oHUTCHYo

I have my VXR Nurb for sale, previously I had a 2005 Blob STI. I fancy getting back in a Scoob but do prefer the front of the Hawks.

I've driven an RB320 and a 2006 STI PPP before but ultimately went for a blob due to the common advice on avoiding the 2.5 lump.

Question: If I did go for a Hawk, what would I need to have done and importantly at what cost, to have peace of mind the engine wont go bam. Its unlikely I would remap if it was PPP, even if I did I wouldnt go over 340BHP.

Reading the sticky on 2.5 issues it just seems nobody is safe! I cant imagine owning a Hawk and it feeling like a ticking time bomb.

marshall332bhp

Am no expert but I think you can have the head gasket and studs replaced and that solves it. One question. Why go for a PPP if you intend to remap it as it won't be a PPP anymore.

cuprajake

iTrader: (11)

Yeah

Engine out.

Uprated hg and stronger head bolts

Others will tell you to throw forged pistons in there along with new bearings etc.

oHUTCHYo

Uhh, sounds big money!? Was hoping it might have just been a preventative £400 versus £3K+ rebuild if it did go.

Reference PPP vs map, my Blob STI was PPP and was good enough for me so would leave as is if PPP

cuprajake

iTrader: (11)

Not really about £1000 for the hg and studs then another £1500 for the forging.

Or find one that's been done or has a warranty lol

oHUTCHYo

lol, this then or perhaps JDM.

Bet I end up in another 2005 Blob

marshall332bhp

[QUOTE=
Bet I end up in another 2005 Blob [/QUOTE]

I would buy a blob and change the front end if the hawk is the style you like.

moneys

iTrader: (5)

I've got a Hawkeye up for sale. Its the sti and has the all important upgraded head gasket and also the studs. Putting out a safe340 as well. Pulls like a train. Hawkeye's are awesome cars and as long as the work has been done then so is the 2.5 lump

thenewgalaxy

Boggo 2.5 a disgrace that Subaru could mass market and refuse to revise adequately an engine with known problems.

Forged 2.5 great engine.

Uprated HG and studs cure the HG problem but my Hawk engine also blew no.4 piston, a well-known failure. I personally would recommend uprating the pistons and bearings as a minimum also.

Nice forged example I noticed the other day

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...rx-sti/1593862

oHUTCHYo

Ticks all the boxes, good find! Just need to sell mine and I'm all over it

Moneys, get some pics up mate and I'll check yours out too.

Thanks guys

moneys

iTrader: (5)

I've only got one PIC on my phone. I'm away at the moment but will have some up the weekend. Pm me your number and I'll send my PIC if you like. That's a PIC of the car an not me haha

chopperman

I agree except i would replace the head bolts for 11mm ARP or Cosworth studs. I think a lot of cars have HG issues due to the standard head bolts stretching under full boost.

To the OP. ARP studs, Cosworth stopper head gaskets and forged pistons fix this engine, unless your looking to go over 450 bhp. If so look for a 2 L.

LuckyWelshchap

+1

Yep, from what I can see the extra money for a JDM Hawk is less than the safety net required for a UK.

stevep360

iTrader: (20)

My blob will be going onsale this week.

marshall332bhp

You only just got it Steve what's happened

oHUTCHYo

Look forward to seeing the ad mate

stevep360

iTrader: (20)

need a bigger van for work so am gonna go t5 and can use it for work and play.

IggyRB320

iTrader: (9)

If you're doing pistons, Cosworth stopper gasket, ARP head studs, you may as well at least get the liners pinned for a small extra cost!
If you want 450+ you'll need rods & advise getting CDB work.
There are EJ257's out there running easily 500-600bhp on this with appropriate ancillaries...turbo, 14mm head studs etc!!

Oh & regardless, you'll need a set of bearings!

All this starts circa £4k for 400/450bhp & just keeps getting more expensive the more power you want.......