Okay so long story short I have an 03 WRX and it has about 117,000 miles on it and last weekend I was driving home from Santa Cruz when I realized my engine was overheating and then shortly after started smoking from under my hood so I pulled over. My coolant level was super low so I added coolant/water and it just kept leaking out not holding any fluid. I get it towed to Paul@DBTuned in Roseville who informs me that my cylinder heads are pretty decently cracked and my dad and I decided to just put a new engine in my car.

My question is now that I am going to have a new engine, my mileage will basically be starting over. Should I invest in a new turbo? I was thinking like a VF39 or something along those lines. But Im not sure if I would want to buy the new IC, fuel pump, and injectors. I dont want to beat up my basically brand new car.

Anyone who has any experience with this, help/advice would be appreciated

Thanks,
Colton

 

The new setup is completely based on your budget/wants. You're putting a new motor in the car, so are you completely tapped? IE budget build or not?

A VF39 setup isn't going to beat up a 2.0 motor...it's the driver that puts the abuse on it.

Personally, and if I feel it's a benefit, when it breaks I'll usually upgrade. You're motor will be out, so I say why not. Do some research on the driveability of a vf turbo on a 2.0 and you'll realize it's a fun/reliable setup.

There are also some other things, you might want to consider while the motor is out...

clutch or timing belt for the new motor etc?

It just sucks having to tear a new motor apart realizing you need a new clutch or another part that requires more than a few hours of labor.

 

I'm not completely tapped out, I feelte same way if I'm doing the motor now I might as well do it right you know? Is there a website where I can check out vfs?

 

There are some turbo FAQ's on Nasioc. They can be had new from several companies. Gruppe-s or fastwrx.com.

Or you could pick a used VF39/34 for 300-400 bucks. It's all up to you.

 

not turbo related but why dont you find yourself a used 2.5 motor instead of the 2.0? I think the bigger motor can handle the bigger turbo and yes, the driver definitely abuses the car....lucky for me, mine loves the abuse ;-)

 

Never really thought about picking up a 2.5
That's an idea

 

Yeah, if you do a search on eBay for "wrx motor" you will find a few options. If you have to swap, Go big!
GL and let us know what you decide.

 

I would be hesitant on buying a short/long block from ebay.

I'm not saying they are all bust, but I feel you are throwing a major dice roll on that one.