Originally Posted by mattlfbuk

Hi guys,

I really need some help.

I've had my Subaru Impreza STi 6 (Import) for just under a year now. Bought it with 59000 miles on the clock and was told it was running apprx 340 bhp.

After buying the car, I got it fully serviced (all oils changed including diff, gear etc).

I've only put about 2000 miles on the car and feel that I look after it quite well (thoroughly warm her up before boosting off, letting her cool properly (turbo timer), not thrashing for longing than about 1 min etc)

Reluctantly I recently put my car up for sale as my insurance is due for renewal next month (cheaper to drive my company car - free!- not as fun though :-(

After 2 days of it being up for sale on the internet, I thought I'd take it for a dyno run (rolling road) test and see what she can do, before I sell her....

This was to be my downfall!

Both runs on the dyno went perfect, well, if your car is supposed to sound like it's about to blow up then these guys done a great job! lol

The car was running 354.1 bhp at the engine and just over 300 Ib torque!
Excellent news!

Left the garage and drove apprx 5 miles home and nearing my destination, I heard a tapping/clicking sound from my engine. opened the bonnet and listened. It is/was a not so loud tapping sound that followed the revs - ie. if i put foot on the gas, the clicking gets faster and louder, it follows the rev sound.

After speaking to a few friends (not reallly car enthusiasts) I'd heard terms like 'Main bearings', 'Piston Rods' and 'Big End' could be at fault.

I finally got it recovered today to the original place I took it for it's dyno run. The car still runs but obviously there is a loud clicking sound, which coincidently has got louder now after starting the engine a few more times since the problem began.

As soon as the guy turned the engine on, he turned it straight off and told me that either the PISTON/PISTON RODS had gone or the BIG END had gone.
He then told me the cheapest and maybe quickest way of solving the problem is to REPLACE MY ENGINE!!!!

Now I can't and don't blame the dyno guys one bit as the car reliability is 100% down to me and you sign a waiver of liability before they run the tests on your car to cover themselves for any damage incurred.

He has told me a rough estimate of £3000 it would cost to purchase a 2nd hand engine and fit it.

From what he suggests, it sounds like he wants me to pay £3000 to get my car running back to it was last week!!

Is replacing the engine the only option if Piston/pistons rods or big end has gone - when I say gone, this is the word the mechanic used, as in f**ked!
(not sure on the technical term? maybe broken...)

How do i know the big end or piston is broken??

Is my only option a like for like engine replacement or can I stick a bigger/newer engine in my scooby, at least so I get something more for my money?

Does a 2nd hand engine replacement fully fitted cost around £3000 for this type of car??

Any ideas on where to get a decent cheap 2nd hand engine?

Any ideas on a decent cheap place to get it fitted? I'm in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire


Any and all information is appreciated, look forward to speaking to you guys soon!!




Matt