Every time I work on mine I always get to a point where I just want to roll it out of the garage and torch it. There's always something. Glad I have the vic to replace it as the winter car and **** hauler and I can finally sell it.

 

Whats wrong with the 2.0L ?

 

Based on the similar architecture in the twins FA20, they are blowing up stock just like the previous gen STIs because the stock tune is garbage. Poor oil pressure at high RPM leading to lunching the #4 rod bearing since you've got one hole in the main feeding two bearings unlike in the front. The puke valve springs out the valve cover, puny weak rods ventilate the crankcase, etc.

That's how come I decided to never install my track parts on the BRZ and I'm going to sell those and take it back to stock and get something else.

Either a Mustang GT or Camaro SS. I want a V8. Or maybe a Focus RS. Or maybe I'll get really old and do something like an Audi S3 (I realize that's stupid given my concerns about the FA20 reliability).

 

yup. There are always compromises. Lately, way more than I like. Since I'd say about 08, Subaru has been SERIOUSLY focusing on cost cutting efforts on most of their lineup. So while I appreciate the new technology and the fact that they finally replaced the dinosaur age EJ, the new drivetrain comes with a ton of compromises to cut cost. I don't like compromises, but even more so when those compromises are in the engine/drivetrain. I'll take a cheaper interior and wheels over a weak engine and/or transmission.


z31 - I'll just ignore that comment about the s3. We don't need that type of retardation in here

 

I love Audis, but I'd never buy one as a track car. Well, not a modern one, at least. UrQuattro, maybe.

--Ian

 

Yeah, like you said earlier, every car guy has to own a Subaru once. I'm really let down. I'm worried about reliability, the FA20 idles like a diesel truck. The interior while fairly nice on the Limited, already rattles and squeaks and the car only has 26k miles on it. Paint seems thin (but seems like a lot of manufacturers nowadays).

I can't see me ever owning another.

No I wouldn't buy it as a track car. Unless I get a roommate with the new job I'm starting (moving to another city so I won't have the current one) or get some chick living with me splitting the bills, there will be no track car for the foreseeable future. I'd really just like something, nice, quick, that won't beat my kidneys up for the time being.

Or maybe I'll buy an ND. Who knows. I need to find a place to live and get settled into the new job before I make any moves.

 

If those are the only qualifications and you want something new, GTI or ND, depending on your needs and wants. The MK7 GTI is almost magical, and the ND is fantastic.

 

Only way I'd buy a VW would be if it's a Golf R. And that's essentially a barely cheaper, horrifically bland and ugly Audi S3.

The only hatch I'd be interested in is the Focus RS. But like I said, I need to find a new place to live and get settled into the new city/job, then I'll be able to see what I want to do.

 

There is a line of subaru's at my house waiting on build/mod/tune. Ugh.
Some things never change. I need to learn to say no for a change

 

So I shouldn't tell you I just bought a downpipe?

Passenger side front I've got a ticking noise, directly correlated to rpm so it's gotta be either an axle or a hub bearing. What's the easiest way to confirm my suspicion? I've never had to deal with AWD axles before so I'm a complete noob here. :P

 

Nope, don't. Just tell me when it's ready to tune


No different from any other axles: try to replicate in the air

 

I really need to buy 2 more jackstands that I really trust. Ungh. :P

 

specimen #1 is a fully built motor sti pushing 450whp for 25k miles that the headgaskets let go recently. not a terrible car overall, but I've a feeling the motor is completely toast (owner is hoping it's not and I can do gaskets on, I'm not so sure).






specimen #2 is a complete lost cause. I refuse to work on it and told him to undo the 1000 janky hacks/mistakes and bring it back for tuning when finished.




Specimen #3 (1998 Impreza with a EJ255 swap and sti bits, no pics, example below) is somewhere in between. Just clean enough for me to have hope, but enough issues for me to not enjoy it.

 

Have you worked on/posted #1 before? It looks familiar for some reason.

 

The 06 wagon I built a couple years ago was same color. Looked similar.
This thing was built by EQ Tuning. Now I'm rebuilding it.

*edit:
Ryan's wagon

 

Due to EQs **** up or is it unrelated?

 

I don't know. It did last about 25k before this happened so im not pointing any fingers

 

Don't you already have ESCOs?

 

Sadly, I only bought a pair of them the first time around. I need 2 more so I can get all 4 wheels in the air and put her in gear. AWD baby! My other pair is a chintzy set of super narrow yellow Horrible Freight ones that I can't bring myself to trust anymore now that I've become a member of the ESCO master race.

Against my better judgement I drove the Subaru to work today, what with all the clickty clacking. The Miata needs about 2 hours more work before I can drive it so hopefully I'll have it back together tonight.

 

Some pics of above pulled engine/setup, because why not