Following my previous thread about choosing a 2.0 rebuild or 2.5 I have been given a full estimate for both builds and need some more advice on which way to go ?

Details of both builds:
2.0-My exisiting unit rebuilt with fully forged internals to be capable of handling 400-450bhp using ACL main bearings,ACL big end bearings,Wiseco pistons,Fast road rod set(unsure of brand). Supply TD05 18g turbo.
Remap Power FC-predicted power 350bhp/350 ft lbs but could be closer to 400bhp with the other mods I have fitted.

Fitted price including vat,turbo and remap etc: £3726.01


2.5 Build.
2.5 Sti block capable of handling upto 400bhp,with my existing TD05 and current mods predicted power is 330bhp/370 ft lbs-earlier than the 2.0 and a wider torque spread.

Fitted price including vat and full remap: £3556.91

Advice on both options would be great.

I was pretty sure I wanted the 2.5 but have been told it's nowhere near as strong as the forged 2.0 will be and also with the extra torque of the 2.5 it'll probably kill my gearbox sooner !

 

Based on the above i would go with the 2lt

 

I'm not being funny but, why would you spend £3500 on an 11 year old car?

Why not move on and spend your money on a newer car. (whats the value of your car as it stands?)

Sooner or later you will want to sell up anyway, and you'll never get that £3500 back

 

Because I haven't had the car very long and don't really want to sell it on.

For £3500 I will have around a 400bhp Impreza which has everything else to match such as suspension etc.

I'm aware I won't get the £3500 back but that's not an issue really.

I've been offered £4000 for the car as it stands but can't really find anything else that i'm interested in !

 

I take it you have the original heads so a redline of 7400 rpm?

Looking at your profile you already have a gearbox that should handle the torque so I'd go for the 2.5

Whilst you're there spend another £600 on some pistons to make it future turbo proof - with hindsight I wish I did when I got my 257 a couple of years back

 

Some people say the Sti 5 'box won't last long with the 2.5 !

 

well typed

 

A 2.0 with approx 350 bhp is good...

A 2.5 with 350 bhp is even better, due to the increased torque...

You are right in that a forged 2.0 is stronger than a std STi 2.5 bottom end...

BUT, if you are after more than 350bhp, then simply put a set of pistons in the 2.5 and you have the basis for a good useable, reliable 400/400 motor..

For road use, you simply can't beat the grunt of the 2.5

 

You don't have to map the 2.5 for the gearbox breaking torque though. You could map the 2.5 to give the same torque as the 2.0 to make it gearbox friendly, but it will come in earlier and be a nicer drive.

Also IMO the 2.0 build needs better heads to get the most out of it - the short engine might be capable of 450+ but the heads won't be.

If you really think that 380 - 400 HP is as far as you'll ever take the engine then a stock 2.5 is the way to go IMO with your heads. If you can stretch another £600 for the pistons then all the better.

 

OK then, so from personal experience for everyday road use I'd go for the 2.5l engine, it's just so much more civilised. If you want the car more for the track and drag strip then it has to be the 2lt.

Cheers

Martin

 

To me the choice depends on your use, if its a second 'fun' car you only drive at weekends, I think you'll get more smiles/mileout of the 2.0, as a daily driver commuting etc, the lazier nature of the 2.5 would probably be preferable to the all or nothing 2.0.

Simon

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

I really have a dilemma now as I can't choose between the 2 options !

There's so many pro's and con's for each

 

It's a shame you couldn't have a drive of the 2 optoins TBH...

I have a 2.5, 420-450 bhp, and a friend of mine has a 2.0 with 420 bhp..

The difference in driving on the road is unreal...

Good luck m8

 

can you give a quick insight?

 

Yup, the 2.5 is head and shoulders above the 2.0..

 

I think he's asking in what what way is it head and shoulders above the 2.0L? - I'd be interested to hear too...

 

Its the faster response and torque delivery of the 2.5 that does it for me.

The difference is like having filled your car with 3 fat blokes when jumping from a 2.5 to a 2.0 with similar power.

Andy

 

That's some difference - I can feel the difference when my slim and petite girlfriend is sitting in the passenger seat!

 

Great explanation !!

I'd go with the 2.5 as well..

 

2.5 everytime for me , FREE torque always makes me smile...

 

Now that is open to many an interpretation

Actually I can when the missus is alongside, I get a punch when I start having too much fun!

Simon

 

The 2.5 sounds impressive but I have other things to take into account.

£4000 is really my max budget for this build-the 2.5 build is using the standard STI 2.5 short block and my standard TD05 turbo. If I start adding forged pistons and a better turbo it's going to be way over my budget !

Also,alot of people are telling me the 2.0 will be much stronger and potentially be more reliable than the 2.5.

Any thoughts on this ?

 

Ive got a 2.5 forge internals with uk standard heads, TD05 20g. 1bar of boost arrives at 2800rpm, with full boost coming just after 3000rpm. If you want low down grunt and the extra torque a 2.5 gives you over a 2.0 then there is no choice. However if you like to wait to near 4000rpm then have a punch as the turbo kicks in, get a 2.0 setup

 

Out of interest,how much did your forged 2.5 cost ?

 

Looking at Zen's website

2.5 engine fitted £3046
Remap £329
Wiseco pistons £617

Thats £4k

Or you could forget the pistons and get your td05 converted to a 20g by Andy.F for £550 +VAT, thats another way of spending £4k

But I'd go with the pistons, enjoy the TD05 and upgrade the turbo at a later date when funds allow IMO

 

Are the rods in the 2.5 motor strong enough to justify just fitting forged pistons ?

 

The weak point is the oe hypercuretic(SP) pistons not the rods being weak. 400/450 is quite comfortable with forge pistons and the original rods and crank ej257.

From memory the sti block and forge pistons cost £1900-2000+vat

 

Good point, how long are you prepared to wait? With the strong £ to $ pop over to the axis website and import a ready built forged 2.5 short motor

AXIS POWER RACING- Stage 2 Motor

 

I would maybe do that but most tuners i've spoke to won't fit customer supplied parts !

 

after i blew up my first 2.0 i went to a 2.5 and it was a world of difference as far as torque goes. i told myself i was never going back to a 2.0 after i drove the 2.5....but now i'm doing a 2.0 swap in the 96 impreza L.

basically, if you have the cash for a 2.5 GO FOR IT!!