Most STI engines have red inlet manifolds, I think this is the same for imports.

Col

[Edited by Colin P - 6/5/2003 7:56:57 PM]

Scoobyman, In essence you can't without taking it to pieces !! A red manifold with the appropriate bolt pattern will fit on any EJ20 engine. A later STi engine will have laminated steel head gaskets [ Version 3 onwards ] but these can be fitted to ANY engine also. STi cams are different and a genuine STi will also have forged pistons. But if you get the general drift - it ain't easy.

We built over 100 engines last year and will probably do as many again this year and we NEVER make any statements about the possibilities of what the customers engine is until it's in bits.

We have a car in now that is an STi Version 5 that has a UK 208 hp engine fitted with a red manifold and just has the rubbish pistons and standard cams - AND it's been to a 'Subaru Specialist' [ a VERY well known one. don't ask my lips are very well sealed ] for engine repairs and they've not noticed either............

To be sure it needs to come to bits.

Good luck !! If you want a chat about any of the above 01926 614522

David API Engines Edited for the odd typo

[Edited by APIDavid - 6/4/2003 8:43:22 PM]

I have been offered an engine and iam told its from a 94 Wrx,Sti but how can i tell if it is genuine Sti Import or just a WRX Import.

YHM

Wrong, the intake manifold of STI models was not red until 1996 on the Version III!!!!

Dom.

Wrong, 1995 Cars had red inlet manifolds

http://www.catherineandken.co.uk/sti/images/engine.gif

I'll scan and post the fax tomorrow from M Tsuchiya at Subaru in Japan confirming that pre 1996 STI's did not have red manifolds when they left the factory!!!

Dom.


[Edited by dominicm - 05/06/2003 12:54:35]

Since on the engine subject,had mine rebuild with forgies etc and a 4thou clearance.What that means in terms of everything (performance,compression,type oil,boost etc)Running 22psi for 30kkms no issues


Chris

Scoobyman, YHM

My96 (sept95 - August 96)Sti2 had first red coloured manifolds, there is the STi 1 which was a year earlier which did not.

Thanks for the replys will find out exactly what it is tommorow when the piston is viewed

Whatever the year it started, MY94 STI engines do not have red inlet manifolds.

Les :)

Grant at AWD told me the only way to check without removing bits of the engine is to take one of the plugs out and put an endoscope down the hold to look for the forged pistons. Which is handy if you have an endoscope and know what you're looking for ;)

Paul M, you won't tell by looking at the top of the piston, as all crowns are the same on like for like pistons [ V2 - same year wrx, V3/4 to same year wrx etc ] whether forged or cast broadly speaking. Maybe better to fiddle it up through the sump and look underneath. There is no shortcut as we have found after countless attempts being inconclusive. Piston crowns are marked HF, HF2 etc which is a help, but they can also be forged or cast.

Anybody got a cast iron solution I'm listening !!

API David

My 94 does not have a red manifold and is deffinatly Sti Thanks to APIDavid .The picture below is a piston from a Sti Version 2

http://cumbriarallyspares.com/pistontop.jpg