March 2018 Update: Donor Teardown Complete!
Spent an entire weekend removing all the remaining parts on the Subaru. But I’m finally done with the Subaru! (excluding the parts I keep for the kit) Interior Parts Front seat belts Wiring HVAC Dashboard Steering Column Exterior Hood hinges Door strikers Door open/close sensors Mechanical Bits Fuel pump/sender Wiring […]
February 2018 Update #2: Starting the Engine Reassembly
Engine is ready for reassembly: Ball-honed the cylinders. They have some minor scratching from the piston skirts but seems to be mostly resolved from the dingleballing. Hoping to get the shortblock together this week and long block assembled in the next couple weeks. Bought lots of parts to freshen up the engine’s problems: STi side-feed […]
February 2018 Update: Cleaning Up The Engine Parts
Engine block degreasing and cleanup. I gave them a bath in degreaser and scrubbed with warm soapy water afterwards. They didn’t come out perfect, but much improved. I then used a brass wire wheel to clean up the sealing surfaces of the block halves. Got new JE Hybrid Pistons! Heads are getting machined and cleaned […]
January 2018 Update #2: Finishing the Engine Teardown
Engine teardown complete Subaru likes to make things difficult…Here are some of my recommendations on engine teardown. Loosen crank pulley using two 3/8 2″ extensions and a large pry-bar propped still to hold it in place. Or spend the money on the Subaru tool. You’ll need something to cut the oil pan seal without damaging […]
January 2018 Update: Starting the Full Teardown
Back in Michigan so I’m once again working on the project! Tore down the donor interior so I could park it outside for the winter. Decided to do a full engine rebuild for several reasons: I have no idea what is actually inside this engine or it’s condition I don’t want to pull the engine […]
October 2017 Update: Ordered The OBX Differential
Ordered a $260 OBX limited slip diff to install in the transmission. Rebuilding it using new bolts and belleville washers. Not much else getting done until January when I’m back in Michigan. Considering powertrain options such as how to deal with the “hybrid” engine (should I get STi heads?) and whether I want to do […]
Mid-Late July 2017 Update: Pulling the Donor WRX Drivetrain
The engine, front sub-frame, and transmission have all been removed from the car. I degreased the engine and transmission so I am no longer covered in grease and dirt every time I touch them or look at them wrong. I had to reinstall the sub-frame and suspension so that the car is a rolling chassis […]
Early July 2017 update: Assessing the donor WRX
Time to get a detailed assessment on the condition of all the donor parts LOTS of stripped bolt threads Everything leaks (I plan to replace all the gaskets in the engine) Large fuel leak Fixed fuel injector leaks with new o-rings Leaky fuel injector Safety first! The leaking fuel would puddle up here Nice turbo […]
I Bought The Donor for My 818C!
Info: 2004 Subaru WRX sedan Swapped with STI shortblock (but has 2.0L heads so it’s a “hybrid” motor) 5 speed manual VERY rough around the edges. All kinds of wiring and misc mechanical issues.