l_r_m

I have an early '93 WRX Jap Import (XJ20 engine) which would you believe has gone bang! (Big-end shells / little end shells / crank goosed etc..) and could either fit another XJ20 (for £750 actually re-conned unit so not too extortionate I suppose) OR - managed to find a '96 STi Jap Import off a rear-accident damaged STi for £1100 - now the chap selling it says it should be a stright swap over.. - for the extra £350 I'd be happy with that since I'll prob only blow another XJ20 anyway!!

So.. has anyone ever attempted this.. - is it a stright swap over and do all the bits off my WRX just bang straight onto the STi short engine? - (I'm hoping in theory they do - I think it's just the same spec engine but obviously steel rather than alum. alloy so slightly heavier but obviously can withstand a lot more power.. - yes if the ECU is still the same and turbo still boosting at WRX level then ofc ourse not as quick as the STI - there's time to tune it later - but what do you thinkg guys?! - Worth risking the STi engine?!?!?!

ANY info whatsoever would be VERY much appreaciated!

Cheers,
Leigh

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

You might want to have a word with David from APi.

Regards,

Ns04

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

I personally would always go with the recon (assuming bills exist for the work that was carried out, and also that it was done by a specialist) buying a 2nd hand engine is always a risk in my opinion as you dont know the history. Like Ns04 says speak to an expert for advice like David @ API (probably wont thanks us for yet another phone call!!)

l_r_m

Just e-mailed David actually (he's out of the office) mentioned the referal was from here oops..! BUT also if he could give any advice of course any parts I need and certainly gaskets (cyl head gask. / exhaust / inlets / timing belts etc..) if he stocks them then of course buy from him!) - so he shouldn't be quite as annoyed!

It'll actually only be doing WRX power but on an STi short engine - if it works! - So in theory would be like only ever revving your STi to say 5K RPM rather than 7K so hopefully on that block and bottom end should last much, much longer! - Course after a few months I'll probably be getting itchy feet since I know the block will do it and start thinking about an ECU or high-lift cams knowing me! So still take your point!

Thanks for your help though much appreciated - I'm sure there must be someone on this site that's actually done it though?!!

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

If you bought the short block, I would certainly recon it and then you do have a good base for future mods

The Rig

iTrader: (13)

From what ive seen/read, STI`s have differnt ratio gearbox`s and diffeent diffs etc, so wouldnt an sti engine into a wrx gearbox/diff setup cause problems ?

something to look into also....

Peanuts

iTrader: (15)

no problems at all swapping an EJ20 from sti into WRX.
Depending if you keep the original ECU then it will only rev and run like the WRX engine before it.
I swapped an sti engine into a uk car without any issues at all.

Unfortunately, you cannot assume that an sti engine will last longer than a wrx, it would be nice to think so but there are too many factors to sweep generally like that.
good luck, David@API will see you right