....get the engine in my car rebuilt, shall I invest in, (???), some better heads?

Car is a '98 UK turbo, running 300bhp, or so, suffered terminal big-end damage.

I'm looking at a rebuild, with forged pistons and steel conrods, uprated modded oil pump, maybe a better crank.
I'm also going to get an FMIC.

I have a few queries:

Is it worth my while getting better heads, STi ones etc?
If I DO, what do I gain?
What ones are best to go for?
Anything I need to watch for when buying?
What else will I NEED to fit them? Inlet manifold? etc? Apart from obvious like gaskets.

TIA.

 

If your going for a rebuild why not go the full hog and go for a 2.5 conversion? ok its going to cost more in the short term but long term your have ability for more power and more fun

 

Been advised against it: my car apparently has the weakest gearbox Subaru ever made, and will almost instantly strip 2nd/3rd. Unless I source a better box for big bucks first.

Anyone else?

 

STi Version 3~4 cylinder heads will be a direct replacement/plug and play for your UK '98 spec heads - do a search on SN for how to ID a "genuine" set of STi 3~4 heads.

Mick

 

Will do.

Is there anything I ought to be looking for on them? Or be aware of before buying?

 

These posts will be a good start:


https://www.scoobynet.com/general-te...rings-etc.html

https://www.scoobynet.com/general-te...s-r-these.html

https://www.scoobynet.com/general-te...-fit-ej20.html

 

Better to find out the level at which the heads become restrictive, I know of plenty making 340 or more on standard heads. Even a 2.5 can manage with them at fast road levels of performance.

HTH

dunx

P.S. A new-age WRX box is supposed to be tougher, and won't cost stupid money....

 

Been advised by one who knows, to leave the heads until it's in bits, etc and they can be inspected.

I MIGHT go for a stronger gearbox, does anyone know which ones fit, all of them? Only a few? And what does it take to fit a different one. Is it worth saving for 6 speeds?

Also been advised to leave e-bay alone unless I know what I'm looking at etc.......which I don't

Oh for the days of the old Ford ohc engine, rebore, new crank, bearings, pistons and rods, different cam, and away I'd go. AND I could have done most of it myself

Swap the restrictive single carb for a pair of Weber 40DCOE's.....

 

I alway start by asking my customers what they want to acheive, then work from that, your heads will make 400bhp with no mods, so why bother investing in new ones if you only want to get to 330bhp, as an example. The money can be better spent in other areas. So, what do you want to get to?

 

might be worth looking out for a closed deck block to rebuild it's a lot stronger.

my98 had a open deck block so i did'nt bother rebuilding that.

could last you longer in the long run and well worth the early investment.

 

Some people don't like the ratios on a UK six speed, you should try mine !

dunx

 

The STi 3/4 heads should be good for at least 440bhp (if you want that sort of bhp, that is).

SN member, The Voices has some for sale by the looks of it:-

https://www.scoobynet.com/general-te...d-scoob-7.html

 

Also, 1998 could just be an early MY99!!! i.e. between the months of Sep to Dec 98, inclusive! (although the odds are against it, at 2:1 LOL). In which case you'd need STi 5/6 heads for a no hassle swap i.e. retaining all your ancillaries. They flow a bit more than the 3/4 ones too, I think.

To check... Is your coilpack central on the inlet manifold (MY98/v.4)? Or is it off-centre on the IM, over towards the passenger side a tad (MY99/v.5)?

 

i use a uk 6 speed in mine.

love it

best of all i can sit at 90mph (on a private road thats like a motorway) at just below 3.5k all day long where as the jdm one is a lot higher so uses more fuel.