Hey guys,

I have a friend that is selling his 2k 2.5rs because of a blown engine (116k miles & cause yet unknown). I was considering buying the car because I know it is good, and was wondering if you could give me a few pointers on the following issues.

1. What would be the best thing to replace the engine with? A used under 30k, the same one rebuilt, a new 2.5, or a wrx engine. It seems that the used one under 30k is the best bang for the buck so far...

2. Is there anything I can do to prevent the head gasket problems that the 2.5 enginges commonly have. For example, is there a newer model head gasket, a special heavy duty racing one, or could i possibly use one from a wrx engine? I will definitely make sure that a 98 rs engine wont go into the car.

Sorry.. I know these questions have already been discussed before, but I had a hard time searching throught the past posts and finding a definite answer.

Any help would be great.
Thanks

 

I know your pain on the search option... i guess it would help me if i spelled things right!
I gotta say if the engine in my rs nuked i would go junk yard surfing with 3G in my pocket and throw an offer at every yard i could that has wrecked wrx'es rear diff and case, transmission, engine, wireing and computer... basically just go up to the owner and say "I will give you 3g for every thing i need to do this conversion".. most dont understand that you need that much of it to do it..
If you decide to go with another moter take the time and rebuild it (with forged pistons and connecting rods) basically once you have a forged rotating assembily (other than crank) down the road if you want to turbo it all you would have to do is a bit of cam and valve work and slap on the turbo kitt and have fun!!
As far as i know the new headgaskets are improved.
soo yeah thats my take on the situation... eather go ***** out and do the full wrx transplant.. or go the cheaper route by about 1g and rebuild the engine as tough as you can and hope the trans and rear end didnt take too much abuse.
BTW welcome!!

 

Thanks cudaeh,

I would love to go with the wrx engine, but have opted not to go that route because of the cost (~$8000 with a new transmission as well), as i would have asked a shop to do it just to be safe.

The previous owner (really cool guy) has been looking around for shops and options, and found that the dealer will actually put in a new engine (minus the heads and what not), and slap on a 3yr warranty for $4200. I'm thinkin that a warranty like that on a situation like this is great, and am probably going to go that route unless you guys think its not a good idea.

Other options were to get a used engine under 30K, which cost $3100, or to rebuild the thing which was about $3200.

I will have to make sure that the "new" head gaskets get into the vehicle though. Would any of you guys have a part number or something handy?

Thanks again

 

the only thing about a warrenty situation is you will most likley want to put some proformance parts on the car... in witch case no matter what the part is if something in the engine fails they are going to tell you that it is because of the after market part and there for not there responciblity to fix.....
It would be good piece of mind to have that it was professionally put together...
that and you could always save your old parts... just incase

 

what is your budget? I would say do the wrx engine swap and don't do the tranny yet if you are on a budget. when you get the $, then upgrade the tranny. Just make sure you don't upgrade the clutch before you upgrade the tranny. And take it easy on the car. If you are thinking of upgrading in performance, Phase II block is NOT what you are looking for unless you are going NA route. It is SOHC and 10:1 CR. Go with a WRX engine that is DOHC and lower in CR would be eaiser for a FI upgrade. good luck!

 

oh hell, this is going to break your bank. but you should consider brake and suspension with the WRX engine. good luck!