crowd we have here.

For reference, I have the opportunity to bid on a 2004 WRX wagon with "minor" corner impact.

Thanks in advance!

To answer your question directly, it is not as easy as "unbolt here, and bolt in here." that's pretty much the point I was trying to make clear from the beginning

When you take a look at your 2.5i wagon, and a WRX wagon in the same year, the look pretty identical, right? (minus the hood scoop). Even though that may be the case, they are COMPLETELY different cars, from the engine to the wiring harness, to the way the fuel is routed to the motor. you cant just throw on a turbo and call it a day, nor can you simply swap engines without doing a LOT of back end work behind the scenes. a huge portion of the wiring in your 2.5i will need to be removed and replaced with the WRX wiring

for you it would also depend on how much the wrx that you are trying to bid on will cost.

As long as you know what you are getting into, I highly recommend swapping the motor! All swaps in general are fairly simple. If you are able to get all the parts needed, including the wiring harnesses someone you trust doing the swap (or if you trust yourself, you) then you shouldn't have any problems.

if everything falls into place (meaning unicorns jump over fences, and gold is found at the end of the rainbow) then expect to spend between 6-8,000 (if you do most of the labor yourself somewhere around 4-5k)

But if not, or things don't go according to plan, it could cost a lot more than that

Hope that prespective helps

[krueger519]

Radd269

I have a 2010 2.5i with a turbo and a FMIC and was currently looking into a TMIC to minimize the turbo lag. Anyways I know I have a lot of work to do but its hard when you live in Europe and you can't really get the parts you want for an engine swap, so that being said will a 2010 WRX TMIC work on my 2.5i engine if I get all the necessary parts? No one has been able to answer my question, but since you've done the swap already I figured you could help me out.

[radd269]

Originally Posted by krueger519

Radd269

I have a 2010 2.5i with a turbo and a FMIC and was currently looking into a TMIC to minimize the turbo lag. Anyways I know I have a lot of work to do but its hard when you live in Europe and you can't really get the parts you want for an engine swap, so that being said will a 2010 WRX TMIC work on my 2.5i engine if I get all the necessary parts? No one has been able to answer my question, but since you've done the swap already I figured you could help me out.

It won't mount up, if thats what you mean. you might be able to do something with a creative tuner and some fabrication.

[elite2.5i]

this was really helpful

[radd269]

Originally Posted by elite2.5i

this was really helpful

Glad you liked it! Helps to put things in prespective

[zander92]

So I have a paid off 2007 2.5i and just bought a 2007 stiwith front end damage. How difficult will the swap be since I have all the parts?

[chuchin420]

That should be a direct port, since you have all the necessary stuff, its just a matter of transferring everything from the STi to the rs. You are so lucky to have both cars, good luck,

[SaabaruPL]

After reading this informative thread, im kinda just driven away from doing my swap. 2005 2.5i to a WRX. I did think that all you would need is a the engine, trans (if needed), rear diff, ECU, wiring harness. But as i can see you need more than this.

Kinda hoping to get 180 HP out of the Saabaru. So basically 15 additional HP somehow to OEM engine. Really want to car to mod it and make it my own, its a 5 speed and AWD! Unlike the 2010 Mazda 3 hatch i drive, 5speed automatic and FWD, it has a drive train warranty, so all i could do without running into trouble is wheels, tints and so far i did exhaust.

Idk what to do lol. Take the Saabaru to have fun, and just ignore that it has 165 hp and make the most out of it. Or just leave the car to my dad, and keep my mazda and just drive around in that.

[RavensFan7]

Swapping my car is definitely cheaper than buying a wrx/STi.

That's why I have a torn apart ej205 in my house right now.

The swaps aren't always cheap and easy....but if you do them right and have an older chassis like me, it's completely worth it.

[Boldt1991]

I'm looking at doing a swap in my 09 impreza sedan as well. Could you send me any information you have, good or bad. I've read a lot of post saying that I should just go buy a wrx, but I've got an impreza paid for with a clean body. It would be a shame to get rid of it. Thanks!

[Raimonds07]

-Sell 2.5i
-Buy STi
-paintjob
What I would do personally, seems like it'd be far less trouble but to each his/her own

[Derka003]

Does anybody know if there are any specific issues dropping a v7-9 ej207 into an 06 2.5i?

I DON'T have to worry about emissions, but it's not just a case of wiring the jdm ecu in, right? Are there other things that need adjusted?
I read that v7-9 207's are drive-by-cable, whereas my 06 is drive-by-wire, can this be overcome by finding a cable driven pedal assembly?

*keeping 5speed tranny for now
*n/a engine is getting old/burning oil
*not concerned about resale/emission testing

Any input is appreciated!

[Tmangt650]

I'm really thrown away with everyone saying to sell and buy an sti, wrx. Similar to a few that have mentioned, one, I'm not looking to add $100/month to my insurance. On top of that, my engine blew, so I'd be selling a car I still owe a little money on, taking a hit, continuing to pay the car off, then buy another? I don't think so.

I have a 08 2.5i, I've seen turbo charged engines for under 2k, then wiring harness, fuel pump and lines, and doing the labor myself, it'd be a completely new car when I'm done. That's the route I'm going for, just recently started researching so I know I have much more to do, but this thread has helped tremendously reading it through to the end, thanks a lot OP.

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[Uncle Scotty]

Originally Posted by Tmangt650

I'm really thrown away with everyone saying to sell and buy an sti, wrx. Similar to a few that have mentioned, one, I'm not looking to add $100/month to my insurance. On top of that, my engine blew, so I'd be selling a car I still owe a little money on, taking a hit, continuing to pay the car off, then buy another? I don't think so.

I have a 08 2.5i, I've seen turbo charged engines for under 2k, then wiring harness, fuel pump and lines, and doing the labor myself, it'd be a completely new car when I'm done. That's the route I'm going for, just recently started researching so I know I have much more to do, but this thread has helped tremendously reading it through to the end, thanks a lot OP.

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i dont think you grasp the scope of the job and what it entails

you are far better off just putting another ej253 in it and done and save yer munny......

[Tmangt650]

Originally Posted by Uncle Scotty

i dont think you grasp the scope of the job and what it entails

you are far better off just putting another ej253 in it and done and save yer munny......

No I do understand, but from what I'm pricing it's a few hundred dollar difference, between engines, (not including the turbo) but the work, yeah it'd take a solid few days non stop, I've done swaps before, I know, from reading up, there's a lot more than just pulling an engine out and putting a new one in. But IMHO, if I'm pulling an engine, I'd be better off upgrading.

I have a step dad who's a retired mechanic and a family friend that specializes in imports, so I have the info and know how. It's a matter of getting what I need. 08 wrx wiring harness, buddy has em for under 200. I know it's a big break down and all, but even rebuilding my engine would be an option, but again, why would I pull it, put hours of labor into it myself, then have it put back in?

Just makes more sense to me to upgrade since I've been wanting to since joining this forum years ago when I got the car.

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[Uncle Scotty]

well...good luck with that....i hope it doesnt become a money pit for ya

do lots of research....

[AKGC8]

If you have a blown engine already then swapping your 08 could make sense. Tearing apart a perfectly good 08 on the other hand for an Ej205/255/257 swap would be insane.

[SkaBob]

Originally Posted by Tmangt650

Just makes more sense to me to upgrade since I've been wanting to since joining this forum years ago when I got the car.

What're you doing with your old engine? Any of it still good? I might be interested in some of it...

[Tmangt650]

Originally Posted by SkaBob

What're you doing with your old engine? Any of it still good? I might be interested in some of it...

I'll let you know what the outcome is and what the deal is in if it's salvageable or not.

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[Steeze101]

Originally Posted by radd269

Hello All,

This thread is designed to put thoughts into proper prospective. Last week, I recently successfully swapped a 2006 2.5i to a 2006 wrx. A FULL complete swap, so that I can get it to pass smog. It cost a lot of money, a lot more than I originally thought. Am I happy? Yes, I see what I was missing, and the grass really is greener on the other side, but I am writing this so that other people won't make the same mistakes I did.

While a 2.5i body and wrx (even the STI) body are almost exactly the same, they are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CARS. It's not just about changing the engine. You need to register this in your mind. Electronically, very few components can be reused here. Even the fuel system is different. As long as you're cool with that and are willing to take a trip to the dark side like I did, then keep reading.


My first mistake: I didn't do enough research. SO MANY PEOPLE WARNED ME AGAINST IT, saying "You'd be better off selling your impreza and buying a wrx." While this is true from a financial standpoint, I didn't care. I felt a swap like that would be ten times more fun and rewarding. So I saved 8 thousand dollars and started looking at engines and parts I would need. Also make sure you have ALL THE PARTS YOU NEED BEFORE YOU START, to save yourself time and money later.

Mistake 2: If you decided to say "F%$k what everyone is telling you and do it anyway" like I did, unless you are physically doing it yourself, take it to a mechanic THAT HAS DONE THESE BEFORE.

And I'm not talking about one swap or two. Take it to someone who has done more than 20 swaps if you can. (If you live on the east coast, there are a few places that do it (eg ECS) but where I live in the tri-valley bay area, there isn't many swappers in town.)

The reason is simple. It's easy for a mechanic to quote you a price to do a swap and say, "Oh that shouldn't cost more than 4k in labor." But unless he has done tons of these swaps on our cars, It will ALWAYS BE MORE THAN WHAT THEY QUOTE YOU, sometimes double.

For Example, One thing that needs to be changed obviously is the ECU. This doesn't mean just taking out one box, and replacing it with the turbo one. THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS NEEDS TO BE SWAPPED including the fuel harness. If your mechanic is not familiar with how to do this efficiently, it could be as much as 15 hours labor extra charged to you, that you weren't expecting.

Mistake 3: The Immobilizer key is something else that's extremely important.

If you are going to do this kind of a swap, When you purchase your ECU, Try to buy the ECU, wiring harness, and immobilizer key FROM THE SAME CAR!!! I didn't know this, so when I bought my ECU, and after finishing everything, when my mechanic went to start the car, it wouldn't start. In imprezas, there is no chip in the car keys. but in a WRX/STI, there is. Thus the Immobilizer unit and key has to be changed and possibly reprogrammed if you want to be able to start the car.

If the wrx/sti ECU and Immobilizer came from the same car, you don't have to worry about anything because the codes in the key will match the ones in the ECU. If they didn't, the only way your car will start when everything is finished, is taking it to a subie dealer and have them to reprogram the ECU/Key. THIS CAN BE AVOIDED WITH RESEARCH!!! If you or your mechanic doesn't know this, they can potentially charge you with extra labor just trying to troubleshoot "where they potentially wired something wrong" LOL

Let's get down to business. The swap I did was designed so I could pass smog. Here are all the parts you need (If I remember correctly):

1. Engine (obviously. and AVOID BUYING ONLINE IF YOU CAN. (e.g. gotengines.com) Try to buy from a place where you can physically see the motor yourself and have someone you trust WHO KNOWS THESE ENGINES go with you. If all the accessories are on there in good working order (eg intercooler, intake manifold, header/downpipe, turbo, water pump) then you scored major points. if not, then you need to be ready to buy those components, including a new radiator, as your impreza one will no longer work.

Also, if you use the TMIC (Top mount intercooler,) you'll also need to obviously change the hood of the car, unless your willing to invest time and money into a FMIC (Front mount).

You CAN retain your original AC, ABS, and power steering systems. The power steering line will appear to be unmountable, but it can be made to fit and mount up perfectly.

2. Fuel System. To be safe, try to find the entire fuel system including entire fuel lines and wiring. Most complete ECU harnesses will have all of the fuel wiring you need, but be ready for NOT having everything you need, always. The fuel system will require new fuel lines (the impreza has only 2 lines (return vs returnless) (at least they do in the 06), the WRX has 3), tank (not sure if you need this, but I changed it just to be safe), and the fuel pump controller. Also, a new fuel pump will be required for sure; the impreza fuel pump is too weak. I found a brand new Walbro for 80 Bucks online or a stock wrx pump will work too.

3. If you didn't score these parts earlier, You'll also need a new stock airbox/intake (NOT INJEN!!!) intercooler and piping and mounting, a new exhaust (stock or aftermarket), turbo manifold, downpipe, radiator, and engine cradle. Make sure you have all the little things too, like the stock BPV for the turbo. The new engine cradle is VERY IMPORTANT. You can't skip this one. The impreza cradle is has different mounting holes and points than that of the WRX. When you go to put the new motor in, you you don't have the right cradle and crossmember, the new motor won't mount to the car. (the new crossmember takes away a lot of sway on the car too )

Don't worry about getting any aftermarket parts that require tuning right now, unless you have a tuner you can tow your car to once the swap is complete. Putting something like a CAI (cold air intake), TBE (turbo-back exhaust), downpipe or other parts on your car without tuning it could be fatal for your motor and make all the hard work blood sweat and tears meaningless. If you are gonna go TBE later, just get a used cheap stock exhaust for now or an ebay catback, and upgrade later once you find a good tuner. Intakes are meaningless unless you have a FMIC, or 400whp and at that point you need to tune for it anyway. Worry about those parts later.

4. Transmission. This is up to you. If you want, you can choose to leave this part alone. I did; the motor will mount up to your current tranny all the same. Virtually the WRX tranny and the impreza tranny are literally Identical, except for slightly different gearing. one is not weaker than the other, even though many people have a misconception that the WRX tranny is stronger. If you are doing something crazy like swapping to a 6 spd, you'll need to change the clutch, flywheel, driveshaft,axles, lsd and other STI components, as well as appropriate wiring. If you leave your original tranny alone, note that a wrx clutch will not work with your CURRENT FLYWHEEL. You will need to use a impreza clutch and flywheel (perfect time to upgrade this component if you can). If you want to use a WRX clutch, the flywheel has to MATCH. Also the tranny wiring used to tell the car when your in gear and in reverse is different and will need to be modified.

5. (optional) Instrument Cluster and other things (speedometer) I changed mine, but you don't need to if you don't want to, or you can do it later.
if you want your interior to look flush, STI seats can be used on your original brackets

Those are all of the components that come to my mind
Here are some links to some pictures of the finished product.

I hope that gives you a little insight on what's involved. If you are willing to put in the blood sweat and tears to get a result like this then I welcome you to do this

"DO or DO NOT. There IS not try." haha. Enjoy your new found beauty.

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/...Picture053.jpg
http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/...Picture052.jpg
http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/...Picture051.jpg
http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/...Picture054.jpg

How much did this run you in the end? if you don't my me asking?
i would just sell my RS and buy a wrx/sti but lets just say thats not an option.

[Uncle Scotty]

Originally Posted by Steeze101

How much did this run you in the end? if you don't my me asking?
i would just sell my RS and buy a wrx/sti but lets just say thats not an option.

a lot more than you think.....

if you read what that post actually says, it gives some very pertinent clues

[SkaBob]

The shop near me that does swaps quotes around $8000 to do a WRX swap. More for an STI, because there's more that needs to change. That's with the drivetrain out of a salvaged car, with a 30 day warranty. A couple grand of that is labor, but the rest you can assume is about what you could end up paying doing it yourself.

[johnra8410]

I'm in the middle of an 07 2.5i to WRX swap right now. I originally had an 07 WRX that got totaled. After about a year I went out and bought a 2.5i. Instead of buying another WRX or getting an Sti I figured it would be cheaper to find a 2.5i to swap everything I had over to it. Plus, what other people on this thread have mentioned is the insurance is a lot cheaper. The WRX is in complete working order besides the major frame damage on the drivers side B-pillar and trunk smashed in. Drive train and motor took no damage besides the rear swaybar bent and endlink broke.

My dad and I are doing all of the work ourselves. Without him this project would be going nowhere. He is an excellent mechanic with 30 years experience, having restored a few vehicles and building from the ground up his 84 Camaro.
http://i.imgur.com/jzKils9.jpg

Here are a few pictures of our progress on my car. Currently stripping the WRX to the shell.
http://i.imgur.com/qgWppOh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/H1loUHz.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FzJLmYD.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ZfLVxm1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/qP0hn5x.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/goGxurx.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/nSgczat.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/z8Q2Mlf.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zsgDsKN.jpg