since my insurance company isnt too happy if i buy a wrx.. i found a cheap 95 impreza for only $500 -

it awd - auto - 1.8L and the body is basically in perfect shape but i have a feeling the engine is burning oil... and wanna replace it either way...

one of my best friends is a mechanic and since i can get access to a lift i plan on doing as much labor as i can myself w/ friends..

anyway i guess my question is - for the money - what do you ppl think would be my best bet..? and the corresponding parts i would need... it doesn't have to be the "fastest" car but i want it to be faster then a civic lol...

im assuming wrx engine w/ auto trans?


i know an manual to auto conversion would be "fun" but whatever has to be done - can be done... but ill take the auto if its that much easier.... for the price i paid for the car im not gonna be picky

 

is your car a MT or AT now? i would say stay with a MT. also u will need

engine/tranny & drive train (well u don't really need it cause yours will bolt up)/ecu & wiring harness/crossmember/exhaust mani/ wiing diagram/ thats alli can think of for now

 

its auto =(

i hear the conversion is a pain - i mean im gonna look into it - but if i have to keep the auto whatever... still be faster then the escort i have now

but i dont have to change the drive shaft or rear diff?

 

if your gonna keep it auto then nou don't have to but u may want to since the autowrx tranny will be stronger

 

See if you can find a busted up STI. I say go for the turbo and 6 speed. Course, I don't know if the 6 speed can be thrown into a GC8.

 

I have a 95 impreza L 1.8 manual trans 4dr sedan and here's what worked for me and it was cheap and easy. I used a phase 1, 2.2 motor I installed SVX pistons(higher compression) with 2.2 ring set, sent out the cams to Schneider racing cams in San Diego, get a 256 duration grind. and I ported and polished the heads myself.
I also hogged out the cat for racing and I put in 2.5 DOHC injectors but it does run too rich 1.8 injectors should be fine. it is at least as good as a 2.5 swap if not better. the only problem I have is that I get knocking and pinging at lower altitudes, I am at 4000feet and the 1.8 car has no knock sensor.
But you could do the swap without the SVX pistons if you wanted.
the advantage to the 2.2 is you can use the 1.8 intake and ECU so no harness swapping
Also if you want you can use the 97 or 98 2.2 solid valve train but the older hydralic valve train will work as well.
good luck.