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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 01:21 AM
  #1  
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Default New Engine/rebuild advice.

My 2003 STI has this last weekend broken down on the way down to see my brother in Bristol. Was on the motorway and as I went to overtake there seemed to be a distinct lack of power, slowed down and noticed the CEL was slowly flashing, slowed right down and pulled off the motorway within the next mile (ish). Long story, but AA man came said can't repair at roadside, so it was flatbed lorried all the way home again.

Any how I've explained the situation to a garage (recommended to me, and they seem to know there stuff) and although they haven't seen it they said I might have to prepare for a new engine with the symtoms I've described....

My question here is, how does a replacement engine compare to a rebuild (if possible) of my engine with new components, Taking into account cost, reliablity, resale of the car in the future etc etc..
And also where is best to source a replacement STI engine, To be honest I've only looked on eBay so far and they look dodgey to say the least....

Obviously I still need the professionals to take a look, which is planned for next week, but advice in advance would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks.
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 01:28 AM
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As you said i think diagnose your issue first..
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 01:47 AM
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where are you based????

2nd hand engines is a lottery and dont buy one off ebay for gods sake, go to a reputable subaru specialist, spend your money once and get it done right, many have been down cheaper routes and get stung.

thats why i asked where you are based ppl on here may be able to tell you your local proper subaru specialist, there arent many
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 03:30 AM
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I live in Cumbria
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 07:02 AM
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Take a look at Williams motorsport - WMS on here - he'll accept yours on a pallet and rebuild it for you.
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 08:58 AM
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Diagnostics are a pain but does your car have any modifications?
Which fuel do you run?
And you would be good to look at TSL motorsport as that is fairly close to you for a rebuild or pallet off to API or WMS.

Tony
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by BlueBugEye
Take a look at Williams motorsport - WMS on here - he'll accept yours on a pallet and rebuild it for you.
I also advertise on ebay........shock horror! You right though, there are alot of very dodgy 'engine builders' on ebay, SMR (or whatever they call themselves now) being the typical example, spray it silver re-build
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 10:05 AM
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And you would be good to look at TSL motorsport as that is fairly close to you
Is there a Cumbria in the East Midlands i don't know about?
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Brun
Is there a Cumbria in the East Midlands i don't know about?
Damn I meant TEG motorsport its still early

Tony
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 10:29 AM
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 12:48 PM
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I would agree, Ebay motors a No No !
There are many options to you to choose from , have a phone around and see who takes your fancy.
Mine got stuck at Litchfileds [whilst being tuned?]so that was my only option.

Iain says he is having engines of the shelf , not sure if that is at present, or near future.

Not sure about Roger Clark or Scooby Clinic, never used them , but been around for a while, so its always a good sgin.
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 02:31 PM
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Get the job done right first time. Pay once!

Give David at APi a call!

Ns04
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 09:04 PM
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API did really nice engine rebuild for me.
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Old Apr 19, 2011 | 11:52 PM
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Originally Posted by zy28
API did really nice engine rebuild for me.
How long ago did you get it done, and (if you don't mind me asking) how much did it cost?
I'm trying to build up a good picture of my options ready for the bad news to come.....

Cheers
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 07:35 AM
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Andy (WMS) built me a fully forged 2.5 with new crank, rods, pistons and supplying a set of refurbished AVCS heads total cost for the block, heads and parts built into a long block with cam belt etc. was £4k + my old engine.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 09:14 PM
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I'd want to know what happened to the car first, not least to prevent it happening again after any potential rebuild/replacement. The Suburu engine is one of the most reliable out there as long as it is mapped correctly and maintained. It is pretty severe to warrant a new engine or rebuild. I'd take it to a specialist or even ring them up to explain exactly what has happened, all the symptoms, although it is hard when they can't see the car but worth a second opinion to save you thousands.

If the worst has happened I've heard API are supposed to be one of the best in the business of engine replacements and rebuilds and very good value for money.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 10:02 PM
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Originally Posted by matth76
I'd want to know what happened to the car first, not least to prevent it happening again after any potential rebuild/replacement. The Suburu engine is one of the most reliable out there as long as it is mapped correctly and maintained. It is pretty severe to warrant a new engine or rebuild. I'd take it to a specialist or even ring them up to explain exactly what has happened, all the symptoms, although it is hard when they can't see the car but worth a second opinion to save you thousands.

If the worst has happened I've heard API are supposed to be one of the best in the business of engine replacements and rebuilds and very good value for money.
Lol subaru are one of the most reliable.
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Old Apr 20, 2011 | 10:26 PM
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Ive been in this situation twice... Both cars bought with engine ssues

The first was a recon WRX block using my heads @ Scoobyteknix, assembled back together and ran in with no issues, after ran for a further 5k with well over 300bhp before selling it.

The second was an engine transaplant from Andy @ Scoobyteknix, and installed by Brian @ CAMS Performance. Running with no Issues what so ever.

Yes you take the gamble im afraid, but if you go to Andy you can see the engine, or even drive the car if its not broken so you know what your getting.

HTH
Rob

Last edited by Rob Day; Apr 20, 2011 at 10:27 PM.
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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by stedee
Lol subaru are one of the most reliable.
2006 JD Power Survey / What Car (position 8): http://www.whatcar.com/NonCar/8666102470.jpg

2005 JD Power Survey / What Car
Subaru Mfr position 12:
http://www.whatcar.com/NonCar/134555622.jpg
Subaru Impreza model 49 out of 124
http://www.whatcar.com/NonCar/134555445.jpg

2004
Subaru Impreza model 50 out of 120
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/jd-p...1-to-80/207800

Not amazing results for the model but way ahead of most of the German rivals.

The likes of Mercedes and VW have more things go wrong with them than Subaru.
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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 12:50 AM
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The JD power survey is way more than a reliability survey.
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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Rob Day
Ive been in this situation twice... Both cars bought with engine ssues

The first was a recon WRX block using my heads @ Scoobyteknix, assembled back together and ran in with no issues, after ran for a further 5k with well over 300bhp before selling it.

The second was an engine transaplant from Andy @ Scoobyteknix, and installed by Brian @ CAMS Performance. Running with no Issues what so ever.

Yes you take the gamble im afraid, but if you go to Andy you can see the engine, or even drive the car if its not broken so you know what your getting.

HTH
Rob

Thanks for the mention rob grateful as usuall scoobyteknix is no more but we are still here as scoobyspares with the same team to hand lol

yes we have every option for you to consider and were not to far away from your location, we can even collect the car and drop it back off to you or you can collect,, Rob is correct you can see the car running even drive it thats if its not missing a few bits lol,, we have a few good used engines here and we also have a freshly fully rebuilt short motor on shelf

give us a call on 01253 871188 ask for me scott and we can talk through all the options that we can offer to you

thanks scott@scoobyspares

oh yea and for everyone calling ebay engines, we sell quite a few good engines on ebay for all years 1993-2009 and have never had and come back!!! lol
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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Scott@ScoobySpares
Thanks for the mention rob grateful as usuall scoobyteknix is no more but we are still here as scoobyspares with the same team to hand lol

yes we have every option for you to consider and were not to far away from your location, we can even collect the car and drop it back off to you or you can collect,, Rob is correct you can see the car running even drive it thats if its not missing a few bits lol,, we have a few good used engines here and we also have a freshly fully rebuilt short motor on shelf

give us a call on 01253 871188 ask for me scott and we can talk through all the options that we can offer to you

thanks scott@scoobyspares

oh yea and for everyone calling ebay engines, we sell quite a few good engines on ebay for all years 1993-2009 and have never had and come back!!! lol
Hey Scott

Not sure we have met before as I have normally dealt with Andy or Brian and occasionally Neil. Either way you guys are very much helpful on the phone and in person.

When you traded at your former place I brought my UK300 to you guys and you did a brilliant job, just a few issues afterwards but it was nothing.

I ran the engine in as specified with three oil changes by yourselves and I was then shortly after I plumbed in a VF30 which ran very sweet, so all in all for experience 10/10. Then recently you supplied Brian at CAMS a Long engine (exchange) for mine which again you sometime feel it could be a gamble, but having ran the engine now for 5 months its been sweet, and 2 weeks ago Brain caried out more work which involved installing a GT30 with supporting mods to run in excess of 400bhp. The engine is still running sweet, and with Andrew Carr's help whom works closely with both you guys and Brian, he said the engine is running sweet. Ok again a few teething issues, but who doesnt!! Again my experience very good. Anyway this is more to do with the OP, what Im saying is that if you want an affordable exchange or even parts, then look no further.

Cheers Guys,
Rob

PS do I get a free oil change for free publicity
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