Hi Guys, I am new to this forum and Subaru's. My last car was a Nissan 200sx S14a so this is a little different. I need your help in deciding what is best engine 2.0 or 2.5. I am looking to upgrade the car to approx 350 bhp. Thx for all your help.

 

It will cope with 350bhp on either engine mate.

There is huge debate over which block is best but I would just do the upgrades on your current engine to achieve 350bhp.

And welcome

 

Thank you for your prompt response. Whats your preference !!!!

 

My preference is the bigger capacity engine.

At 350bhp both engines are more than capable. You will get more torque and less lag with a bigger capacity engine. I am assuming here you are only referring to UK Spec cars.

 

I must admit I've gone for a 2.5 engine, but that's part of a 450/500bhp build.

I ran my 2.0 at 350bhp for a few years and it was pretty quick.

I couldn't compare the two as my 2.5 hasn't been built yet.

 

Thx guys, yes uk spec. I am looking at a 52 wagon 2.5 sti engine approx 350 bhp, or a 54 wagon 2.0 engine standard with full subaru service 50k.

 

Oh good luck with your build

 

I have a 03 WRX wagon which has a 2.5 conversion. I bought it as a standard 2litre with PPP and upgraded to 340bhp/320lbsft. I found that to be the limit with a WRX. You have to consider that with the same mods an STI will produce 20 to 30 bhp more than the WRX.
As things stand I can only get my 2.5 up to 360bhp but the torque is close to 400lbsft.
The big difference is the operating rev band. The 2.5 packs a real punch between 3500rpm-5000rpm whereas the WRX 2litre really is only on song 1k later but pulls well through to mid 6krpm. For me this makes the 2.5 the better choice, giving an exciting drive whilst keeping within the rules.
Trev

 

The 52 plate wagon has a 2.5 STI engine fitted?

I'd go for that, providing the rest of the car is sound

 

Thx dude. I am starting to learn more already.

 

A lot of people say the down side of the 2.5ltr is that it runs out of steam at 5k+ rpm. My 2.5 STi has been decatted and remapped, so I would say stage 1 tuned and although it rips your face off between 2-4k rpm it still pulls strong well after that. Not that I do that much as by the time you get to 6k rpm you either need to change gear or go on the track as you are talking silly speeds.

Of course a WRX needs to be stage 2-3 tuned to get to 350 bhp area. See here for a bit more info: AndyForrestPerformance

 

The 2.5 Sti has been in to Andy Forrest and has a larger turbo, fuel pump, Ecu, Plugs, Exhaust, etc. I just dont know why he dosen't have any receipts printouts etc.

 

If you are unsure and have the vehicle details contact Andy to ask for confirmation, just to be on the safe side.

 

Good thinking, I wasn't sure if he would tell me anything, confidential crap !

 

Golden rule of buying a car like an Impreza. If it doesn't have a full and detailed history down on paper, walk away.

 

If it's definitely been to andy then go for that 2.5 - should be a sound buy and you've got plenty of room for more at a later date then ........ you will go there


out of curiosity, what spec was your s14a? - my brother's an sxoc boy

 

S200 HKS just in case you've seen it around. Black S14a 2000 47k One owner full Nissan service, I put a Blitz nur spec R, splitfire lead s/s manifold , fuel pump, fmic, plugs, ecu, etc. Putting out about 300bhp. Spent thousands, Hay ho. Scary car to drive in the wet. So this is why i am going for a Subaru wagon, a little bit safer, getting older. lol

 

I had an S14a too, was an automatic but still rear end happy!

 

This one was a manual. Great in the dry. Such a smooth car to drive, compared to my friends Evo V1 ouch.

 

Same, was actually a comfortable motorway car, used to drive it 2hrs to and from work

 

my bro's is making 300 too ... gets even more tail happy with a welder on it too ... guess what part of the scene he's into