Impreza Hawkeye 2.5 engine good / bad
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Impreza Hawkeye 2.5 engine good / bad
I sold my version 2 (96) Jap import, it was a WRX STI ... (I do miss it)
Now I am looking to buy another Impreza, but thinking of getting something a bit newer, quite like the look of the Hawkeye, seen a few decent looking ones.
But I hear that the 2.5 engine is more prone to head gasket issues, and things like the (internals i.e. pistons) are not as strong, engine more prone to failure.
What are your experiences? What do you recommend in terms of me getting another Impreza?
Thanks
Now I am looking to buy another Impreza, but thinking of getting something a bit newer, quite like the look of the Hawkeye, seen a few decent looking ones.
But I hear that the 2.5 engine is more prone to head gasket issues, and things like the (internals i.e. pistons) are not as strong, engine more prone to failure.
What are your experiences? What do you recommend in terms of me getting another Impreza?
Thanks
#2
very very very bad there are numerous threads about it, one is even a sticky on here
prone to hg and ringland failure.
avoid at all costs......
cue its a great engine if its rebuilt.............
prone to hg and ringland failure.
avoid at all costs......
cue its a great engine if its rebuilt.............
#3
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
I would love to get another classic, the only issue is the ultra-low emissions zone, a big rip off having to pay just to drive your car up the road (I live in London). What would you guys recommend post-2002 models?
#4
So the only exception would be if the car had a rebuild and was fully forged, or get it done at a cost of 4k I hear.
I would love to get another classic, the only issue is the ultra-low emissions zone, a big rip off having to pay just to drive your car up the road (I live in London). What would you guys recommend post-2002 models?
I would love to get another classic, the only issue is the ultra-low emissions zone, a big rip off having to pay just to drive your car up the road (I live in London). What would you guys recommend post-2002 models?
uk car 2005 blob sti widetrack. anything after has the 2.5
jdm car better spec and all run the 2.0
#5
Scooby Regular
can only echo whats been said, from the factory i'd have more faith in a chocolate teapot, rebuilt properly the 2.5 is prob the best engine in the subaru line up.
#7
Scooby Regular
Not all 2.5 fail , but yes forged is best route to go , get a jdm import with an import report showing 0 emissions , tax is lower plus the congestion charge will probably be the same , and same with low emissions zone
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#8
Scooby Regular
I've had 3 of them, all tuned to what I'd consider to be the limit for a standard engine and not a single issue. Racked up over 100k miles in them collectively. The 2.5 is so nice to drive, great torque curve.
I also have one running 780BHP, but that is fully forged with Omega Pistons etc and is just epic to be honest.
I also have one running 780BHP, but that is fully forged with Omega Pistons etc and is just epic to be honest.
#9
Scooby Regular
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#10
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iTrader: (20)
I've had 3 of them, all tuned to what I'd consider to be the limit for a standard engine and not a single issue. Racked up over 100k miles in them collectively. The 2.5 is so nice to drive, great torque curve.
I also have one running 780BHP, but that is fully forged with Omega Pistons etc and is just epic to be honest.
I also have one running 780BHP, but that is fully forged with Omega Pistons etc and is just epic to be honest.
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#13
2.35 ftw
there is a reason the japs wont entertain their own crap engine.
the 2.5 exists for one reason....emissions
#14
Scooby Regular
but then it becomes a preference argument lol
#15
Scooby Regular
i had a jdm sti 2 litre wagon running around 350 bhp , the forester sti a 2.5 running around 300bhp , the extra torque plus lack of lag on the fsti walked all over the jdm sti wagon , it would destroy it off the lights , the 2.5 is a great engine , it has it weakness and thats why if it goes you get it forged , i liked the jdm wagon but hated the lag especially on a difficult roundabout trying to pull onto the roundabout safely and quickly was hard work
#16
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iTrader: (51)
i had a jdm sti 2 litre wagon running around 350 bhp , the forester sti a 2.5 running around 300bhp , the extra torque plus lack of lag on the fsti walked all over the jdm sti wagon , it would destroy it off the lights , the 2.5 is a great engine , it has it weakness and thats why if it goes you get it forged , i liked the jdm wagon but hated the lag especially on a difficult roundabout trying to pull onto the roundabout safely and quickly was hard work
#17
Scooby Regular
I do understand higher power builds then possibly stroke a 2 litre, but for my power levels as it’s a daily drive so want decent mpg and reliability then the 2.5 wins hands down , shame subaru made a bit of a mess of building it , i just get them forged when they go , head bolts better pistons and better crank bearings , but i still vote for my needs the 2.5 , it’s cheaper for me to get a 2.5 rebuild than stroke a 2 litre , i also don’t want lots of lag
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#18
Just don’t fall into the mindset of a rebuilt 2.5 is invincible or that it’ll never have any issues..
I would say the EJ25 makes a good road engine, extra torque low down makes it a nice drive but it’ll never be more powerful or reliable than the stroked EJ20/22 built motors in my opinion.
I would say the EJ25 makes a good road engine, extra torque low down makes it a nice drive but it’ll never be more powerful or reliable than the stroked EJ20/22 built motors in my opinion.
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#19
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (51)
I do understand higher power builds then possibly stroke a 2 litre, but for my power levels as it’s a daily drive so want decent mpg and reliability then the 2.5 wins hands down , shame subaru made a bit of a mess of building it , i just get them forged when they go , head bolts better pistons and better crank bearings , but i still vote for my needs the 2.5 , it’s cheaper for me to get a 2.5 rebuild than stroke a 2 litre , i also don’t want lots of lag
#20
Scooby Regular
my jdm wagon was standard apart from a cat back fuel pump and remap , it was very laggy , when it got going it was ok ,it did rev to 8200 rpm or so but often shifting around 6500 rpm , but fsti much easier to get going and make progress , as above it’s a shame the 2.5 was not more based on the 2 litre engine reliability wise etc , i have experienced both 2 and 2.5 there are pluses and minuses to them , i have had two forged rebuilds last one hit around 198k miles in the end , second one was around 85k when it went now on a bit over 100 k , third fsti still on standard engine and around 80 k , my bigger powered engine is a na 6.2 with 500 bhp and same foot pound 🤣 by fsti definitely holds its own in the quick department
#24
maybe you should change the title to
standard 2.5 good or bad.
the answer to that is bad
if you want to spend 5k to make it reliable then its a decent engine, most people dont class an engine that needs rebuilding to be ok as a good engine.
standard 2.5 good or bad.
the answer to that is bad
if you want to spend 5k to make it reliable then its a decent engine, most people dont class an engine that needs rebuilding to be ok as a good engine.
#25
Scooby Regular
but when you look at the cost of a scooby even with a rebuild v a similar performance car it’s still a good deal as if not we would not buy them , not all engines fail , even bmw and mercs and porches have issues and the cost of repairing them makes a 2.5 engine rebuild look cheap
#26
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iTrader: (51)
but when you look at the cost of a scooby even with a rebuild v a similar performance car it’s still a good deal as if not we would not buy them , not all engines fail , even bmw and mercs and porches have issues and the cost of repairing them makes a 2.5 engine rebuild look cheap
#27
Scooby Regular
i keep on hearing this lag talk on 2.0 litres Lol its something that i have never experienced not even when my engine was a 2.0 litre,alot of the lag issues was brought on by incorrect turbo choice and set up,i do agree with you when you talk about the torque of a 2.5,but I personally believe that the Revability of a 2.0 litre engine soon makes up for that.SJ.
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#28
Scooby Regular
but when you look at the cost of a scooby even with a rebuild v a similar performance car it’s still a good deal as if not we would not buy them , not all engines fail , even bmw and mercs and porches have issues and the cost of repairing them makes a 2.5 engine rebuild look cheap
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#29
Scooby Regular
go on more American sites as they are making mental power out of there 2.5 engines ,,granted you dont see them in the uk but iv seen them making over 800hp with a 2.5,, IAG make some very well spec'ed engines for very good value ,,, some are rated to 1000+ hp
https://www.iagperformance.com/IAG-P...ks-s/15269.htm
#30
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (51)
after driving both at around 420 i can tell you the 2.5 is considerably more responsive than a twin scroll 2.0, setup makes a massive difference to both, once you start to head north of 450 then you only see the divide get wider. you can take measures, such as anti lag etc, but you can do that to both.
Impreza WRX and WRX STI drivers said that their cars suddenly lose power, stall or suffer engine failure as internal parts overheat and seize. In addition oil lubrication to the bearings and crankshafts cause similar 2.5-L engine failures...I have nothing more to add...Peace!.SJ.