Im looking to get a 1995 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI TYPE RA - can someone advise on the strength of the engines and gearboxes on them ??

What power should they take no problems before issues arise ?? Ive always had Mitsi Evos's till now and they were bullet proof up to 400bhp

cheers

 

Karl,

I would have said 350 + on the stock transmission and you would have to consider alternative gear sets. On the engine front, there are plenty of people running 400+ BHP on standard internals, but many would advise your in borderline territory at this power.

-a

 

It should have a closed deck block being a 95 sti ra.....

 

Is that good then ?? and what the diff in a closed and open deck ?

 

Closed deck block is the strongest one Subaru made. It has no air cavities around the cylinder walls - just all solid metal right up to heads mating face 'deck' level - so is inherently stronger then an ODB (open deck block - which does have these cavities).

That said, many a specialist on here has said that even the 'weakest' ODB is capable of handling around 500bhp, no problem. So a CDB is bound to be good for c.600+ bhp(?)...

 

Top: ODB
Bottom: CDB

 

wouldnt open deck be better for cooling ?

 

what power would the box and engine hold if all in good shape etc ?

 

I would have said that heat disapation and weight saving would be the pro's on an ODB. Manufacturing costs are probably the main driving factor behind subaru to move away from the CDB.

If your not considering crazy power, no real reason to go CDB. Anyways the bores may take more power in a CDB but that makes no difference if you're not running the internals to match. A standard one would fold like a house of cards at that power level.

-a

 

how can you tell what block you have without taking the heads off???

import 95 wrx my car

ps sorry for the thread jack

 

look for cross hatching under the alternator area of the block

 

 

Yep, and also around oil filter housing (see above).

 

at 400hp this engine will be lunched. be prepared to spend a lot of money if you want a bullet proof 400. go to a good subaru engine builder who is not in it for the money(few and far between) and take advice from them. they should be able to give you good advice based on the age of your car and the budget you have.

 

Cross hatch on the oil filter housing is the only DEFINITE confirmation of CDB all other cross hatching is not a consistent source of proof. David APi

PS I have a really nice Vers 2 RA for sale [ with warranty ] see here

http://www.apiimpreza.com/frames/spe...s_for_sale.php

18" alloys newish tyres, 4 pots brakes, polished to death, 12 months MOT 555 sticker set. roof vent etc etc.

David APi - 01926 614333 - Jan 4th

 

Lovely new website David! Old one was a bit, er, 'homegrown' looking.

Sorted now though.