Opinions on my sanity

[BlackSunshine]

Hi All,

I've been pondering building a factory five for quite a while, but haven't brought myself to take the plunge. I was considering a GTM last time, but looking around again I think the 818 fits what I'd like a little better. Light and nimble, for track or autox and also to just have fun with. I'd also like to build it myself and have it be mine, unique, etc.

I have some mechanical experience (replace head gaskets, etc) but am by no means a mechanic. I'm also very familiar with speed, driven a lot of drag cars, I track a s1000rr, etc. I'm also quite willing to spend both time and money on this project.

Ok, on to the sanity part.

It seems like what I'd want to do is put an EZ30R, mated with a GT35R. While that sounds like the recipe I want, what degree of difficultly am I looking at here? I'd basically be starting with no idea how to make that happen. :). Is this something I could reasonably educate myself on (probably with lots of help from this forum), or am I just crazy?

[Sgt.Gator]

Hi All, ....... or am I just crazy?

I'll vote for you're crazy. :)

Lots of problems you'd have to solve and it doesn't sound like you have the experience so it will be very frustrating.
A few of the problems:
There is no dry sump option for an EZ30 so you'd be limited on how hard you can corner it. Maybe with an Accusump and street tires only you'd be ok.
There is a derth of aftermarket performance parts like forged pistons and crank. If you turbo it you will be making big power and our own Sponaugle has done it, but he is also a master tuner and engine builder.
You can't use the factory ECU.
The degree of difficulty will very high and the cost will be too if you expect it to be reliable and last a long time.

[Hindsight]

Crazy. You will need tons of fabrication. A welder, metal working tools, etc.

You can get great power out of the 4cyl. I know a guy locally with an 08 STI with over 900hp. Its very easy to get a reliable 600chp out of the 4cyl, esp if you run E85.

The only reason IMHO to run a 6cyl is if you want to go naturally aspirated.

[GoDadGo]

Or >>> You Could Build A Chevy Powered MK-4 Instead!

All kidding aside, when you start playing outside the Factory Five Box you are on your own from a support perspective.
If you have the skills, then go for it, but if you don't then Research, Research & Research some more.

Good Luck!

[STiPWRD]

If you turbo it you will be making big power and our own Sponaugle has done it, but he is also a master tuner and engine builder.
For reference, check out Jeff's build thread:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14139-Sponaugle-s-H6-EZ30R-818S&highlight=sponaugle

There are also lots of other EZ30 threads on this forum to check out. I'd agree with the others - this would be quite the undertaking.

[DodgyTim]

There are supercharger kits for the EZ30R that would convert the engine part of the build back to "mechanic + tools" rather than "master exhaust fabricator and guru tuner".
They also can supply a tune
www.raptorsc.com.au/subaru4.html
335hp at the wheels is probably enough :D

[ben1272]

Why not build it as proposed and supplied by Factory Five (a more straight forward affair but still challenging) and then apply all that new knowledge you will then have towards modifying it to your heart's content? I dont think you will be disappointed. I am half way through a stock 818S build myself.....it can be plenty challenging, especially if you take your time and try to make everything look good AND work well! I dont think you can go wrong with Factory Five.

[Aero STI]

It's not worth it to go with the 6 cylinder. The maximum RPM was stated by Jeff as around 6500 RPM if I'm not mistaken. The aftermarket for the 4 is so much better sorted. With minor headwork and oiling changes the EJ257 can rev to 8000. With more major headwork and balancing you can see 9000 RPM. The EJ207 is naturally rev happy and it's not unfathomable to reach into the 9500 RPM range. Either four cylinder setup will lead to a much broader and usable powerband than what you will achieve with the six. You might miss out on a small amount of grunt in the lowest range, but honestly this car moves so fast with little motivation. Look up my build. The last page has an acceleration video. I still have a ton of power left in my setup. It's hard for me to fathom a need for more than maybe 100 WHP over the 500 I have. More than that and I think you've chosen the wrong platform for going crazy nutty fast.

[BlackSunshine]

Ok, thanks all. I figured I was out of my mind :).

Aero, 450-500WHP sounds about perfect to me. Maybe I should look into your build.