If you are going to run N/A for 2 more years, It really doesn't make sense to build the motor for turbo right now. I hear a lot of guys run STI pistons/rods/crank etc because thats pretty strong (like 300-350 wheel) and not too expensive. I have no idea what that's like on a daily basis but I don't think you will get any power advantage out of that running N/A.

Going forged isn't a bad idea for a turbo build, but if you are only going to run 5-7 psi don't waste your time. As far as I know people run stock internals with those kind of boost levels and a td04 or something like that.

You can easily build a turbo kit for not that much money but those kind of boost levels aren't going to net you that much power gain. Granted you can do whatever you want, but If I was you, I would just save money and just do the headgaskets (how many miles on the block?) and then part out/sell the motor in 2 years and just pick up an ej205 and wiring harness and go from there. Will net you more power and will have a lot more potential in very stock form. Plus it really doesn't cost that much, just save your money for a few years, shouldn't be a big deal.

As for rebuilding parts, I would talk to the machine shop that is doing the work for you. The machine shop that did the machine work for me was able to get a really good deal on a full gasket kit + piston rings + rod and main bearings through a parts supplier that they use and my machine shop was more than happy to order the stuff for me (they take no money for this).

Otherwise, I would use Rockauto.com . Lots of good quality OEM parts, pretty much everything you could need.

ALSO keep in mind that a headgasket gasket kit does not have ALL the gaskets you need for a total teardown. There are about 4 little o rings and stuff that you will need in order to complete the bottom end build.

Good luck with the rebuild

 

Hey Salvator, I really appreciate your feedback. My motor has like 176k+ on it atm and I've been driving it with the dreaded HG problem for a few months. I'm afraid to admit it, but I think there will be nothing but bad news once I open the engine up. The reason why I want to stick with this motor is 1) I already have it and 2) I have another project I have to finish. Turbo build on the Subie has to wait.

But like I said, I want to do minimal upgrades to the engine to get it ready for low boost. If you're saying that I can get away running stock internals on 5-7 psi then I guess my question has been answered. I would love it if some guys would chime in who have done N/A to turbo builds and confirmed this.

 

With 176k mileage on the stock block, I would stay away from boost. You're going to rebuild and reseal it just to blow it up.

 

Could you please elaborate on this? Is there something wrong with these motors that they can't handle boost? Even after a rebuild? From my understanding, a proper tune and a very mild build shouldn't cause me to lose a motor...I could be wrong as I have never build a N/A Subie to handle boost.

 

176k you'd have to make sure your compressions are up to par and all your internals are good. I would just wait it out till the engine goes and not touch it until then. You will be wasting money on a rebuild when later on you know you'll boost it up. Just keep up with the maintenance: timing belt, head gaskets, idlers, pumps, etc. and worry about the rebuilding when you're ready for boost.

If you do decide to boost it, you can then go for a STI ej257 shortblock (replace the oem pistons, they suck...) OR build your own s-block ground up. just do the build once and save the money for better supporting mods.

 

176k you'd have to make sure your compressions are up to par and all your internals are good. I would just wait it out till the engine goes and not touch it until then. You will be wasting money on a rebuild when later on you know you'll boost it up. Just keep up with the maintenance: timing belt, head gaskets, idlers, pumps, etc. and worry about the rebuilding when you're ready for boost.

If you do decide to boost it, you can then go for a STI ej257 shortblock (replace the oem pistons, they suck...) OR build your own s-block ground up. just do the build once and save the money for better supporting mods.

I want to boost it after the rebuild as the motor will be "fresh". Based on your responses it seems to me that this motor is not too friendly with boost. What typically fails 1st on a EJ25 that was originally N/A but turbo'ed later on?

 

I'm not looking to make crazy numbers with this build as I have a 240sx in the works for that I just want something thats fun to drive for a daily/winter car.

 

no your stock motor doesnt handle boost that well. i dont think chRS or supers understood that you are doing a headgasket job and rebuilding the block along with it. given that, the mileage doesnt really matter, and plenty of people do run low boost turbos on the NA block & stock internals. go here for lots more info on turboing your stock 2.5: Turbo and Superchargers - Subaru Impreza GC8 & RS Forum & Community: RS25.com
(note the sticky at top of forum)

putting STi internals in when you do the headgasket job is going to be lower compression and with no turbo not much fun. i do believe someone on here did that though... not sure where/who

swaps (ie ej205) are generally cheap and easy for these cars, which is why you will commonly receive that as an answer. ie, build it cheaply for now, leave it NA and swap for ~$1500-2000 dollars in 2 years instead of turbo kit.

 

no your stock motor doesnt handle boost that well. i dont think chRS or supers understood that you are doing a headgasket job and rebuilding the block along with it. given that, the mileage doesnt really matter, and plenty of people do run low boost turbos on the NA block & stock internals. go here for lots more info on turboing your stock 2.5: Turbo and Superchargers - Subaru Impreza GC8 & RS Forum & Community: RS25.com
(note the sticky at top of forum)

putting STi internals in when you do the headgasket job is going to be lower compression and with no turbo not much fun. i do believe someone on here did that though... not sure where/who

swaps (ie ej205) are generally cheap and easy for these cars, which is why you will commonly receive that as an answer. ie, build it cheaply for now, leave it NA and swap for ~$1500-2000 dollars in 2 years instead of turbo kit.

This is something I was looking for. Stupid me for missing that sticky. I feel like a retard now lol. I think I'll go with the reliable N/A for now and definately throw the Delta cams in there as well as a lightweight flywheel and have the whole rotating assembly balanced at a shop. Maybe in 2 years I'll just swap the engine like you suggested. I will avoid a lot of headaches that way. Thanks for the response my friend.

Is this where I can get my cams done?

Delta Camshaft

If so I'll be calling them tomorrow!

And I was thinking this for the flywheel:

Fidanza Flywheel - Aluminum SUBARU IMPREZA 2.5I; OUTBACK; OUTBACK SPORT; RS; TS 1997 - 2007 2.5 110001

I think that'll help free up some power. I might even make a build thread Thanks to everyone who chimed in!

 

If I were you and just wanted to make the car a little more fun just put a delta cam (or something similar) in there while you have the engine apart and that should satisfy your urge for a bit more pep.

 

truth, throwing in a set of delta cams during a headgasket job is a great idea and exactly what i did too

 

Or find someone like me who has an EJ255 that needs a hone pistons and rods and put the pistons in there that you want for desired compression and have a
More stout bottom end that could be used more readily for boost later with a
Piston change or even keep the piston in there and run low boost, but either way, you have semi closed deck and a better foundation... I'm in the initial stages of getting it rebuilt so I can sell it as is or finished...

Just a thought...

 

you could buy my engine if you want, better option. Already built for it and turbo, 4xxx miles

 

cams and flywheel sound like a great plan, and yes delta is the way to go - just decide if you want the 1000, 1500 or 2000 grind by reading here: http://www.rs25.com/forums/f5/t51385-delta-cam-questions.html and then calling them at teh number in the link you posted, they are very helpful

 

cams and flywheel sound like a great plan, and yes delta is the way to go - just decide if you want the 1000, 1500 or 2000 grind by reading here: http://www.rs25.com/forums/f5/t51385-delta-cam-questions.html and then calling them at teh number in the link you posted, they are very helpful

Awesome! Thanks so much for that link!

 

I am quite excited to start this tomorrow! I worked a double today so I could start early lol.

 

no problem man, the factory service manuals are on this site also and have everything you need (search, i forget where..) there are the DIY writeups on here for most of everything youll be doin too to make it even easier

 

Yup I've had them saved for a while now. I'll be reading a lot tonight while sipping on some hot tea lol I just need to find a rebuild kit...any suggestions? Something people have used on here with good results.

 

Well, I got most of the stuff off today to get the motor ready for extraction tomorrow morning. I took my time so I didn't snap any bolts off. So far so good *knock on wood*. Here are pics of the progress:

 

Never in my life have I experienced so much frustration while taking a motor out. The transmission did NOT want to seperate from the motor. It felt as if it was "fused" on there permanently. Stupid dowel pins and the two studs on the bottom were making my job hell. But after a few hours here we are:

 

Well, the engine is almost all apart guys! Just a few more bolts and I can take the pistons out. I'll tackle that tomorrow. I'm taking both heads & the block to the machine shop tomorrow to get cleaned, check for cracks/warpage. The crank will get balanced with a lightweight flywheel once it comes in. Once the cams are out, they are getting sent to Delta for a mild street grind Here are some pics of today's progress!

 

Intake manifold is completely disassembled! Taking the plenum, fuel lines and all brackets to the shop tomorrow to get thoroughly cleaned and glass bead blasted. Afterwards, it will get treated with some high heat paint with yet to be determined color.

 

wow dude im impressed with your previous car. seems like you know what your doing, which is good. :lol:

i wish you the best of luck! keep posting pics!!!

 

wow dude im impressed with your previous car. seems like you know what your doing, which is good. :lol:

i wish you the best of luck! keep posting pics!!!

Thank you sir! I try my best with what's available to me. I'm a firm believer that if you're going to do something, do it right the 1st time

I'll keep the pictures of the progress coming for sure! Thanks again for the kind words.

 

prepping IM for reassembly...

Alright, just got my plenum, VCs, brackets and TB back. I'm gonna wire brush the heck out of the TB before I put it back on. Everything came back super clean, take a look for yourself

 

Tb

I had zero motivation to start this but I went ahead anyways lol It's almost done, just need to touch it up with 1k+ grit tomorrow and I'll be done.

 

It was nice and sunny today so I decided to lay down some paint on the freshly cleaned parts from yesterday. Here's a lil teaser

 

i had thought about painting my valve covers, ill be interested to see how it comes out

 

I say go for it man. It definately makes the engine bay seem less boring, especially when someone asks you to pop the hood and their reaction is like :drool: hehe.

Today, I painted the fuel lines. I figured I would paint anything that could potentially rust. I will re-assemble the intake mani after the paint fully cures. Here are some piktarz

 

Awesome!! Taking notes for my near future build.

 

I'm glad I can be of assistance

this engine is going to have some nice eye candy!

Well, the motor was finally split in half. Main bearings were completely fine and made me think: "why did I tear this motor apart???"...until the rods came off and found out that all rod bearings were completely destroyed. This is my daily so it definately needed this work done. In the end, I either buy a newer car or rebuild what I have. The shop is ordering all my rebuild parts for me @ employee rate so I think a rebuild was definately a good call

EDIT: Forgot to mention this but piston # 2 & 4 are scuffed on the skirt side while # 1 & 3 are in perfect shape. I think I'm just going to replace 2 & 4 and re-use 1 & 3. They are $83 from the dealer. Cylinder walls will be re-honed.

 

this engine is going to have some nice eye candy!