Well i`ve had my wrx for 3 years now and shes never missed a beat, always been tenderly cared for and in fact shes totally standard bar a BB exhaust. So I`m goin to sell her!!
What do I want next well .... theres only so much you can do on the roads.. so I`m looking for recommendations to build up a track day car/ weekend only car.
I am thinking along the lines of STI type RA and R, Mitsi EVO RS maybe even Cossie (dare I mention it)
I was even thinking of buying a group N car and detuning it or whatever so you can drive it to venues etc..
What I favour is a Scoob (somit to do with that exhaust note..grin grin) But I want a strong engine capable of withstanding modification.. here the debate begins

What is stronger more reliable out of the STI`s version 2 to 6. heard stuff about closed deck block on early cars stronger. Also worried about the big end failures on these cars
or would it be a better bet getting an EVO RS.

Any opinions please

 

Early RA's are very light, strong engines, close ratio gears, not too expensive, only need the brakes sorting and hey presto !

 

That wouldnt be a pre-post to an advert
for your car would it Cossie?

Dougie

 

 

However Phase II engines have a better position for the thrust bearing - so could well have a stronger crank - but not available in closed deck form. A closed deck Phase I rebuild with very big power ended up with a very loose crank!

In all cases there are compromises. No one obvious answer.

I would go for a closed deck 2.5l engine - give you monster torque and good power at low levels of boost. If you don't push it too hard it will be less stressed than a 2l for the same power.

It won't rev as well tho'

Trout

 

Cossie,
Do all early RA's have the same internals as STi's?
Just wondered as some are called WRX RA's and some
STi RA's.
Dougie

 

I thought the WRX RA was the usual lightened base for most of the rally cars.
The STI RA has I think the higher spec engine and suspension components.

What do you think about my idea of buying a Group N machine?

Also sorry but not very technical - which version did you think had the stronger engine?

 

Gravel,
I'm not sure, my car is an early STi,and as
far as I knew they have forged pistons etc,
But I would assume from that the same differences
would apply between WRX RA's and STi RA's as there
is between WRX's and WRX STi's?

God This is confusing, not too techy myself

Dougie

 

Trackday/weekend car?
Better off with Westie/Caterham or something else along those lines I would have thought.
terry

 

no im rally rep mad..

 

umm what does closed deck actually mean..sorry.

and did you mean to bore out the engine to 2.5 l

 

Gravel,

you can buy a closed deck 2.5 litre block - it is from the legacy.

Closed deck or semi closed deck seals the cylinders to the top of the block to reduce flex at high boost levels.

Otherwise the head gasket will go. Otherwise wire ring it and gor for uprated head studs.

Trout

 

Thank you Trout,
Sounds quite expensive changing the engine around etc..
Have you done this?

 

I have an Sti RA for sale when you are ready !
1995 ver 2. It has the closed deck block with ally arms etc