Simon Greenwich

I sold my version 2 (96) Jap import, it was a WRX STI ... (I do miss it)

Now I am looking to buy another Impreza, but thinking of getting something a bit newer, quite like the look of the Hawkeye, seen a few decent looking ones.

But I hear that the 2.5 engine is more prone to head gasket issues, and things like the (internals i.e. pistons) are not as strong, engine more prone to failure.

What are your experiences? What do you recommend in terms of me getting another Impreza?

Thanks

Leggygtb

very very very bad there are numerous threads about it, one is even a sticky on here
prone to hg and ringland failure.
avoid at all costs......


cue its a great engine if its rebuilt.............

Simon Greenwich

So the only exception would be if the car had a rebuild and was fully forged, or get it done at a cost of 4k I hear.

I would love to get another classic, the only issue is the ultra-low emissions zone, a big rip off having to pay just to drive your car up the road (I live in London). What would you guys recommend post-2002 models?

Leggygtb

pretty much , good engine when rebuilt

uk car 2005 blob sti widetrack. anything after has the 2.5
jdm car better spec and all run the 2.0

Tidgy

can only echo whats been said, from the factory i'd have more faith in a chocolate teapot, rebuilt properly the 2.5 is prob the best engine in the subaru line up.

stonejedi

iTrader: (51)

I agree with all but your last statement mate.SJ.

Vxr2010

Not all 2.5 fail , but yes forged is best route to go , get a jdm import with an import report showing 0 emissions , tax is lower plus the congestion charge will probably be the same , and same with low emissions zone

mbwoy84

I've had 3 of them, all tuned to what I'd consider to be the limit for a standard engine and not a single issue. Racked up over 100k miles in them collectively. The 2.5 is so nice to drive, great torque curve.

I also have one running 780BHP, but that is fully forged with Omega Pistons etc and is just epic to be honest.

Tidgy

i should add for road us, the low down grunt it has makes the 2.0 feel like a lag monster

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

780bhp in a 2.5?

stonejedi

iTrader: (51)

Put it this way mate,i have never ever heard of a 2.5 making 780bhp!.. full spec list would be nice though if its true...SJ.

stonejedi

iTrader: (51)

2.5 has good torque especially when built but i would still prefer a built 2.0/2.1/or 2.3 over a 2.5 though.SJ.

Leggygtb

exactly, the poo.5 still has weak cylinder walls at higher power.
2.35 ftw
there is a reason the japs wont entertain their own crap engine.
the 2.5 exists for one reason....emissions

Tidgy

ee im the other way at 500 a 2.5 built right is plenty reliable and will be alot mroe responsive than anoy of those

but then it becomes a preference argument lol

Vxr2010

i had a jdm sti 2 litre wagon running around 350 bhp , the forester sti a 2.5 running around 300bhp , the extra torque plus lack of lag on the fsti walked all over the jdm sti wagon , it would destroy it off the lights , the 2.5 is a great engine , it has it weakness and thats why if it goes you get it forged , i liked the jdm wagon but hated the lag especially on a difficult roundabout trying to pull onto the roundabout safely and quickly was hard work

stonejedi

iTrader: (51)

Put it this way I don’t want to pi55 on no ones corn flakes,but I have been in the Subaru tuning game Modifying mine and my wife’s Subaru’s since 2003,and have spoken to numerous Top respected tuners in Japan and in the UK Over the years,and at no time when i was telling them about different size engine builds was the 2.5 “EVER” mentioned as an alternative as it was not the engine that they used for big power builds,to me that statement speaks for itself.SJ.

Vxr2010

I do understand higher power builds then possibly stroke a 2 litre, but for my power levels as it’s a daily drive so want decent mpg and reliability then the 2.5 wins hands down , shame subaru made a bit of a mess of building it , i just get them forged when they go , head bolts better pistons and better crank bearings , but i still vote for my needs the 2.5 , it’s cheaper for me to get a 2.5 rebuild than stroke a 2 litre , i also don’t want lots of lag

MarkRF

Just don’t fall into the mindset of a rebuilt 2.5 is invincible or that it’ll never have any issues..

I would say the EJ25 makes a good road engine, extra torque low down makes it a nice drive but it’ll never be more powerful or reliable than the stroked EJ20/22 built motors in my opinion.

stonejedi

iTrader: (51)

i keep on hearing this lag talk on 2.0 litres Lol its something that i have never experienced not even when my engine was a 2.0 litre,alot of the lag issues was brought on by incorrect turbo choice and set up,i do agree with you when you talk about the torque of a 2.5,but I personally believe that the Revability of a 2.0 litre engine soon makes up for that.SJ.

Vxr2010

my jdm wagon was standard apart from a cat back fuel pump and remap , it was very laggy , when it got going it was ok ,it did rev to 8200 rpm or so but often shifting around 6500 rpm , but fsti much easier to get going and make progress , as above it’s a shame the 2.5 was not more based on the 2 litre engine reliability wise etc , i have experienced both 2 and 2.5 there are pluses and minuses to them , i have had two forged rebuilds last one hit around 198k miles in the end , second one was around 85k when it went now on a bit over 100 k , third fsti still on standard engine and around 80 k , my bigger powered engine is a na 6.2 with 500 bhp and same foot pound 🤣 by fsti definitely holds its own in the quick department

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

ive always fancied a 2.1 stroker and would love one for my hawk over a 2.5 but i dont think it can be done due to the heads/wiring unless i go syvecs.

the 2.5 is great once forged but also needs closed deck conversion for further reliability.

Rusti

iTrader: (4)

agreed for the initial outlay closed deck is the only option.

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

and maybe 14mm head studs

Leggygtb

maybe you should change the title to
standard 2.5 good or bad.
the answer to that is bad
if you want to spend 5k to make it reliable then its a decent engine, most people dont class an engine that needs rebuilding to be ok as a good engine.

Vxr2010

but when you look at the cost of a scooby even with a rebuild v a similar performance car it’s still a good deal as if not we would not buy them , not all engines fail , even bmw and mercs and porches have issues and the cost of repairing them makes a 2.5 engine rebuild look cheap

stonejedi

iTrader: (51)

My friend all i know is,from they have to make a thread about blown 2.5 engines then because of the influx of members having to rebuild them that they turn the thread into a “STICKY” :https://www.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-...-failures.html :speaks for itself Really.SJ.

Tidgy

after driving both at around 420 i can tell you the 2.5 is considerably more responsive than a twin scroll 2.0, setup makes a massive difference to both, once you start to head north of 450 then you only see the divide get wider. you can take measures, such as anti lag etc, but you can do that to both.

Tidgy

the failure rate of the 2.5 is considrably higher than the 2.0 or any other car out there, i dont think anyone will dispute that except subaru due to them covering their *****. The other thing is alot of the other manufacturers stand on and sort issues out, subaru have burried their head in the sand

domino46

go on more American sites as they are making mental power out of there 2.5 engines ,,granted you dont see them in the uk but iv seen them making over 800hp with a 2.5,, IAG make some very well spec'ed engines for very good value ,,, some are rated to 1000+ hp

https://www.iagperformance.com/IAG-P...ks-s/15269.htm

stonejedi

iTrader: (51)

I agree with you about how the 2.5 engine has good torque as it was predominately developed for the American market i.e towing thats why the extra torque came in useful.But Mate how much 2.5 engines do you know to have big BHP like over 600 bhp+?Every proper Subaru performance model "type/spec"limited edition use the EJ 2.0 litre power plant..I doubt thats by mistake.According to a engine Specialist Subaru used a casting process on the 2.5-L that weakened the piston ringlands (which separate the piston rings), while the PCV system causes crankcase oil vapors to enter the combustion chamber. The condition allegedly leads to a reduction of the fuel/air octane mixture and places more of a burden on the pistons, which can fracture and destroy the engine.

Impreza WRX and WRX STI drivers said that their cars suddenly lose power, stall or suffer engine failure as internal parts overheat and seize. In addition oil lubrication to the bearings and crankshafts cause similar 2.5-L engine failures...I have nothing more to add...Peace!.SJ.