Heple

My mates engine on his MY99 UK Turbo is smoking are there any other bottom ends from different versions that i can replace it with?

I presuming there's little difference between models and versions i.e WRX/STI and Classic/Newage

Craig

Tim W

iTrader: (1)

Any of them can be used, however you need to ensure that the right thickness head gaskets are used to prevent valves meeting pistons

Heple

Which would be the best/strongest to use?

Will he need a re-map after fitting?

Craig

Tim W

iTrader: (1)

Hmmm tricky, probably a new age Sti 7 or 8, still fitted with forged pistons but with the newer semi-closed deck block

It shouldn't need a re-map once rebuilt to run, but, why did it fail, do other parts need replacing? A re-map would allow you to make better use of the uprated components though

If the bearings have died then the whole engine will need to be completely stripped and cleaned, especially any parts being reused (ie heads, turbo etc) to ensure there is no bearing material remaining.

TBH, finding a good second hand short engine is going to be more difficult that finding a complete one, and there probably won't be much in it price wise...shame Alan Bell has already sold his short engine, that would have been ideal

Heple

I will proberly buy a complete engine.

The car was modded when he bought it and i believe it is this that has caused the problems. I believe it has a melted piston i would advise him to Re-Map i was just concerned with whether i could fire it up on the existing ECU setup to begin with.

As i understand, swapping the complete engine would also involve swapping the ECU and wiring aswell so i was going to just swap the bottom ends so that we could keep the original ECU.

Craig

Tim W

iTrader: (1)

Only if you move between engine phases; ie try and source an engine from a phase 2 engined classic (MY99/00 - built between September 1998 and June 2000), be that a UK, WRX or an Sti. Granted a UK ECU wouldn't work very well out of the box with a WRX/Sti engine complete with all of it's ancilleries, but it could be adjusted using EcuTEK to do so.

Fitting a complete engine with ancileries from an earlier car or a later new-age would be more of a challenge and would require wiring and ecu replacement

Heple

So it looks like either:

1) Source a MY99/00 Complete engine
2) Source another model engine and change the blocks.
3) Source another model engine and ECU and rewire the engine loom.

Cheers for the info

Craig

APIDavid

iTrader: (4)

Craig, Call me at the office tomorrow and l'll spell out the options for you - no obligation.

David APi Engines / APi Impreza
www.apiengines.com

Heple

Ok will do

Thanks

Craig

Heple

Just spoke to my mate he said the car was overfilled with oil and started smoking. The oil was then drained and filled correctly but the car continued to smoke the car idles spot on and is showing no engine check light.

What do you think the likely damage is?

Craig

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

does it feel down on power? The smoke could be the remains of the overfilled oil burning in the exhaust. Boost solenoid may also need to be cleaned

Heple

hmmm.. Sounds like i may not need to do any engine work then.

Wheres the boost solenoid then ?

Craig

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

offside inner wing bolted onto the suspension turret. You cant miss it. It will either have 3 pipes connected to it (3 port) or 2 pipes

Heple

I know what you mean now.

How would the boost solenoid cause the car to smoke?

Craig

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

the boost solenoid wouldnt cause the car to smoke, just may cause boosting issues with the car having been overfilled with oil as oil can contaminate it.

Does the car rev freely when stationary or is/are there any misfires or any rough running?

If it does and it still smokes, what colour smoke is it? If it has been overfilled then there will probably be oil deposits in the intercooler which could be getting burnt during the combustion process and thus giving the smoke.

Heple

To be honest i didnt rev it up as i wasnt sure what damage was done and i didnt want to make it worse. It seemed to run perfectly it just smoked there is a lineing of oil in the tailpipe.

I will try and find out some more information tonight. Will try and drive it a little to see how it feels. Should be easy to tell as i also have a MY99 UK Turbo.

Do you think there could be any issue's with the turbo. I believe the TD04 is very strong.

Craig

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

the td series turbo's are very strong and reliable. If your reving the car just dont got mad with it

Heple

Just had a proper look tonight the car is knocking quite badly and theres plenty of smoke cumming out of the back.

Defo need a new block.

Craig

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

take the plugs out and check the condition of them. It can give a clue as to why it has destroyed itself, ie overfuelling, running lean etc. If you replace the bottom end then you need to solve why it happened in the first place so as not to get a repeat.

Heple

Yeah i think a re-map will be in order or at least a check. Strange really its only had PPP on it, i thought that was pretty reliable.

I think it may of happenned as a result of being serviced by a general (non-specialist) garage. I'll bet they didnt disconnect the crank sensor to charge the system before starting it.

Thanks for your help.

Craig

Heple

If i was to change the blocks would i get issues with changing between phase 1 and phase 2 with regards the cambelt tensioner as i know these are different.

Actually (Just had a re-think....). I would probably just use the phase 1 tensioner wouldn't I ?

Craig

seab

sorry to hear about your mates misfortune, 3 weeks ago mine developed 'the knock' after weighing up all the options i decided it was better value for money to go to API and have the rebuild.

i was going to save money and put a different lump in, but how long will that last? 2years? 2miles? when you come to sell it, the engine number and chassis number wont tie in, which MAY make potential buyers weary.

by having the rebuild its a brand new engine (pretty much) with a warranty, so at least you then know its history.

*just my 2pence

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

A remap wouldnt solve the problem, it would just allow you to maybe work around the problem.

Did your friend contact the garage when he found out it had been overfilled? If so is there any chance they can foot some of the bill?

Heple

Ha chances,

They just laughed at him. They checked the car and told him that he needed a new knock sensor ?????

More like a knock remover if you ask me.

But he's learnt a lesson service it yourself or use a specialist garage.

Craig

Heple

UPDATE
-------

A new block was sourced from a MY98 WRX from an fellow scoobynetter who upgraded to a 2.5 block.

It still felt like a risk even though we were assured the block was ok. Anyway we took the plunge and after a day of removing the engine, swapping the short motors and refitting the engine everything turned out fine.

The new motor fired up spot on with no issues other than a knackered cambelt tensioner that was sorted immediately.

Just hope it lasts - touch wood

Total cost £400.

Thanks for all your advice it was all much appreciated.

Craig