I've been really disappointed with the "Go" in this Subaru and am beginning to wonder what all the fuss is about. I've started to use SUL which has makes the Turbo more responsive but the max boost I get is still only 0.5 bar. This can't be right can it? Is the only solution a PE chip upgrade or do I continue with SUL, is the engine about to blow?

I'd appreciate any ideas and no comments about cowboys...

Andrew

 

I would suggest that you get the car checked over by a local specialist.

A 93 WRX should make 12-14psi as standard so it seems to indicate a problem.

Possibly the wastegate solenoid, wastegate or BOV are causing problems - but seek advice from a specialist as a matter of urgency.

I have also read that if there is a failure that the ECU pegs the boost "at a safe level" - maybe this is the case.

Whereabouts in the country are you ?

Have you checked all of the hoses coming from the turbo to ensure that are attached and intact ?

Have you tried joining the connectors under the dash to run diagnostics (to see if the engine has detected the problem) ?

I have fitted a boost controller (glorified bleed valve) from Turbosmart in Australia to my 94 WRX to raise the boost from 12psi to 15psi. If after an expert inspection, the boost is still below requirements then this may be an option (www.turbosmart.com.au)

Thanks

Gavin

[This message has been edited by GavinP (edited 16-09-1999).]

 

Hi there,

It sounds like a mechanical fault, check your hoses, check the wastegate actuator.

One good way of checking for leaks is to get a boost gauge and a pump (something like a bike pump), tee into the wastegate piping and pump up the pressure to about 1 bar (14 psi). Watch the gauge - see if it goes down... it should maintain the pressure for quite a while (assuming the pump is any good). If the pressure drops, then I'd say you have a leak. You cna try it with the ignition on (not the engine running). this way you will here the wastegate solenoid pulsating. The frequency of the pulsations will change as the pressure builds up (This is a very crude way to make sure the solenoid is working atleast).

There are several other things to try.. but I'd suggest you take it to a garage.

Cheers,

J.

[This message has been edited by firefox (edited 15-09-1999).]

 

Thanks for the ideas I'll get the car checked. Oh, do you know any Subaru specialists around the Reading area?

Andrew

 

Hi,

Re: dealer with good diagnostic abilites - the inevitable suggestion is Power Engineering, who know what they are doing, and aren't too far to drive from Reading. Well worth the trip. They can also provide you with before and after power plots to give you a nice warm feeling when it is fixed!. The difference between 6Psi and 14Psi boost will be fairly dramatic.

Cheers,

Alex

P.S. Don't be tempted to 'band-aid' a problem by using a bleed valve, or similar. You should never attempt to modify a vehicle which is in anything less than perfect working order before you start.

 

Dear AND,

i have a 94 WRX and I am using Hallmarks in Thatcham who work on a number of imports (WRX/STI/EVO/Supra/FTO/GTO/Skyline etc,they have a good set up and diagnosed a problem with my cars temperature sender switch, they haven't done the work as yet - waiting for the switch to be delivered. I will be there on Saturday to get the work done though so if they are good I will post it up in the failiure to idle when cold thread.

Good luck,

Richard

 

Hope this isnt too late for you, Ive had exactly the same prob on my MY93 WRX.

After much hassle, The ECU was changed....problem cured. Mine makes .8Bar standard.

This may be worth a try. E-mail me if you want to know more. Falkland Performance centre did the job in Fife (£490 + VAT and Fitting).

Cheers

 

No, not too late. I've booked the car into Hallmarks (in Thatcham) on Satuday for a diagnoses. I'm banking on hoses though, not ECU's...

Is it possible to fit a secondhand ECU, though? And would it have to be the same year ECU?

Ta

 

I like Hallmarks,

The service I received was excellent and they managed to complete the work far sooner that they quoted for. The service manager, I forget his name seemed to know his stuff. I may well be using them as my regular service garage so please let me know how you get on.

Cheers Richard

 

Took the car to Hallmarks in Thatcham. They got some boost for me, 0.8 bar maybe a fraction more. I've got the "Go" I thought the scoob should have and it didn't cost me a turbo or ECU. All I needed was 1/2 a metre of turbo hose replaced. So no big bucks. Very pleased with the car and with Hallmarks' service. Though they wouldn't let me sit in the Honda S2000 they had in the showroom...

Thanks for the help, it was hoses after all.

And

 

They let me sit in it and very nice it was too. If only Subaru could fit a quality interior