strength of motors and transmissions?

[houndman]

anyone know what the strength of all parts are in the different
Impreza motors, 2.5i, WRX, and STi ? Interested in the crankshaft,
rods, and pistons, whether forged, cast, and the like. Trying to
decide which model is the best for me today and possibly in the
future, if I decided to modify them? The Turbo's should have stronger
parts, but not sure if the WRX is equal to the STi, and I read
somewhwere that the 2.5L has a really strong crank, but compared to
what or which other Impreza motor? I have also read that between the
5speeds, the one in the base model is prefered, because it is as
strong as the WRX, but has better gear ratioes.

I want the wagon so am limited to teh 2.5i or WRX, and had an injury
that damaged my muscles, and all other systems, and don't drive as
fast as I used to or may want to, because strength and reaction times
are slower, and my vision isn't what it used to be. I have improved a
lot, but it isn't who I would hope to be, though I have periods where
everything works a lot better, and I drive accordingly.

My thing is, I have always wanted to build and modify cars, and used
to be able to order a lot of Police Options back in the old days, to
have the most car the co made, on any model.

I have been trying to find out what the crank, rods, and pistons are
made out of in the WRX, and If they would have to be changed to go
much higher in power, It might not be worth the extra cost at this
time, at least, and I can't find what I consider things that should be
easy to find.

Right now I think I prefer the base model for ride comfort, and the
power is probably adiquite unless I improve. Price and insurance on
the WRX, and more chance of being stolen
wouldn't make me happy if it wasn't the right choice
I don't want to buy one model, and wish I bought the other, no matter
which way.

Vince F

 

[bgd]

I thought I could give you a couple of links of truth but "ej18 broken
crankshaft"
is returning something japanese instead of the god awful photos I found of
an everyday driver who broke one without a turbo.
Hmmmm. I have nearly paranoid dreams at what controls google... but anyway.
The smaller the ej series engines, unless its the ej 18 are good from What I
have been reading (I inquired too with same questions as you)
I know of the 2.0 and 2.2 certain models that seem to be great.

it sure as hell seems they do the opposite of truth in automotive
engineering but the above 2 mentioned seem to be the toughest durable.
I am not falling for any Subaru again without the old little 3 main bearing
from the 80s.
It seems my faith in japanese has dwindled:
The inline four is my number one worst engine... japans number one.
after bending 2 straight sixxes the long way and throwing rods on a very
conservative 90-150 hp version... thier supra is glorified with a straight
six and illegal 30psi turbo.
After realizing with 20 years of personal triumph with the 3 main bearing
boxer four, they now have five mains, are an interference engine and have an
intake too large, did away with the carb, have too many valves,
and the newer cars tire profile is too small, and am forced to chuckle when
I park my all oem 1987 GL d/r next to a 300hp impreza to tower over it in
every way, even with the "little" 13 inch rims.. yet another opposite.
I give up.

Good luck to you and your high priced pursuit.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

anyone know what the strength of all parts are in the different
Impreza motors, 2.5i, WRX, and STi ? Interested in the crankshaft,
rods, and pistons, whether forged, cast, and the like. Trying to
decide which model is the best for me today and possibly in the
future, if I decided to modify them? The Turbo's should have stronger
parts, but not sure if the WRX is equal to the STi, and I read
somewhwere that the 2.5L has a really strong crank, but compared to
what or which other Impreza motor? I have also read that between the
5speeds, the one in the base model is prefered, because it is as
strong as the WRX, but has better gear ratioes.

I want the wagon so am limited to teh 2.5i or WRX, and had an injury
that damaged my muscles, and all other systems, and don't drive as
fast as I used to or may want to, because strength and reaction times
are slower, and my vision isn't what it used to be. I have improved a
lot, but it isn't who I would hope to be, though I have periods where
everything works a lot better, and I drive accordingly.

My thing is, I have always wanted to build and modify cars, and used
to be able to order a lot of Police Options back in the old days, to
have the most car the co made, on any model.

I have been trying to find out what the crank, rods, and pistons are
made out of in the WRX, and If they would have to be changed to go
much higher in power, It might not be worth the extra cost at this
time, at least, and I can't find what I consider things that should be
easy to find.

Right now I think I prefer the base model for ride comfort, and the
power is probably adiquite unless I improve. Price and insurance on
the WRX, and more chance of being stolen
wouldn't make me happy if it wasn't the right choice
I don't want to buy one model, and wish I bought the other, no matter
which way.

Vince F

If I understand your post correctly, I see no reason you shouldn't get
the WRX wagon. You don't say if you've test driven any. You don't say if
you're buying new or used - the xtra .5 liter in my '06 makes me run in
STU class in SCCA, I was WAY underprepared. (still had fun though). A
lot depends on what plans you have for the car. Insurance may be higher
- but won't be as bad as STi insurance. And the WRXs seem to tolerate a
lot of mods. Check over at www.nasioc.com and maybe
www.ultimatesubaru.org for additional input.

If you're building an engine - the sandrail guys (especially outta
Australia) are getting some crazy power too - even going in and
semi-closing the deck in the blocks.

If you want a dragster - Subarus are not gonna be the best option. But
for the twisties......


Carl

 

[isquat]

If you want a dragster - Subarus are not gonna be the best option. But
for the twisties......

.... nothing beats a Lotus?

I think he's better of with the STI. The transmission
is stronger. Dunno about 08 but 07 and lesser shared the tranny
with the basic impreza. I don't hink it's up to the task of
handling the extra power from an up tuned engine.
On the other hand the 8-9k difference payes for a lot
of rebuild trannies.

If I had an STI I'm not sure why I would have wanted to bolt anything
to it in the first place though.

 

[houndman]

I thought I could give you a couple of links of truth but "ej18 broken
crankshaft"
is returning something japanese instead of the god awful photos I found of
an everyday driver who broke one without a turbo.
Hmmmm. I have nearly paranoid dreams at what controls google... but anyway.
The smaller the ej series engines, unless its the ej 18 are good from What I
have been reading (I inquired too with same questions as you)
I know of the 2.0 and 2.2 certain models that seem to be great.

it sure as hell seems they do the opposite of truth in automotive
engineering but the above 2 mentioned seem to be the toughest durable.
I am not falling for any Subaru again without the old little 3 main bearing
from the 80s.
It seems my faith in japanese has dwindled:
The inline four is my number one worst engine... japans number one.
after bending 2 straight sixxes the long way and throwing rods on a very
conservative 90-150 hp version... thier supra is glorified with a straight
six and illegal 30psi turbo.
After realizing with 20 years of personal triumph with the 3 main bearing
boxer four, they now have five mains, are an interference engine and have an
intake too large, did away with the carb, have too many valves,
and the newer cars tire profile is too small, and am forced to chuckle when
I park my all oem 1987 GL d/r next to a 300hp impreza to tower over it in
every way, even with the "little" 13 inch rims.. yet another opposite.
I give up.

Good luck to you and your high priced pursuit.











- Show quoted text -

You mention things I hadn't thought about, and don't know the Subaru
motors. # of mains and the like. I always liked when I found out that
a car I bought was Over engineered. I think I have been pretty lucky
over the years, since even cars that I was given, had lots of heavy
duty systems. Rather have them, then flimsy ones.

I have been looking and thinking of Sube's, mainly the Impreza, to
have a sporty, smaller car. I like a hatchback or small wagon, since I
like large hounds, and did a lot of things that I had to carry large
items. I used to take seats out of compact coupes, so my hounds could
stand, and I could see out the back window, or take out all but the
drivers seat, to carry big cabinets.

I would prefer a small motor that doesn't sit forward of the front
axle, having almost gotten killed in a 78' Eldorado, having to keep it
from doing 360's, Just from leaning on the brakes, and turning the
wheel, to get back behind a car I was trying to pass, when headlights
appeared ahead of me on a 2 lane, in a pitch black forrest. Rear
wheels locked up. I kept it from spining, but was going mighty fast
sideways, down a grass enbankment, stoping inches from a big tree,
right next to where I sat. At the time I had a 71' Mercury Capri, that
was RWD, with the
1.6L Kent motor, that looked like a sewing machine, and that car
handled like it was riding on tracks, being so well balanced.

Lotus and Ford did amazing things with the motor. 4valve heads,
turbo's and the like, and Ford had it puting out 700HP. I never got
the mods that had to come from the UK, but Ford brough the UK guys
over and made the turbo 4cyl Mustang SVO, from 84-86'. That had
things I would have done to the Capri. Loved the Recaro seats.
Something always happened to stop me from buying, and then they stoped
making it. I Still look for one, but they only made 10K, and have
Lots of special parts.

I happened upon a video of the Litchfield, T-25 Impreza in the UK,
and it got me thinking of the Capri and Stang again. With my
limitations, I can just about handle my Chevy, but my mind wants to
have more, or at least the possibility, of something Really
interesting, so I'm in a serious hunt for a Sube. As usual I drive
salespeople crazy. Even think I have Sube geting there, wrote to them
and got a reply, but no answers, just wondering Why I was asking.

I read on another forum, that was discussing the motor internals, and
who Though the WRX motor had a forged crank, and someone claims they
contacted Subaru, and was told it was cast, and another time,
Aluminum. LOL... I'm to the point it might be worth it to buy the
factory shop manuals to TRY to find out. Could save me 7K$ now, or
later

VF

 

[houndman]

If I understand your post correctly, I see no reason you shouldn't get
the WRX wagon. You don't say if you've test driven any. You don't say if
you're buying new or used - the xtra .5 liter in my '06 makes me run in
STU class in SCCA, I was WAY underprepared. (still had fun though). A
lot depends on what plans you have for the car. Insurance may be higher
- but won't be as bad as STi insurance. And the WRXs seem to tolerate a
lot of mods. Check over atwww.nasioc.comand maybewww.ultimatesubaru.orgfor additional input.

If you're building an engine - the sandrail guys (especially outta
Australia) are getting some crazy power too - even going in and
semi-closing the deck in the blocks.

If you want a dragster - Subarus are not gonna be the best option. But
for the twisties......

Carl

I've been on NASIOC, and not geting good answers. My first choice
would be the WRX wagon, and I drove it and an auto base model last
week, and for my condition right now, I think something in between
would be prefered. Felt beat up driving the WRX just about a mile on
city streets, because of my muscle body damage. Riding or driving can
wear me out, and make me hurt. Geting back into my old Chevy to drive
home was comfortable. This week I got to drive a base 5sp, and drove
it around a good bit, even onto a winding river drive. A bit
underpowered maybe, but I was having to remember a road I hadn't
driven in years, and which way to go, in a car I wasn't familiar with,
and haven't driven a stick in 25yrs, so maybe didn't select the best
gears. I was exhausted but not beat up, and I didn't have to sleep
after geting home. I'm in a difficult situation, wanting things, but
not able to handle what I want.

I prefer the twisties, but having power is nice. Having both as much
as I want, is what I am after, With the possibility of changing things
if I want. What got me Really looking for a Sube was the video of the
Litchfield T-25 Impreza in the UK. Like I have mentioned, I like a
vehicle that can carry things, so a hatchback or wagon would be
prefered. and something that can corner and go.

I'm living in a big city where cars get beat up, or I'd have
something more expensive. I have plans to move, but not with my
physical condition. My thoughts are, to go with the base model, and if
it gets beat up, it won't be as stressful, and spending more, but
having the possibility of modding it later if wanted. If the WRX was a
good base for going as far as I might want, it might be the best
choice, but if it has some parts I would want to have to change, it
might be better to buy the base model, and see if I want to mod. I
read the 5 speeds are the same except for gearing, and the ratioes an
the base model are prefered.

I Always wanted to build a motor. Blueprinting, balancing, and cc'ing
the heads. The T-25 using a Cosworth motor takes me back to the Capri
import I mentioned, and what Ford and Lotus did with the puny Kent
1.6L it had.

I don't really need another car, but miss having a stick, and
something new and more dependable would be nice, since my physical
limits have me just doing the bare minimum repairing my current car.
Looking at the motor on the Sube, I will Dread needing to work on it,
and I would want to try, since I have Never been satisfied with work
that others did, and usually have to Redo what they did. Even had
brakes Fail 2 blocks after leaving a shop that replaced them. I had
just forgot to check them for inspection, so had to get them done to
pass. Still owe
that guy money, and will Never go back, and He is a Good mechanic,
but his assistant wasn't.

VF

 

[houndman]

... nothing beats a Lotus?

I think he's better of with the STI. The transmission
is stronger. Dunno about 08 but 07 and lesser shared the tranny
with the basic impreza. I don't hink it's up to the task of
handling the extra power from an up tuned engine.
On the other hand the 8-9k difference payes for a lot
of rebuild trannies.

If I had an STI I'm not sure why I would have wanted to bolt anything
to it in the first place though.

Yea, but I want the wagon. Looked at Pics of the 08' and don't like
the look, or dimensions. Don't have any hounds now, but measured the
crates to see if 2 would fit in the 07' wagon.

Because of my chemical injury and muscle damage, I felt beat up
driving the WRX. I imagine an STi If I could get it would be worse.
I'd be up for changing a Lot to have something that worked for me.
Being tall, the seat bottoms aren't long enough to fully support my
things. The Recaro seats in the mid 80's Mustangs did, with the
adjustable thigh support. I look at Recaro's site, or other car seats,
and don't see that feature. To me driving is surviving. Had my only
accident, which was very minor, the first day I drove a car by myself,
and it taught me to pay strict attention, and not drive a car that
didn't fit, feel good, or couldn't see well. One thing I don't like
about the hood scoop, is the look, but the main thing is that is
blocks some view, and is distracting while driving. To me little
things like that cause stress and take some of the joy. A FMIC made
more sense anyway, so if I would change it on a turbo model, no
advantage to buying one with the top mounted one. LOL.. I'm pretty
fussy, but it pays in the end.

VF

 

[houndman]

I thought I could give you a couple of links of truth but "ej18 broken
crankshaft"
is returning something japanese instead of the god awful photos I found of
an everyday driver who broke one without a turbo.
Hmmmm. I have nearly paranoid dreams at what controls google... but anyway.
The smaller the ej series engines, unless its the ej 18 are good from What I
have been reading (I inquired too with same questions as you)
I know of the 2.0 and 2.2 certain models that seem to be great.

it sure as hell seems they do the opposite of truth in automotive
engineering but the above 2 mentioned seem to be the toughest durable.
I am not falling for any Subaru again without the old little 3 main bearing
from the 80s.
It seems my faith in japanese has dwindled:
The inline four is my number one worst engine... japans number one.
after bending 2 straight sixxes the long way and throwing rods on a very
conservative 90-150 hp version... thier supra is glorified with a straight
six and illegal 30psi turbo.
After realizing with 20 years of personal triumph with the 3 main bearing
boxer four, they now have five mains, are an interference engine and have an
intake too large, did away with the carb, have too many valves,
and the newer cars tire profile is too small, and am forced to chuckle when
I park my all oem 1987 GL d/r next to a 300hp impreza to tower over it in
every way, even with the "little" 13 inch rims.. yet another opposite.
I give up.

Good luck to you and your high priced pursuit.











- Show quoted text -

Siting lower and lower profile tires are supposed to be better, but
I go by the Look of the tires. If something looks like it will ride
like a buckboard, it will probably feel like it. If the car was just
for racing, that would be one thing. Maybe the tires on the WRX
helped make me feel beat up. Some comfort is nice, but don't want to
jiggle down the road, and Feel is always good. I used to do odd things
to get the right feel. When power brakes were too sensitive, I opted
for oversized manual drum brakes, back when you had a choice, and
drums. I was into the "Europen Feel" when it only came with eurpoean
cars.

One thing I noticed on the base Sube at least. The steering wheel was
slipery, and would have to fix that. Maybe they put Armorall or
something on it. Like puting Pledge on vinyl or leather car seats, and
sliding across them on turns.((
It was textured, plastic I guess, and I guess the WRX had leather. I
didn't like the ovalish cross section of the wheel, but guess I got
used to it. I Want My MTV, or is that WRX??) Well, I want something
that I will enjoy.

VF

 

[newbiesh]

Yea, but I want the wagon. Looked at Pics of the 08' and don't like
the look, or dimensions. Don't have any hounds now, but measured the
crates to see if 2 would fit in the 07' wagon.

Because of my chemical injury and muscle damage, I felt beat up
driving the WRX. I imagine an STi If I could get it would be worse.
I'd be up for changing a Lot to have something that worked for me.
Being tall, the seat bottoms aren't long enough to fully support my

08 impreza is reportedly much roomier.
But the cargo area seems to be shaped very differently.
Have you considered the larger legacy
or the brick on wheels like Forester XT?
The only difference I see is the taller roofline
for taller drivers and possibly even softer suspension.

Outback sport is the most detuned impreza. the suspension
is probably the most pliable of the group but obviously
there's no turbo.

things. The Recaro seats in the mid 80's Mustangs did, with the
adjustable thigh support. I look at Recaro's site, or other car seats,
and don't see that feature. To me driving is surviving. Had my only
accident, which was very minor, the first day I drove a car by myself,
and it taught me to pay strict attention, and not drive a car that
didn't fit, feel good, or couldn't see well. One thing I don't like
about the hood scoop, is the look, but the main thing is that is

08 has a recessed scoop that looks much classier than
07-
nevermind the rest of the frontend

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I've been on NASIOC, and not geting good answers. My first choice
would be the WRX wagon, and I drove it and an auto base model last
week, and for my condition right now, I think something in between
would be prefered. Felt beat up driving the WRX just about a mile on
city streets, because of my muscle body damage. Riding or driving can
wear me out, and make me hurt. Geting back into my old Chevy to drive
home was comfortable. This week I got to drive a base 5sp, and drove
it around a good bit, even onto a winding river drive. A bit
underpowered maybe, but I was having to remember a road I hadn't
driven in years, and which way to go, in a car I wasn't familiar with,
and haven't driven a stick in 25yrs, so maybe didn't select the best
gears. I was exhausted but not beat up, and I didn't have to sleep
after geting home. I'm in a difficult situation, wanting things, but
not able to handle what I want.

I prefer the twisties, but having power is nice. Having both as much
as I want, is what I am after, With the possibility of changing things
if I want. What got me Really looking for a Sube was the video of the
Litchfield T-25 Impreza in the UK. Like I have mentioned, I like a
vehicle that can carry things, so a hatchback or wagon would be
prefered. and something that can corner and go.

I'm living in a big city where cars get beat up, or I'd have
something more expensive. I have plans to move, but not with my
physical condition. My thoughts are, to go with the base model, and if
it gets beat up, it won't be as stressful, and spending more, but
having the possibility of modding it later if wanted. If the WRX was a
good base for going as far as I might want, it might be the best
choice, but if it has some parts I would want to have to change, it
might be better to buy the base model, and see if I want to mod. I
read the 5 speeds are the same except for gearing, and the ratioes an
the base model are prefered.

I Always wanted to build a motor. Blueprinting, balancing, and cc'ing
the heads. The T-25 using a Cosworth motor takes me back to the Capri
import I mentioned, and what Ford and Lotus did with the puny Kent
1.6L it had.

I don't really need another car, but miss having a stick, and
something new and more dependable would be nice, since my physical
limits have me just doing the bare minimum repairing my current car.
Looking at the motor on the Sube, I will Dread needing to work on it,
and I would want to try, since I have Never been satisfied with work
that others did, and usually have to Redo what they did. Even had
brakes Fail 2 blocks after leaving a shop that replaced them. I had
just forgot to check them for inspection, so had to get them done to
pass. Still owe
that guy money, and will Never go back, and He is a Good mechanic,
but his assistant wasn't.

VF

If you can find a dealership with one in stock, you might add Mazdaspeed
to your list. The problem comes that there are only a few 'sport wagons'
available. Maybe an Audi too. I dunno if there is a Legacy GT-type
Legacy wagon - that could be a way to go. Or the H6 Outback even - but
there are fewer aftermarket go-fast bits available for those.
Maybe take a look at the features at www.cars101.com ,ask around at
www.ultimatesubaru.org (those guys are a bit less - um,... juvenile?...
than some folks at nasioc), take a look at some of the Legacy/generic
modding parts available for the Legacy at - well www.boxer4racing.com
has SOME Legacy hi-perf stuff.

Also, I THINK Subaru has a 'dog gate' or specific divider for the cargo
area that might be good to get if you find a soob you like.

hope you feel better soon.


Carl

 

[houndman]

If you can find a dealership with one in stock, you might add Mazdaspeed
to your list. The problem comes that there are only a few 'sport wagons'
available. Maybe an Audi too. I dunno if there is a Legacy GT-type
Legacy wagon - that could be a way to go. Or the H6 Outback even - but
there are fewer aftermarket go-fast bits available for those.
Maybe take a look at the features atwww.cars101.com,ask around atwww.ultimatesubaru.org(those guys are a bit less - um,... juvenile?...
than some folks at nasioc), take a look at some of the Legacy/generic
modding parts available for the Legacy at - wellwww.boxer4racing.com
has SOME Legacy hi-perf stuff.

Also, I THINK Subaru has a 'dog gate' or specific divider for the cargo
area that might be good to get if you find a soob you like.

hope you feel better soon.

Carl

Thought about the Mazda, but to me it doesn't look good. Like Audi's
small wagon, and one even has an adjustable ride height, which would
be good for going off road, and I Have planned a year long, all
around the country trip, to scenic places, IF I was ever able to
handle such a trip, which doesn't look like I ever will, since it's
been 20yrs, but I always have hope. My Capri was from Germany, and
parts weren't easy to get or cheap.
I think Audi starts around 25K$, and I'd like to get what I wanted,
cheaper, to keep on the street here. I probably would check them out
if the WRX was what I thought I needed. I like to be able to build and
modify, If I can and was able, to have options. I want something
smaller than the Legacy, and I liked my hounds to be able to pick
their spots to lay, though they should be crated in a car, but the
females usually like to be close, and one would lay with her muzzle on
the back of my seat, or on my shoulder, which was always neat.)

I'll check the links. I know kids could be on a Sube site. This one
seems pretty serious.

VF

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Thought about the Mazda, but to me it doesn't look good. Like Audi's
small wagon, and one even has an adjustable ride height, which would
be good for going off road, and I Have planned a year long, all
around the country trip, to scenic places, IF I was ever able to
handle such a trip, which doesn't look like I ever will, since it's
been 20yrs, but I always have hope. My Capri was from Germany, and
parts weren't easy to get or cheap.
I think Audi starts around 25K$, and I'd like to get what I wanted,
cheaper, to keep on the street here. I probably would check them out
if the WRX was what I thought I needed. I like to be able to build and
modify, If I can and was able, to have options. I want something
smaller than the Legacy, and I liked my hounds to be able to pick
their spots to lay, though they should be crated in a car, but the
females usually like to be close, and one would lay with her muzzle on
the back of my seat, or on my shoulder, which was always neat.)

I'll check the links. I know kids could be on a Sube site. This one
seems pretty serious.

VF

Someone else in this thread first metioned it, but lets think about a
Forester; comes in a model with a turbo - decent enough mileage if you
keep your foot outta the boost but 'power on demand'. based on Impreza
chassis/WRX engine so many 'go fast' bits will fit. Softer ( to me
anyway) ride than WRX. better ride height for off/soft roading. room for
hounds/gear.
decent visibility, I dunno, try driving one and see if you like it.

Carl

 

[houndman]

Someone else in this thread first metioned it, but lets think about a
Forester; comes in a model with a turbo - decent enough mileage if you
keep your foot outta the boost but 'power on demand'. based on Impreza
chassis/WRX engine so many 'go fast' bits will fit. Softer ( to me
anyway) ride than WRX. better ride height for off/soft roading. room for
hounds/gear.
decent visibility, I dunno, try driving one and see if you like it.

Carl

The Forester doesn't turn me on. Too boxy for my tastes. I want
something small and sporty looking, that still can carry stuff. A car
that can do everything. That's why I like the Impreza wagon.