big update:
started noticing the engine running hot one day. popped the hood -> bubbling coolant in the reservoir. smells like gas. classic blown headgasket symptoms. about 100k on the rebuilt motor. same mileage as before.
To IAG it goes...
I wanted to try to get out of this with as little out of pocket as necessary. but it wasnt in the cards. pistons worn significantly, 100k of wear, etc. motor is already overbored to 99.75mm (stock = 99.5mm).
IAG could bore to 100mm and maintain a tight PTW clearance, but 100mm is flirting with thin sleeves and its common to crack at that point.
could stay at 99.75 with new pistons, keep my old block, but PTW would be pretty loose at .040-.045"
or throw a brand new build short block in. 99.5 stock size with drop in pistons = .030-.035 PTW
rebore new block to 99.75 sized exactly to the pistons for a tight .025 PTW.
i decided to stick with a new block with drop in pistons. it was a compromise to keep costs of extra machining down.
https://www.iagperformance.com/IAG-Stage-2-2-5L-Subaru-Short-Block-WRX-STI-LGT-p/iag-eng-1200.htm
Features
- Manley 99.5mm Platinum Series Pistons, Ringset, Tool Steel Pins and Clips (w/ Coated Skirts and Offset Wrist Pin)
- New FHI Subaru Case Halves at 99.5mm (Stock Bore)
- Brian Crower Sportsman H-Beam Forged Connecting Rods w/ ARP2000 Rod Bolts
- New FHI Subaru Heat-Treated 2012+ STI Crankshaft
- ACL or King Race Rod Bearings
- ACL or King Race Main Bearings
- New FHI Main Case Bolts
- IAG Spec Blueprint Sheet
- Power Output Rating: 650BHP
-heads are getting refreshed, cleaned reserfaced, valvejob, all new gaskets, yada yada yada. new oil pump and water pump, couple broken small ticket items that needed replacement.
-being re-assembled with a Killer-B header that i picked up just before i found out about the head gasket.
-replacing the fuel pump with a higher flowing E-85 compatible unit. AEM 320lph. the walro255 has been fine, but 100k of use.
-replacing the grimmspeed EBCS with a new unit from Company23. reduces the surge, and has bigger internal valving for better boost control without wastegate flutter.
-keeping the stock turbo for now. plan to upgrade in the near future.
thats all for now.