Considering new donor strategy - High Miles & Rebuilding

[SkiRideDrive]

Hey there everyone.

Getting super excited with the launch of the car. Originally I was set on an 06/07 donor with low miles, but after seeing how expensive/rare that proposition can be and your still not getting new parts, I am considering a different strategy.

What about looking for a super cheap/high mileage 02-04 range wrx and then having the motor rebuilt by a reputable shop, possibly the transmission as well. This way, you would know the motor and possibly trans were gone through by a professional and most of the important parts would be new. Could also go through suspension pieces with new bushings and bearings.

Any estimates on what an engine rebuild would cost? I am in socal and was thinking of a shop like outfront motorsports, costa mesa r&d, millenium motorsports, etc. I wouldn't want anything crazy, but I would plan on increasing the performance above stock a bit. Probably build the motor with a bigger intercooler and turbo upgrade in mind(19T-TD04, VF39, 16G...)

Also any idea what a trans rebuild would run? Assuming stock parts, not the crazy expensive ppg gearsets.

Thanks! Hopefully this sparks some interesting conversation.

[bnr32jason]

For a competent rebuild even with stock parts you are looking at probably $3000-4000 if you do both the engine and transmission. You might be able to find it cheaper of course, but I would go through a reputable shop that knows Subarus.

If you want to build a new motor, your best bet is going to be to get a new shortblock from Subaru and then use leftover parts from the original engine. This will likely be the cheapest as well.

As far as the transmission goes, I dunno, hopefully someone else can chime in with that.

[wallace18]

I went this route. 276K 2002 WRX. Cost 5K for rebuilding everthing I needed to. I lucked out that my car had a rebuilt longblock in the trunk when I bought it.

[THE ITALIAN]

probably smart rather than throwing junk in your long project.
maybe even doing some forged pistons/rods while in there so down the road you can add power as you learn to drive it
you can always rebuild after you finish the car, but that way it may never get done
I've been watching these prices too, especially in calif, it's like gold, but a lot of junkers are going overseas
The 2.0's are available,2.5's are too high for the small advantage if any.

[RelfF2]

i'm thinking about this too. To get the budget down even more, would you guys consider a high mileage (over 200k) 03 that has new head gaskets, timing belts, etc, but not a full rebuild?

[bnr32jason]

While at 200k the engine may be getting a little "tired" it can still perform very well. If it's not burning any oil (or not too much oil at least) and the compression checks out, I say go for it. If/when it does blow, rebuild then.

[ktm]

I bought a 02 with 150k miles on it for $3500. Has a rebuilt trans, new clutch, and all receipts for the last several years. Many new and rebuilt parts. Hoping for $1000 in sell offs. Plan to do HG kit and go through everything.

The way I figured it, a 05 with 80/90k would still get the HG and water pump, then look for issues like broken or bent items from the wreck.

[longislandwrx]

It really makes sense to do all the gaskets at once. the master gasket kit from Subaru is a great deal. just doing the valve covers can cost over $120

you can refresh the whole motor for about $300 and have a clean well sealed leak free motor.

[Samiam1017]

Did 300 include the head gaskets. Best price I found was 250 for master kit but they didn't include the head gaskets and that was 150 more bucks.

[Evan78]

Any estimates on what an engine rebuild would cost? I am in socal and was thinking of a shop like outfront motorsports, costa mesa r&d, millenium motorsports, etc. I wouldn't want anything crazy, but I would plan on increasing the performance above stock a bit. Probably build the motor with a bigger intercooler and turbo upgrade in mind(19T-TD04, VF39, 16G...)

Also any idea what a trans rebuild would run? Assuming stock parts, not the crazy expensive ppg gearsets. I have been going to Paul at Rally Sport Engineering in Costa Mesa for any Subaru work I don't want to do for about 10 years. I know he sends transmissions to a shop in Costa Mesa, but I forget the name. He's a nice guy and I'm sure he'll be willing to give you some places to look into further. I'd love to hear what you find since we're in the same area.

[SkiRideDrive]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I might ask around to see what a rebuild might entail in order to guide my donor search. If I come across any useful information I will be sure to pass it along.

I had one other question. Does anyone know the difference in the kit when you select different year donors on the preorder form? Curious if I need to wait until I find a donor to pre-order.

Thanks!

[thestigwins]

You will be able to change your order closer to your delivery date. I would not wait on preordering.

[SkiRideDrive]

For a competent rebuild even with stock parts you are looking at probably $3000-4000 if you do both the engine and transmission. You might be able to find it cheaper of course, but I would go through a reputable shop that knows Subarus.

If you want to build a new motor, your best bet is going to be to get a new shortblock from Subaru and then use leftover parts from the original engine. This will likely be the cheapest as well.

As far as the transmission goes, I dunno, hopefully someone else can chime in with that.

You mentioned a new shortblock. If that was an option I wanted to pursue, how much more work/money would it be to get a 2.5 shortblock and go the hybrid route I've heard about which is supposed to have a nice powerband. Please correct me if I am totally off base here, not a subaru expert.

[Evan78]

You mentioned a new shortblock. If that was an option I wanted to pursue, how much more work/money would it be to get a 2.5 shortblock and go the hybrid route I've heard about which is supposed to have a nice powerband. Please correct me if I am totally off base here, not a subaru expert.The short answer is that the chambers on the heads should be machined to match the larger bore of the 2.5L. There is more to know, but that is the biggest issue. You can just bolt on the stock 2.0L heads, but the combination is very prone to detonation and is not recommended. It has been discussed on this forum previously, I think some vendors have been mentioned. Searching for hybrid should yield good results.

[SkiRideDrive]

The short answer is that the chambers on the heads should be machined to match the larger bore of the 2.5L. There is more to know, but that is the biggest issue. You can just bolt on the stock 2.0L heads, but the combination is very prone to detonation and is not recommended. It has been discussed on this forum previously, I think some vendors have been mentioned. Searching for hybrid should yield good results.

Thanks Evan. It looks like your right next door!

[flynntuna]

The more I look the more I think this might be the way to go. Most of the donors are high mileage (150k miles plus) and will most likely need the engine gone thru. Adding a limited slip to the tranny might show that a rebuild be required too.

Anyway, on craigslist there have been a few possible candidates for a donor with engines that have a rod knock or some other major problem. The asking prices are in the $3k -$4k range. Obviously cars with these problems have been abused and or poorly maintained, but that's probably true with most of the donors out there.

Going in knowing that engine and transmission rebuilds will be part of the budget can be a stress reliever. At least there won't be Any surprises :rolleyes:

At the local Copart yard there is a wrx that's been stripped of the engine,trans,and interior. Sourcing a JDM engine and tranny could be could be another possibility.

What do you think? Good/bad idea . I wouldn't bid more than $500 .

[Pearldrummer7]

I personally bought a donor that had high miles (2002 with 150K+), but had a built motor in it. Also, a blown tranny. Would highly recommend NOT following suit on the transmission side, but finding a well-priced car with a built motor is definitely possible.