The turning point-- build advice please!

[randomiam]

Man, these forums have been a lifesaver.

Grabbed this from subarutex last week.

Pulled the motor last week.. Intake was some sort of de-snorkel + coffecan mod contraption. Swapped 5MT, just needs a new clutch.

My goals: replace gaskets/belts bearings/rings and do a mild rebuild-- Not sure how much attention heads and block will need but I'll be disassembling them to get cleaned/checked out and go from there.

As far as the engine itself: I'm interested in reliability and performance-- I know these don't go hand in hand. If the block and heads check out I may continue down the path I'm on and continue onto probably upgrading to the TD04/TMIC swapping out the fuel pump and evaluating the tune needs-- Not going to go very crazy on the boost. Probably examine the intake situation more and go back to something more stock. Exhaust will get some attention too.

What are the common pitfalls or weaknesses I should be watching out for?

The other option is entirely more expensive/interesting/scary

ej25 crank/2.35 /ej25 rods - Eagle rods/Wiseco Pistons and the DOHC heads & intake manifold.

and the above followed by maybe the td05/tmic. The second option will without a doubt need some tuning attention and probably best served by a standalone option.

So? Option #1 sounds safer and should give me some more power. Option #2 sounds quite a bit more expensive but !!

What kind of power would I see in option a)?

Leaning towards that one as plenty of other things need attention. Maybe begin building option B later.

fwiw, this is the first engine build/rebuild I've ever dealt with so its gonna be a bit of a slow process.

[PhyrraM]

If your parts are in good condition, a stockish EJ22T/SOHC head option is a great one. Add the Delta cams and a touch of port cleanup and there is potential. Follow Josh's build for a good roadmap.

If your going to have to invest in new part or heads then DOHC is the way to go. I, personally, would skip the 2.35 stroker option and just do an EJ255/257 shortblock and EJ20G/K heads. The mystique of the closed deck block wore off 8 years ago and the closed deck really has no advatage over the semi closed ones.

If you do chose to go with a DOHC build, I would also suggest a complete EJ20G intake manifold setup. Make sure you get all the PCV, fuel, vaccuum, etc. hoses. If you get as much of the EJ20G stuff as possible (even a complete engine if cheap enough) then an EJ20G is a complete, stock looking, bolt in. The only item to deal with is the coil pack. Come to think of it, if this were my build, I would ge a complete, running EJ20G and just swap the shortblock for an EJ25 turbo based one.

[dscoobydoo]

IF you are going for inexpensive yet decent power: I recommend: re-do the EJ22T, add EJ20G heads, upgrade the exhaust and turbo to TD05/VF equivalent, go with 06 WRX top mount or front mount/ 440 injectors. Get a rob tune (ej20g computer) and you will be 225 to 250 WHP reliably. Enough to beat/stay with any normal WRX.

This can be done in stages quite easily.

PS: based on the pictures, you need a sunroof. I know a junkyard in Tacoma that has a few.

[kimokalihi]

I vote do what Phyrra suggested. It's what I plan to do in the future. I already have the EJ257 block and I think I found a brand new EJ255 crank I might be getting for a good deal. I snagged an EJ20G engine for $1,200 shipped off ebay but I'm tired of it. It's not fast enough anymore. You'll end up wanting more than just the stock EJ20G.

If you can't afford the whole engine you can always find a set of DOHC EJ20G/K heads for sale and a manifold and make it work. Make sure you get the heads rebuilt and decked and the block. Last thing you want is a head gasket failure on an expensive build.

[randomiam]

Thanks for the wealth of replies.

Process is gonna be slowed down a bit. Picked up a 5-Speed SS to hold me over as the dd.

I'm feeling inclined to begin piecing it back together in the mild build variety. The EJ257 idea is an interesting one but it might be a little out of my comfort zone for the time being.

220-250 Fairly reliable sounds like a good goal. I'm gonna look into Delta Cams -- Do they do head work too or? Should I feel safe with the factory rods if I'm not going the stroker route? I'm assuming the wiseco pistons would be a good idea if the cylinders need any attention.

Not gonna be the most exciting build in the world but I'm aiming towards stronger internals and allowing for some flexibility in the boost options.

dscoobydoo: Yeah I'll probably look into that down the line. Attempting to start this thing from the inside out. It's hard!

[randomiam]

update of sorts.. I'll probably start a build journal in the next week or two

Engine is out & block has been split. Everything looks to be in pretty good shape aside from a little evidence of oil squirter death-- found in oil pan. Seems to be pretty common-- Not sure if I'm gonna try and find some or close them up. Need to read up on this some more.

Went ahead and had the 220 grind done over at Delta.. Might look at the heads a bit more once the bottom end is sorted.

Picked up the Wiseco .20 Overbore & Eagle Rods.. ACL Bearings.

Picked up some doors/fender a while back and should be switching them over soon.

re: the oil squirters
Only maybe two are gone -- has anyone had long term builds with the squirters removed? Sounds like its more a perk of the block than anything integral but I'll keep my eyes open.

[randomiam]

Well. I suppose I'm just going to find the appropriate size bolt to seal up the squirters. Probably isn't a huge factor especially with the pistons being swapped out.

Block/heads/flywheel are at the machine shop for the time being. Might clean up the heads a bit, waiting for a better opinion on the matter before I pull the trigger.

I might have underestimated the issue of making the car legal again but I'll just deal with it as it comes. Gonna scour some junkyards this weekend to find some parts and possibly doors/fender. Save me a decent chunk if I can skip paint for a while.

Gonna need to bring it back to relatively stock for inspection reasons and then I can begin some of the performance work.

alright: I guess I'm done updating this thing until I get a journal goin'