New Engine - Big end has gone

[Jackson1]

Hi guys!

So I purchased my car about a month ago and my big end has just gone, so I am on a very very low budget and need a new engine.

I'm trying to look at all the options and figure out what is going to be best, some people have been saying that I shouldn't get the engine that comes in them from factory as they are weak. Apparently an sti 2.5 block is a better option. But honestly I don't know.

What is everyones opinions on options?

ALSO if anyone happens to hear about a cheap engine that I could look at getting or something that could help out, please please let me know.

Thankyou so much everyone!

[ferret89]

Sorry to hear about it mate, here are a few options:

Option 1) Second hand EJ255 or 257 installed using your heads, turbo + all fluids/belts/gaskets. $4-6k

Option 2) Brand new EJ257 short block installed using your heads, turbo + all fluids/belts/gaskets. $6-8k

Either way it's not going to be cheap, unless you do the work yourself as the labour charge alone will probably be around $2k

Pretty sure EJ255 and EJ257 (sti block) are practically the same, slight differences in pistons and compression. Anyone more knowledgeable feel free to correct me on that though

[THE SpecB]

Sorry to hear this and in an MY08 isn't this the safer model ? Or is it 09?

Any warning symptoms ? Tuned ?

[ferret89]

Sorry to hear this and in an MY08 isn't this the safer model ? Or is it 09?

Any warning symptoms ? Tuned ?

08 is the problem year AFAIK

[Jackson1]

Thanks Ferret89!
Hmmm, I'm leaning towards brand new as I can be confident that the engine has been looked after as I will be the only one to own it. All depends on how much money I can get I guess!

Didn't have any symptoms at all! Like I mean nothing! As well as that, the car is as stock as they come!

[ferret89]

Thanks Ferret89!
Hmmm, I'm leaning towards brand new as I can be confident that the engine has been looked after as I will be the only one to own it. All depends on how much money I can get I guess!

Didn't have any symptoms at all! Like I mean nothing! As well as that, the car is as stock as they come!

Mate I had a similar issue with mine not long after I bought it, I didn't notice anything either

I went the brand new EJ257 route, as well as a cosworth head gasket upgrade and stronger ARP head studs. Running great now

[Jackson1]

Yeah I'm thinking that's what I'll do, where abouts would I get an EJ257 from?

I'll have to pay someone to install, I don't have anywhere near enough experience to do it myself

[norbs]

If it is a known problem might it be worth contacting Subaru??

[Jackson1]

Oh yeah! Anybody tried talking to subaru about it in the past?

[ferret89]

Oh yeah! Anybody tried talking to subaru about it in the past?

You could try I suppose, but we're talking 6 year old cars here.

I don't know any workshops in Canberra, but I'm sure someone on here knows a good place. You want someone who knows Subies to do it, preferably a shop that does that kind of stuff fairly regularly.

[Jackson1]

Yeah I feel the same, I want someone who has done something like this before.
My dad lives in sydney so another option is to get things done up there as it sounds like there is better options for mechanics, plus everything will be cheaper up there

[owen]

Yeah I feel the same, I want someone who has done something like this before.
My dad lives in sydney so another option is to get things done up there as it sounds like there is better options for mechanics, plus everything will be cheaper up there

Get it towed to Garage 88 in Eastern Creek. The boys there replace these motors on a daily basis.

Also, it's not just 08 that had a problem. This is a Subaru problem, full stop.

[THE SpecB]

Yeah I feel the same, I want someone who has done something like this before.
My dad lives in sydney so another option is to get things done up there as it sounds like there is better options for mechanics, plus everything will be cheaper up there

Get it towed to Garage 88 in Eastern Creek. The boys there replace these motors on a daily basis.

Also, it's not just 08 that had a problem. This is a Subaru problem, full stop.

More info Owen? Makes models etc? I thought the MY09 were exempt

[alexeiwoody]

Yeah I feel the same, I want someone who has done something like this before.
My dad lives in sydney so another option is to get things done up there as it sounds like there is better options for mechanics, plus everything will be cheaper up there

Get it towed to Garage 88 in Eastern Creek. The boys there replace these motors on a daily basis.

Also, it's not just 08 that had a problem. This is a Subaru problem, full stop.

More info Owen? Makes models etc? I thought the MY09 were exempt

What info are you after? We don't even know WHY it failed. There is no such thing as 'the MY08 faulty model'.

Subaru has plenty of known potentially faulty parts that fail in the oiling system, across many models and years. Just google it.

Then add the fact it's a turbo engine and the sheer number of components that can wear out/break in there - that doesn't help the odds at all.

Cars break. They're not made to aerospace standards. Even planes and rockets that ARE made to perfect standards, STILL break. Life happens. /end rant

[norbs]

There have been some 2.5 motors that were faulty from factory (i.e prematurely fail, big ends). http://www.mrtperformance.com.au/about- ... turbo-cars . Production issues do arise from time to time and it effects all manufacturers. Subaru could confirm by way of VIN if his model was potentially effected??

My wife had a VW Golf that had a "known" gearbox issue where 2nd gear would break. Problem was she used to baby that car so it only gave out long after the warranty VW didn't step up unfortunately