techdw

iTrader: (2)

Currently got a 2003 Blob WRX with 110,000 miles Full SH.

Car is in fantastic condition and I have got some nice mods on it and made it into a car I always wanted to have.

Now the engine is starting to show signs of it having 110,000 miles and I know some of you will say get an Sti, I have not ruled this out but as said I love my WRX.

Now I am more than happy if I was to archive 370,380bhp or even 400bhp, with supporting mods, but what route should I take if I keep the WRX, 2.1 Stroker I know can cost £3 or 4K, or is an option maybe to use an Low Miles STi Engine and fit this, Does the Loom need to be changed or can I use an Sti engine with the WRX loom and ECU and map it. I am guessing I will need to upgrade to a 6 speed box which is another 2k ish??, this is when its starts getting expensive.

Would like to see other views please.

Thanks

jake1989

iTrader: (4)

I've just put an sti bottom end in my wrx yesterday,mine was bought from a good member of my local club so I knew it was sweet and fired up spot on yesterday for first time .im looking for around 380bhp on my turbo.So prevention is better than cure in my books. Bottom end there is no need for wiring change etc so straight swap,unless you want to go the whole way and use sti avcs heads and then you will either need an sti ecu and wiring loom or an aftermarket ecu( such as alcatek/syvecs),a 6speed would be wise on 370bhp+ really.
I'm still running 5speed(which has been fine on my current 351/330 setup so far) until I can save the cash for 6speed.but unless driven normally (and lets face it we mod our cars for one reason lol) at around 340/350 ft/lb its just waiting for it to give way and not when really

jake1989

iTrader: (4)

But also yes it would be cheaper to buy an sti.but like you I bought my wrx in good faith that it was a very solid base and intended to mod to around 300bhp.
The bug got me but didn't want to sell for an sti as was already attached to it!
But logically and financially if you are hunting for more than 300bhp then stop now and buy an sti lol
Otherwise get ready to throw ££££'s at it!

techdw

iTrader: (2)

What cost do the STI engine go for?
and what are the avcs heads? how are they different to the WRX?

jake1989

iTrader: (4)

A full sti engine can go for £800-£1500.normally you would pay around £1200 for a solid one.but would advise to buy one from a car you can see running and make sure all is okay if that's what you go for,or alternatively you can just get an sti bottom end like myself,wrx heads are still good for a fair wack of power!
Avcs heads use variable valve timing to achieve better performance over the wrx heads.hence why they need extra wiring and different ecu to be controlled.

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

For me it depends on how much your willing to spend, your car with 110k on the clock is not an easy sell, and your going to see £2.5k ish, an STI is going to cost you at least £6k unless you go ugly bug, your going to be in a 70k sti thats going to need a few bits like suspension and brakes unless it's already been sorted.

I think it's six and two threes with regards what it will cost because you'll still need a bigger turbo and remap to make 400bhp.

So if your going to have to pay people to do the work then STI will work out cheaper to 400 but if you can diy then it will cost about the same.

The only reason not to jump ship to an sti imo is if yours is a wagon and you need that practicality.

My rule of thumb is 350bhp =WRX above that and your better off with an STI.