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Old 04-29-2021, 02:58 PM   #1
Smaay
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Member#: 221053
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lancaster CA
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2015 WRX
Blue

Default need an engine

Im considering buying a 2016 STI rolling chassis. has everything but an engine. Im fairly new to the EJ257, everything I been reading is weak pistons.

My questions are:
what years can I source an engine from (assuming 2015+)

should I install better pistons (reliability and demand for about 400HP)

get a junkyard (unknown condition) or have one built for me ($$$)

thanks
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Old 04-29-2021, 03:45 PM   #2
BlackFighter
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Member#: 193940
Join Date: Nov 2008
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RalliSpec Shortblock

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If you are sticking with 400whp and not going to go crazy down the road then just get the RA block and call it a day. The problem is not that the pistons are weak, but its the ringland that cracks. And it cracks from poor maintenance, poor modding, poor tuning, or no proper tuning. The cast stock pistons will last you longer but forged pistons can handle a more abuse and power. It all depends what your plans are for the car. Do not get a junkyard block unless it is very cheap and you have lots of down time. A junkyard block is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you going to get.
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Old 04-29-2021, 03:57 PM   #3
Smaay
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackFighter View Post
If you are sticking with 400whp and not going to go crazy down the road then just get the RA block and call it a day. The problem is not that the pistons are weak, but its the ringland that cracks. And it cracks from poor maintenance, poor modding, poor tuning, or no proper tuning. The cast stock pistons will last you longer but forged pistons can handle a more abuse and power. It all depends what your plans are for the car. Do not get a junkyard block unless it is very cheap and you have lots of down time. A junkyard block is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you going to get.
thanks for the response, I need a complete engine, not just a block. Im not familiar with "RA" wasnt that a limited model WRX that came out.
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Old 04-29-2021, 04:52 PM   #4
BlackFighter
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RalliSpec Shortblock

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You have three options

1) You can get a RA shortblock and heads from subaru
2) Buy a cheap used longblock and have it rebuilt (If the longblock not completely tossed)
3) Not a fan but you can buy a built new longblock from IAG of the shelf
https://www.iagperformance.com/iag-5...fxt-05-09-lgt/

Again, it all depends what are you plans for the car. You can see what years you can use.
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Old 04-29-2021, 05:30 PM   #5
Smaay
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ok a little Google research gave me the info I needed about RA blocks, But I need a complete engine. a search on car-part.com gave me a few options but the prices seem really high, 8000+ is that right?
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Old 04-29-2021, 05:34 PM   #6
pigboat_2
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SWP

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Rebuilding these engines is so much cheaper than having to buy everything new. If your engine bay is quite literally bare and you need to start from ground zero, I pity your wallet.

I'm thinking you'll drop 10k on the conservative side after you factor in intake, fuel, accessories. Everything.
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Old 04-30-2021, 05:02 PM   #7
Max Capacity
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I see your in CA...make sure what you do will pass emissions testing...

Oh, Just re-read this, "Im considering buying a 2016 STI rolling chassis"


IMO, forget about it. Move on to something else. Unless your getting it for very little money and know what your doing...?
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Old 04-30-2021, 05:32 PM   #8
GeoNV
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I spent almost 12K with a shell after buying a transmission and building a forged motor myself with used parts where I could. I originally planned to find a junkyard motor and couldn’t find one anywhere. I think spent $800 on bolts alone. And I had to source Every Single Part. Took me five months.
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Old 04-30-2021, 06:03 PM   #9
cboggess
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Is the engine entirely gone or do you have some of it? The reason I ask is putting everything together from scratch is going to cost a fortune just due to all the small nickle and dime stuff.
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Old 04-30-2021, 06:37 PM   #10
subaru_gc8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smaay View Post
thanks for the response, I need a complete engine, not just a block. Im not familiar with "RA" wasnt that a limited model WRX that came out.
I believe the RA block is the same as the 2018 and up block persinally what I would do is get either a RA if youre going ot keep it around the 400 level, or get a IAG block and put that together yourself. just FYI keep it stock as the Smog program here is going to get even crazier in a few months. BTW they are searching out tuned cars on thee smog program
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Old 04-30-2021, 07:21 PM   #11
K3rm1tth3fr0g
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+1 for RA shortblock if you are not going over 400WHP.

OEM reliability
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