MRSIMPSON

iTrader: (2)

Hello fellow addicts,

So I'm about to buy a project (all being well), an STI Type RA with an engine problem. Apparently it starts and runs, but has 'issues'...

Not to worry, the car's a good price and it's a project after all.

As a novice mechanically, can anyone give me any advice regarding how I would go around assessing the engine once I have it? Are there any books on the subject? I see lots of DIY books for VW's and Porsches, but haven't seen any for the Subaru even though the DIY community side of things is huge here.

Further to assessing the problem, has anyone rebuilt an engine themselves, and what kind of ballpark costs would be involved in rebuilding the engine to factory specs (or similar, don't have the budget for anything else)?

Any tips, experiences, recommendations very welcome...

chopperman

A compression test or leak down test is an easy way to check the engine. I will not tell the whole story but will give a fair indication on whether the lump is goosed or not.

DIY is a good way of saving money but can just as easily end up costing far more if you're not experienced or competent in building engine or have the right tools. Sometimes a mix of diy and professional is the way to go with a project. You could maybe remove the engine and take off all ancillary's but sent the engine off for repair or re-build.

MRSIMPSON

iTrader: (2)

Thanks I'll look into that, as for DIY/Specialist I think that's probably the way I'll go to be fair as the fear of breaking things will stop me going so far with it myself.

chopperman

A couple of tips when tinkering and removing things. Before you do take lots of photos. Then if you forget where things go you have a reference to go by. Also label things like hoses and electrical connectors. I also find it better to use lots of boxes rather than one to keep everything together. A box for each associated parts. Like all turbo stuff in one box, all ignition stuff in another and so on.

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

The first sticking point when rebuilding an engine to "Factory Spec" is the cost of the oem parts is very similar to forged parts, there is also no getting away from buying a new crank if it's the bearings that have failed.

I have rebuilt one and it's really not as difficult as the tuning industry would have you believe, in fact i'd go as far as saying it's easy.

BUT, TBH I think the easy and cheap route is to source a decent second hand bottom end, with so many cars being broken for profit and a few very reputable breakers on here, that's the route i'd take in your position, you just have to take your time and make sure you source a good engine.

My reasoning behind this is because by the time you've spent £1200 on rods pistons, crank, machining and £400 on a full gasket set as well as cambelt kit, oil modine, sump,oil pump, water pump and various other ancillaries, we are not talking high end components either, it's by far the cheaper/ easier option to drop in a decent low miles engine for circa £800/1200.

I'm sure there are those that will disagree with this, but i'd say they are in possession of more money than sense.

chopperman

I agree this is probably the cheapest and easiest route. The only thing is the op has bought it as a "project". I suppose it depends on what he means by project and what he wants to get out of it. If its a car on the road quickly for less money then your idea is the way to go. If its to learn and for the purpose of getting out the misses and kids way for long periods he may want the harder more troublesome time consuming way

MRSIMPSON

iTrader: (2)

Great advice all round thanks so much guys