Ok so my 05 WRX spun a rod bearing not too long ago and i think its time for a rebuild. I plan on pulling my motor and taking my long block into FW motorsports for a 2.2 stroker rebuild. I just wanna know what everyone thinks about this build. Impressions please from anyone who has had this done. Low end torque? High reving? reliability? and all that.

I weighed all my options. I dont trust a used ej20 and rebuilding my block with all oem would be around the same price as a stroker build. Has anyone had any issues with this build. Smog maybe?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

i would just go with the 2.5 usdm sti block or the JDM 2.0, but thats all personal i guess. Hope you get everything running well!

 

Have you considered a hybrid build? You never hear of stroked Subaru engines lasting very long. It seems they always end up failing, abiet most of these are stroked EJ25s. If you're wanting to bump up displacement, you're better off using an STI block. We used to do EJ22 swaps, but they are all old and hard to find now-a-days.

 

I have considered the 2.5 sti block but i hear issues with hybrid builds as well. Doesn't the different block affect BAR or SMOG? And i would be using my 2.0 so would the 2.2 be a lot more reliable than the 2.6/7 builds.

 

If you go to bar then sure...why would you do that. I have a wrx with a built sti block and smog has never been an issue. And if a cop pulls you over he won't check your VIN # on the car and the engine

 

what power level are you looking for?

 

You wont be getting too far using the EJ205. Theres other, better options. The 205 was just really meant for reliability and longevity.

 

Haha well ya i would never go to bar on purpose! I am looking for power levels 300-350, if i go any higher i would absolutely need STI tranny swap. I need reliability cause this is my daily driver and i wont have the funds to fix another blown motor. I am open to other options im just not to sure what those options are.

 

What kinda gains would i be getting from the 2.2 build, full turbo back, either vf39/16g turbo swap and all the supporting mods (injectors fuel pump, intercooler) and a protune?

 

I made 270whp/305wtq on a 16g with a conservative tune. And of course supporting mods. But I have a 2.5l.... AND STILL shattered my 5spd

 

if you plan on going to fw why not call them up and talk about your goals. im guessing they will be doing your tuning as well so you might as well pick pauls brain to see what works better and what doesnt.

 

You made over 300 WHEEL torque (and probably at 3500-4000rpm too!) on a 5 speed transmission meant for daily driving and a little spirited fun with under 200 wheel torque. This is because of the 2.5L block which makes a different power band than a 2.0L, even if the final horsepower numbers are the same. Both motors can make 400hp/tq reliably, and it has been done. They will be completely different motors and of the two the 2.0L will put less stress on the transmission it's mated to. The 5 speed was designed for power to come on a lot more smoothly and at higher revs like it does with the smaller block. Mostly, it comes down to how hard you drive the car.

You will probably make 250-275hp/tq with pretty quick spool and a little more low end grunt than a 2.0L. I wouldn't expect it to be a whole new car but you will definitely feel gains on the butt-dyno. You have an achievable goal and a safe-ish turbo choice for your transmission. If you don't beat it too hard, stick with a stock clutch, and take care of it, it should function just fine.

 

When did this start happening?

300-350 wtq is plenty to bust a transmission with if not driven properly. How you drive is a huge factor as damage is accumulative. I broke 3rd gear downshifting at 20 mph to turn into an alleyway.

A 2.5L will create more torque shock than a 2.2L will. Still, that's not enough of a reason to not get one.

 

I ran 330whp 315wtq on stock 04 WRX drivetrain for a couple years no issues.

 

To the OP. don't spend tons of $$ for a block if your only throwin on a 18g or looking for 350whp. Yes you do need a 6-speed for 350+ numbers. Whats in the future is important. Do you just want your car runing? Buy a used 205 or fix yours or a 255. Want more power in the future? Get a 207 or 257. Buying 2.2's parts are hard to find and tuning can't be easy