newbie question time....

how much do you think a new US WRX STi engine from the factory might cost?? i know over here you can get an brand spanking new engine from subaru for about $5000....won't that be sweet to have that engine putted into an Rs without the wiring nightmare of the JDM engines?? just a thought but im sure it has been discussed....thanx

brand spanking new engine $5000
IHI turbo $1200
ECU and wiring harness $2000
drving GC8 with STi motor legally... priceless :)





really? I'd get JDM motor to save a little money

Originally posted by go go go
brand spanking new engine $5000
IHI turbo $1200
ECU and wiring harness $2000
drving GC8 with STi motor legally... priceless :)

really? I'd get JDM motor to save a little money

i was thinking about getting a the US WRX STi motor....would the ECU and harness really cost that much?? i just want the stock setup of the STi.....for now:)

yeah wiring itself costs more than $1000
If you see it you'll understand why. I believe they are hand crafted.
ECU is not cheap at all. I think it's like $1000.

If all the connectors are close enough to your original wiring, then all you need to do is modify the original one you have.

Now were talking. I've been planning to get 04 STi swap too. But i just need to fill up my piggy bank for now.

Make sure to fill that piggy bank up, and to have some extra. Are you planning on doing this swap yourself or having someone do it? Their are people/places that do this, and I usually see charges of around $7K installed, but that is also a USDM engine. You could find a JDM engine, front clip and go that route too. Or Ausi spec engine. Both are going to be hard to wire up, the only thing is getting a RHD engine compared to a LHD their is some more fabrications because of the piping, but it has and is being done. Also think of all the extra HP you will get out of a JDM engine stock.... though the ECU's are programmed for higher octate (RON) in Japan. Sorry, I am at work and getting sidetracked... I will have to add to this later. peace

Thats the problem. Im looking forward in getting a JDM 04 STi engine i know its gon cost more and plus the wiring.

By the way would i need to convert my 5spd to a 6spd? Or can i just leave it as a 5spd.

If I were you I would go ahead and do the 6 speed. ;)

I'll be scanning scrap yards regularly :D


Mmmmm...'04 STi front clip

And you know who can install them. He he... :)

i just want to know what kind of block and internals they are going to use in the 2.5L Turbo engine. has there been any info on this topic because maybe us RS guys will be able to just upgrade our own blocks with FACTORY parts!!

imagine forged factory pistons for the 2.5L with lower compression...so much for hoping that JE does it right

ben

As far as I know, They are using Aluminum Alloy Pistons, Sodium Filled Valves, Forged High Carbon Connecting Rods, and that's all I know about it. Other than the Fact that We're the only people in the world that is going to have the 2.5 Turbo Engine.

AND variable valve timing if you feel like messing with the head. Subaru REALLY came through this time!

-What i was thinking is that if i could go to a junk yard and grab the inturnals from the sti (pistons, rods, pins...) would that be cheeper? Then just buying new aftermarket ones?
-The other things is that all this talk about the whole jdm swap. Wouldn't it be easier, wiring harness wise to use the US version, then there would be no LHD conversion or the need to remap the ecu for the different gas?
- Also go with the 6spd conversion it may cost more but the 5 spd willhave considerable trouble with that engine set up.
-tim

Tim,

There is much debate over swaps. Most of the discussion emanates from individuals who have “heard of”,“read” about”, or swapped some Honda or Integra.
Trust me, I know what I am talking aboutJ

Here are some basic facts for you:

The JDM swap is easier. It costs less and there are fewer wires (than a USDM conversion) to solder into your existing harness. It is not smog legal. It can run on 93 octane.

The USDM conversion is smog legal (when done correctly). It is more difficult and more expensive to do than a most JDM (entire V7 is not included).

You will be VERY hard pressed to find a 2004 Sti engine just laying around at some salvage yard. Those guys are well informed and ALREADY planning to swoop all over those damaged cars as soon as the get wrecked.

For more information on swaps: i-speedusa.com

Chris
I-Speed USA

Originally posted by Timm9004
-What i was thinking is that if i could go to a junk yard and grab the inturnals from the sti (pistons, rods, pins...) would that be cheeper? Then just buying new aftermarket ones?
-The other things is that all this talk about the whole jdm swap. Wouldn't it be easier, wiring harness wise to use the US version, then there would be no LHD conversion or the need to remap the ecu for the different gas?
- Also go with the 6spd conversion it may cost more but the 5 spd willhave considerable trouble with that engine set up.
-tim

Yes, it would be cheaper, except for the fact we don't know the bore and stroke of the new motor yet. (it's not an EJ20 or an EJ25) Plus, it won't be there long enough to get disassembled. First STi to get creamed is gonna be at the head of a motorcade of dudes trying to be first to buy. I'd suggest calling RCSR in Rancho and putting a deposit down now if anybody is really serious about it.

Many people have told me that patience pays . Well lets see if that is the case. I have been waiting for a long time to see if is time to make the right decision as far as what to do to my 1999 RS 2.5

I almost ordered a turbo kit but after doing a lot of research, I would then be left with the dilemma of the weak transmission and would not get far with the kit since to really boost thing up the internals on the engine would have to be changed. I figure if I went trough this path I would have probably spend 10,000+. Then I started to do more thinking and I kind of liked the idea of buying the sti ver 5 engine/trany/ecu from Lachute Subaru and

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STI version 5
STI ver5RA drivetrain. Motor with alt, ps pump, VF28 turbo, heavy duty 4.44 gearbox with adjustable center diff with 4 position dash switch, intercooler, wire harness and ecm . Prices starting at 9500$ - 14500$ CAN. Call for more info and installation prices.

Part # Description Price
STI ver5RA STI Version 5 RA $13500.00 can dollars
STIver5RA Version 5RA with 280hp,adjustable center dif15500.00 can dollars

sti ver 5 link
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Some quotes I got of Swaps with wrx and sti ver5
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WRX 2002 Engine + drivetrain

Engine + transmission + Unichip
7 000,00 $
+ up Pipe
Rear Diff 650,00 $
Front cross member 300,00 $
Front sway bar 150,00 $
Higher output fuel pump 300,00 $

Installation 3 000,00 $

Miscellanious including oil, gaskets… 350,00 $

Total before taxes 11 750,00 $


* All these prices are in Can $

Total before taxes in USD $ approx 7 300,00 $

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STI V5 RA

Engine + transmission 13 850,00 $

Rear Diff 650,00 $
Front cross member 300,00 $
Front sway bar 150,00 $
higher output fuel pump 300,00 $

Installation 3 000,00 $

Miscellanious including oil, gaskets… 350,00 $

Total before taxes 18 600,00 $




Total before taxes in USD $ approx 11 555,00 $
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Then I saw the news about the US 2004 STI and I started thinking (again for some of us, there is never enough of something to satisfy the thirst of having more) someone is going to screw up, what could be called an act of God (you know kids ussually do screw up when it comes to fast cars) and there will be a lot of cheap sti parts around . So patience my fellow RS 2.5 owners and you will be rewarded!!!! I only hope that I dont age a lot during this process. Its just that when spending $$ you have to be sure on what you're doing otherwise you will regret it.


__________________
By demons I'm driven

pantera,

i have had simular problums when it has come to modding my rs. first i as going to go NA with the cobb stage 3 package then i relized how much it would cost with instalation. Then i moved to wanting to get a turbo kit and like u said to run serious boost it was going to cost A LOT! Then i moved to wanting to creat a subaru parts turbo kit with crossing legacy turbo and the new Sti parts. Right now the waiting game seems to be the best thing to do subaru is releasing so many new things who knows all the possiblities. The other thing that i am waiting on is the cobb turbo kit that is coming out. Right now subaru is going big and we the consumers are the winners.
-tim

What about stealing the factory turbo and throwing it on a 2.5? Would it be cheaper than an aftermarket turbo and how much hp would u get compared to an aftermarket turbo.

Guys, there is no such thing as cheap, RELIABLE horsepower. There are countless ways of going fast, but they are all expensive. I can guarantee you that an RS or a WRX that are as fast, agile, and reliable as a stock '04 STi cost more to build than the MSRP of the STi. Building a fast car is something you do to have done it- it's not a shortcut to speed, it's the opposite.

Originally posted by BAN SUVS
Guys, there is no such thing as cheap, RELIABLE horsepower. There are countless ways of going fast, but they are all expensive. I can guarantee you that an RS or a WRX that are as fast, agile, and reliable as a stock '04 STi cost more to build than the MSRP of the STi. Building a fast car is something you do to have done it- it's not a shortcut to speed, it's the opposite.

You are right speed ain’t cheap (it even rhymes). Nevertheless, we can try to go fast stretching the dollar. It is just that I want the best overall solution besides buying the 2004 STI. The story would have been different if I had a Honda I would be willing to sell it and buy the STI. At the time I bought my there were not too many options. Now opportunities are knocking on the RS owner’s doors!!!

panteras: Who did you get your price quotes from? Engines, clips and installation? Seem somewhat high to me. Trust me I have been searching and finding and losing and losing job (can't buy what I was going to buy:::sigh:::), etc etc.
Did you just quote Lachute Subaru (noticed it was in CAN$)? Ralli Spec's install price quotes I have gotten are cheaper than theirs, older JDM WRX and STI front clips are starting to get pretty cheap, just make sure if you buy an older one it has the TD-05 turbo on it and is a non-wagon model.


A USDM 04 STI clip will be $$$$$$$$$$$$$, and I think that will decrease the asking price on JDM clips and such...well been noticing older ones keep popping up more and more often (Version 1-3's), cheaper and cheaper, and more complete too.

Just my 9 cents.
-Joe

Hey man thanks for the feedback!!!

Yes the quotes are from Lachute Subaru on what they claim it will be a turn key in project. I ask them about less painful solution, as bolt on as possible and I got those prices from them. Well I just hope that this wait is over soon.

I should warn everybody that i am a newbie so pardon me if these are dumb questions.

this is a great thread, i am looking to get a used rs and do some great things with (like beat my friend in his 350z) and i am trying to put together a plan of attack as to wha mods to do and come up with a budget. here are a couple of questions i have

1. what about used drivetrains from wrecked jdm cars (http://www.meade-sports.com/

2. what would it cost extra to add/switch the stock ecu with a standalone unit. my thinking being that if in the near future you want to go bigger and better you already made the investment.


3. LSD for the front...i was under the impresion that there wasn't one standard on the rs, is there one on the sti? if not wouldn't this be a good time to put one in? or would it be kind of pointless?

4. is it going to be real hard to make a jdm sti pass emision standards? i live in new jersey but have the option of registering it in delaware, i know how tough you guys in cali have it just thought it might be easier over here

thanx in advance

Here are some more #'s and $$ for you to crunch:)
http://www.i-speedusa.com/motor/rs-t_conv.pdf
http://www.i-speedusa.com/motor/wrx_conv.pdf
Chris
i-speedusa.com

If you did do the complete conversion: Motor/tranny/wiring harness/ECU, etc... your RS would probably be faster than the STI because I have a feeling the RS would weigh a few hundred pounds less...
Anybody know the weight of the new STI?

i cant see the chart, i dont ave the adobe viewer, anyways your price quote of $7,500. which motor is that for? i assume the WRX. how much would it cost if i wanted an older JDM Motor? say something around an sti v5 ? ? ?

The $7500 is for a turn key USDM motor swap (yes, Exedy clutch is included).
For any JDM? It honestly depends on how much and in what condition we get the parts for.

The reality is that JDM motors come from overseas. I have no idea what condition they are in. All we and you have to go by is what someone else tells us. That is unless we go to japan or the UK and see the parts first hand before we buy them.
Here, at least, we can inspect the USDM motors and make sure ALL parts meet our approval/standards.

Yes, I have seen JDM motors in great shape. Yes I have seen them in piss poor shape too. The same goes for USDM motors. However, if there were something wrong with the USDM, I just make a call, and get the part in a matter of a few hours:)

Chris