Hopefully I'll be having a STI8 short block fitted to my UK2000 heads and dropped back in. I'm going to be fitting a SC42 and winding it up a fair bit.

I'm aware of the obvious extras, new belts and water pump, etc. But what head gaskets to use?

Is there anything else I should consider while its out?

I'd rather not split the block at this stage so uprated bearings are not an option. Unless this is a must?

99 UK classic.

The car currently has FMIC, induction kit, etc.

Not 100% sure what injectors it's running, so am considering sending them to Lateral for flowing.

 

 

You'd be mad not to fit uprated bearings, discard the present pistons and fit forged ones and you may as well do the rods at the same time.

Then put funds aside for a 6-speed conversion...you'll need it.

 

6 speed conversions already done, as is brakes and suspension.

How much would I be looking at for the bearings, rods and pistons?

 

Well you could go for a 2.1 stroker kit which includes " ej257 heat treated crank, acl race series bearings, Williams H beam rods and Mahle 4032 stroker pistons 92.5 or 93mm". The cheapest I have found is WMS-Racing (he is on here) at £1250 delivered. That is a 500hp spec kit, they also do a 600hp kit for £1500.

Regards,

Subaru Collector 555.

 

Hmm, this isn't the direction I was going for with this stage to be honest. I was going to use the STI short block for a stage 1 budget power build while I save up for something a little more special next year. 2.35 etc.

I'm trying to avoid getting to caught up this time, but it's getting harder and harder not to egg tempted into something silly now.

 

Well if you are going down the 2.35 route in the future then there is probably no point forging the internals of the sti block. How much hp would you like to run when you go for a 2.35? If you are looking for 600+ then I would understand but if only in the 500's why not stroker your engine now while it is removed and run it at 400/420 and then later fit other parts in order to acheive your goal.

Regards,

Subaru Collector 555.

 

I'd love to go for silly big power next year so yeah maybe 550+, the point of just fitting the STI block for now is purely cost. I don't have the cash to do it right now and am leaving the credit cards out if it this time.

It seemed to be a great and cost effective way to get a semi reliable 4-420 now.

 

True. The other thing I can recommend is fitting thicker head gaskets. I am not too sure on what thickness but I know that you can these from Cometec, Cosworth, etc.
Another thing worth doing is getting a full engine gasket rebuild set for around £300ish if you haven't all ready.

What are you doing with your heads? Are you leaving them as they are or having them ported and polished?

If you don't already have a larger/modified oil pump I.e. 11/12mm then that is worth doing. You could fit 11mm headstuds as 14mm is required at that stage?

Regards,

Subaru Collector 555.

 

Heads are going to remain stock for now, when I go for the bigger build I'll be aiming for big port avcs, this is due to the ECU required to run them.

I hadn't considered an oil pump, but that's probably a bloody good idea, I believe RCM sell the modified versions?

Would a thicker HG not reduce the CR?

As there are plenty of newage STIs running around with over 400BHP on stock lump I assumed the studs/bolts would be ok at this level of tune?

 

Upgraded oil pumps are a worthwhile upgrade even on stock applications as there were issues on sone models regarding this area. You can get oil pumps from a number of places RCM is one but there are others such as Graham Goode Racing, advanced automotives, cosworth...

A thicker HG does reduce the CR but only by .1 or .2 so it is minimal. I have not heard of any issues running thicker HG's just that it can withstand more pressure/power.

Sorry, standard headstuds are more than adequate so only will you require 11/14mm headstuds at a later date.

Regards,

Subaru Collector 555.

 

Ive just recently done this, the pistons in your v8 sti block are forged as std you just need to uprate the rods to v9 rods as they are stronger. As for injectors you will need 740's to max out your turbo, 550's are only good up to 390-400bhp, get your headers ported and a nice Harvey Smith trick up pipe, PFR7B plugs, nice big cone filter and you should see your desired 410-420bhp. I know its more money but im running a simtek ecu which means I am mafless so no issues blowing up mafs lol

 

Good to hear. Are the STI8 rods not strong enough for 420 then?

I already have the plugs and cone filter, although may get a better one as I'm sure it's an ebay special.

With regards to ECU I'm tempted to try the ECUlabs via JGM, seems to have all the toys until I can afford a proper aftermarket one.

 

Cool

the v9 rods are good for 450 (not sure the rating of the v8 just know they are not as good)

or and you'll need a nice 3" full decat to go with all your goodies unless you already have that

 

I have 3 inch from turbo catless.

 

happy days then fella