Sorry to ask - 2.5 WRX as prone to blowing up ?
 

Is the WRX Type UK 2.5 as prone to engine failure as the STI ? I apologise for asking as its been asked a million times but i hate the search on here.

I'm looking at an 06 with 74k miles and has had the head gasket replaced/upgraded within last 2 years at a known specialist. Is that their only weakness or is ringlands still a worry ? It wont be ragged or modified so not worried in that respect. Doesnt seem modified other than a cheap Dump Valve and an exhaust.
I've only had a quick test drive so haven't looked over the paperwork but guy seems genuine and i know the specialist that did the work.

Well considering that sticky says 08-10 models, and he's looking at a 2006 car. I think he can be forgiven.

and i own one of the cars in the sticky :cry:

theres a whole lot of reading in those threads too. Was just hoping for a quick answer relating to my details rather than looking through the 100s of posts with all the variables.

It appears the WRX 2.5 is not near the limits of the engine. They seem to go well, not break and make for a good machine. BUT do not push it or it will expire seems to be the thing to do.

The 2.5's make good torque but the headgaskets are notorious for going on the blocks be it STI or WRX.
Models are also known to suffer from piston ringland failure if remapped - as mentioned all of this is covered in the various stickies on the forum.
The simple solution is to buy one that's been forged by a reputable engine builder, or potentially buy a JDM if you're set on a later shape :)

Chances are the map has been altered to increase power and this is what has caused the head gasket to let go - a visual observation will not tell you this. I have a standard 07 WRX on 65K with the only mod being a catback exhaust system and it's still going strong. The only things that have gone on mine are the rear shocks, so had them replaced with a full set of Pedders, and the Secondary Air Pump, which I had mapped out - both are common and inevitable failures.

When I was in the process of looking for my Hawkeye I was always conscious of the horror stories surrounding the 2.5 engine so I researched the issue until it killed me, and from what I recall for the Hawkeye it was mainly the STI which suffered ringland failure and this was because they used slightly different pistons to the WRX . Also I found a post which suggested the headgasket was redesigned to be a little stronger on the 07 Hawkeye. Furthermore, the car was to be my daily runner so I chose the WRX for comfort, but also with these factors in mind.

That said, I have remained cautious and refrained from any remapping for increased performance, knowing that there is a potential risk of blowing the headgasket

Just my personal experience, I'm sure others will differ.

Yeah as i said , I'm well aware of the usual 2.5 stuff but when this WRX stays unmodified, has had uprated head gasket, and doesn't get raked about am i doing all i can to be safe ? As in there's not the same poor odds of tuned STI ringlands failing.

As long as the car has been looked after mate, has a good history, and hopefully has had a loving owner - I don't think you can go far wrong. I don't think anyone could say conclusively that you won't have any issues at some point on the 2.5, but equally there are some people on here with 2.5's who have done countless miles with no problems whatsoever. I think its luck of the draw really. I wouldn't be put off buying a 2.5 personally, the extra torque apparently makes them great around town. Although I've only ever had 2.0's myself.

A basic remapped 2.0 WRX (TD04) will have more torque throughout the rev range than a stock 2.5 WRX though presumably?

I know all the facts but it appears that a "normal" WRX is more durable than the equivalent STi. Even the JDM cars expire if fannied about with to much, the wrong fuel used or the long service mileages are used (should be 3,750 miles or 6000kms). Not forgetting the turbo Banjo filters on the JDM cars clog up too.


http://store.forcedperformance.net/m.../02-103-07.pdf

I'm not bothered about better torque, driveability, etc. Its for someone who has wanted an impreza/evo all their lives and is coming from your usual 1.4/1.6 hatchbacks. As long as it makes the right noise, performs as a standard wrx should and doesn't explode, they'll be happy. Insurance and budget mean the youngest least modified available WRX is what they're after.
i really only wondered if it was "just" the head gasket that was a weakness, and with that sorted would that be at least something to help.

Do it . You won't regret it