Very low compression - rebuild?
 

I've got a 2006 STI with 102,000 on it, 3 of 4 cylinders are at 105 PSI and the 4th is at 75 PSI... definitely not good. The car still drives, however obviously don't want to make the issue even worse so not driving it at the moment.

I'm looking for recommended garages within a decent range of south London, does anyone have any recommendations or experiences with this? I suspect it's a long process, i.e. months not weeks, but i don't really know. Obviously with COVID this year that's probably going to cause some delays too.

I think i'm looking at a complete rebuild and getting some extra power at the same time, perhaps pushing up to 350? Any thoughts, suggestions?

Thanks!

Engine Tuner, i expect they could turn it around fairly quickly for you.

A standard Subaru components rebuild would handle 350 for a long time.

Personally, i'd future proof if your budget allows. You've not said if its 2.0 or 2.5, if 2.0 i'd be getting a 2.5 crank, some stroker pistons and rods that can handle a minimum of 450-500hp. For safetly net as well as future proofing.

Just my 2p, i know full well you only mentioned 350hp OP but mods can be addictive and the last thing you want is to have rebuilt an engine that will need rebuilding again for more power.

Sorry dont know of anyone in your area but have heard these names mentioned many times before with good reputation:

Finch Motorsport
RCM
TDR

Thanks for the quick responses. Going to have a chat with engine tuner this afternoon. I can get the car shipped around, so doesn't need to be that local to london. I care more about the service.

It's a 2.5 on the 2006s and definitely want to future proof if i can. I haven't driven it for nearly 6 months and i'm pretty sure i'll be chasing the mods as soon as i'm back in it... it's had a cat back exhaust and re-map (RaceDynamix) thus far...

Not all 2006's are 2.5 ;) There are some Uk 2.0 ones and the JDM ones too.

2.5 means you just saved yourself the cost of a crankshaft.

Ok, well if you're happy to ship the car then as well as ET, definitely also speak to the folk mentioned above

http://www.finchmotorsport.co.uk
https://rogerclarkmotorsport.co.uk
http://tdracing.co.uk

Is the car standard?
Be nice to know what has caused it,
it may be head damage or rings, so you really need to find out what the issue really is before making choices imho.

The only "mods" are a cat back exhaust and re-map (RaceDynamix) thus far... It was used as a daily driver for quite short journeys, so completely believe it's my heavy right foot on cold mornings that hasn't helped. I'm the 2nd owner, so can't account for the first 50k it did either.

With this information i've already spoken to East Kent Subaru's and they've recommended a complete rebuild, but that's part of why i wanted to come here and see what you guys thought.

I had an 06 STI 2.0 in my type r that went very much the same way. I got it booked in for rebuild soon after the low compression test results. It was spewing huge flames and smoke/unburnt fuel on over run, on track though so maybe not the best comparison.

I'm yet to track this! Now i'm not using it for DD and will be more of a toy, i'm definitely going to get it out on the track. Assuming i can afford it after a rebuild.

Thanks for the advice guys. EngineTuner will be getting the car dropped off to them early next week for a tear down.

Any feedback from them yet?

Once you get the news about your engine have a good chat with Alan and Martyn its better to do that face to face and exactly explain your tune aims they are pretty good at sourcing both new and S/H parts to meet budget and then Id let Martyn do your Re-map, he wont let it out of the building till everything is technically correct.