I'm done paying off my 2 door Impreza RS (GC8). I was looking around to trade it in and upon looking at what's available I didn't see anything that appealed to me.

Okay, honestly the S2000 appealed to me. but... it's going to be about 35K with the hardtop. Even if I trade my RS (excellent condition 45K miles garaged daily) I'd probably only get 10k for it and that would leave with $400 monthly payments for the the next 5 years...uggghhh! and higher insurance ...

So, I'm deciding that my RS is a keeper, but I want it to have more power. I live in Los Angeles and smog and swapping engines is an issue. But, according to DMV I can swap any engine in my car from the same model line as long as the engine is from the same year or newer.

2.5L turbo STI is in the same model line and the engine is definitely newer.

I'm going to my credit union to get a personal loan. I'm thinking of budgeting 10-12K for this swap.

300hp/300tq in STI engine is plenty. I want a daily driven smog legal no headache car. That I could keep for the next 10 years without a problem.

I'm thinking that Suby Specialties can do this swap for me.

What is the feasability of this project based on my 10-12k budget?

 

well that depends. Are you going for the trans as well? if you are i can tell you from experience the tranny swap alone is going to run at least 5k. I have seen ver7 JDM engines at Gruppe-s for 3800 w/out turbo or ECU. If you want USDM they about 6-7k from a dealership. Might want to shop around before you get that loan.
good luck and have fun!!!

Rance

 

I called around and I can get the whole drivetrain for 8-9k; USDM STI motor.

 

Sounds like a plan. Contact Bill at I-speed, I think he moved to LA recently... I think there are one or two other shops that can help with a swap down there too, ESX maybe? Make sure to budget a couple k for the install, thats the critical part in keeping it street legal and certifiable by a Referee.

 

I just talked to Chris at I Speed. He gave me great information. Now I'm just going to wait for I Speed to move to LA. Then I'm off to get my loan. Then my car goes in for a transplant.

I have the P1 suspensions and Toyo RA tires.

I figure I'd need better brakes. I'm also thinking of seats. I never did like the RS seats. It feels too high.

What else am I forgetting?

 

Lol!

 

a 2.5 turbo engine is obviously the most sought after engine for you

but keep in mind that a 2.0 turbo out of the standard wrx, used, could run you about $500 if you find the right seller. that could significantly keep cost down and you'd still have a lot of power for your RS plus there is a huge wealth of information in magazines and the internet on that exact swap.

good luck!!

 

HPDE track time with instruction (assuming you haven't done it before). Definitely brakes. Go with 4 pots if you don't want to also spend the money on 17s and new tires.