j3rvx

I'm looking at part exchanging my 2013 Astra J VXR for a 2008 STI Hatch.


I don't know much about the Hatch's if i'm honest, but i have read about the engine failures which makes me want a forged one tbh.

I've seen this one does anyone know this car is it a previous members motor?

What are your opinions on the price and mods? I feel it's a bit much but they are a dealer and it does have a forged engine and some decent mods.

Any help or advice would be great.

Cheers

Peedee

iTrader: (4)

I can't personally vouch for the car (although it looks pretty nice), however, I can vouch for Performance Car Company. Bought a hawk STI from them a couple of years ago, excellent service, hawk was (and still is) running smooth as a bell. Recommended!

j3rvx

Thanks, i forgot to add that about the dealer, i've seen a few good reviews on them so far. What sort of warranty did they give you?

MOTORS S GT

iTrader: (2)

I can confirm the engine rebuild & clutch replacement, it was a very clean car, no rust, as some Hatches have at that age, it drove well, I would say a good buy.

j3rvx

Did you test drive it? Why didnt you buy the car?

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

He probably built the engine, he's one of the very best engine builders out there, so if he says it's good, get it bought.

Yep, just read the advert and he built the engine, he's finch motorsport.

j3rvx

Oh OK thanks.

j3rvx

Can you remember why it needed a rebuild? What went wrong with the engine?

Purdy1984

iTrader: (1)

I've bought a forged hatch from them last year. Really nice guys so can vouch for dealer.

j3rvx

That's good to know cheers.

What do people think about the price?

MOTORS S GT

iTrader: (2)

Yes, I rebuilt the engine etc, it had ringland failure, was using oil, it was in its early stages of failure, no bearing / crank damage, I have a full rebuild sheet here if you buy it, although a copy should be with the car.


It was one of the best condition Hatches I have done, & I have done a lot.


It is hardly run in going by its current mileage, its under 2k since rebuild, mileage at rebuild 42350, its also got ARP studs & forged rods in it, so its a fully forged build, & complete removal of the troublesome cold start emissions system.

j3rvx

Thanks for the info is much appreciated. Yes they sent me the build sheet this morning. Would the engine still be under any sort of warranty by yourselves?

j3rvx

Deposit is down will be test driving this Saturday. Hopefully it's a good one. Are these engine pretty much bullet proof after being forged?

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

Yes if you only use shell Vpower and give it regular services, more importantly regular oil changes with good quality oil every 5/6k miles or 6 months which ever comes first, easy enough to diy the oil changes yourself, no special tools required, you just need to pre fill the oil filter and disconnect the crank sensor to turn it over and build oil pressure without it firing up, once you've done that reconnect the crank sensor and away you go.

Sounds a lot but it's a doddle once you've done it once.

j3rvx

Yes i will be doing the oil changes myself thanks for the advice, I've tried to research a bit more about the hatches and what to look out for but all the posts i'm reading refer to the engine problems.

Is there anything else other than the engine as this ones forged anyway that i should look out for specific to the hatch. Someone mentioned rust where are the common places to look for this?

Guesty

Looks abit dear to me i paid 13500 for a 2009 sti with 37k on mate looks nice though

j3rvx

Yes I agree I have been looking around and seen cheaper tbh. This one does have most of the mods I'd do covered though and a forged engine and the dealer is trying to make his money on top I suppose.

I'm still going to take a look though.

rs4adam

Quality examples don't come cheap
you get what you pay for when it comes with scoobs

yes it expensive but pcc are well reknown for selling quality examples of performance cars, for some years now as well.

salsa-king

I think with you knowing who built the engine and who's selling it, you'll be fine. get as much paper work and info who the last owners were.

j3rvx

Yes tbh unless I see something glaringly wrong I won't be coming back with my deposit.

I managed to track down the last owner on here, he's been able to answer all of my questons although he did mention a tapping noise from the engine. He said its normal from a forged engine.

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

Have a word with Paul (motors gt) about the engine, he's a very nice helpful chap, I'm sure he won't mind.

j3rvx

Well after a long drive i picked it up. Great car to drive, like nothing ive ever driven before. The only gripe i have is the interior, compared to the VXR it's terrible but i already knew this and that's not what this car is all about.
I just have a few questions though can anyone recommend any security for it like a gear lever lock or disc lock. What size is the steering wheel? Also when inspecting it i noticed the rear diff was oily. It wasnt dripping or anything was covered with wet oil. Any thoughts what the cause is? I was thinking a gasket.

RAGGY DOO

iTrader: (1)

Very nice bud , there's a specific thread here about hatches have a look the lads will
Help you along

Gambit

iTrader: (6)

dont need to disconnect crank sensor in drive by wire cars, just put throttle to floor and crank, it cuts fuel so wont start and can build oil pressure that way

Yeah youll hear piston slap with forged engines on cold starting...can sound terrible/broken if youve never heard it before but will go away once engine is up to temp. The car will come with an engine/gearbox warranty anyhow from dealer so wouldnt be overly worried plus you first hand info on here by the engine builder

rear diff oil is probably just overflow from when it was changed

Enjoy

j3rvx

Thanks for the info, yes I'm definitely enjoying it, it's an animal

Does anyone know the part number for the clear fog light lense?