club.liberty.asn.au

Hi All,

After some insights, guidance and some advice.

Unfortunately my engine seems to have blown - don't know the full details. But it started making a loud vibrating / rattle noise on the highway last weekend and when I pulled off it died and wouldn't start.

It towed to Subaru in Gosford (was on the way to Newcastle from Sydney). They informed me today that its knocking like crazy and the bottom end has gone - $7,200 to fix and the turbo is probably ruined - $4,000.

Quite annoying - its 2008 GT sti model, only done 110,000 kms and service every 5,000 km - just had major timing belt service a couple of months ago, so I thought it should be alright for a while.

But anyway - Subaru's $11,000 estimate is way to high for me, so wondering what others have done in this situation, suggested mechanics / engine sellers etc. Are they worth repairing these days? Are other EJ turbo engines compatible and close to bolt in status?

sad to hear.. i just bought a bone stock one , planning to modify

what mods did you have, how much power did have if you dont mind me asking

vinshonz wrote:sad to hear.. i just bought a bone stock one , planning to modify

what mods did you have, how much power did have if you dont mind me asking

Mostly stock, just has silicone turbo inlet & sfb engine wise and rear sway bar & strut bar

There were a fair few 08 model cars affected by a big end bearing failure problem.. Think there was a recall. Check if yours is.

And in regards to prices, 11k is crack price, could probably be done new shortblock and bits 5-6ish drive in drive out (or tow in).

Should i go a dealership with my 08gtb and ask if there any recalls this car?

Tristons car only had a silicone intake.... Wow

Very common on the 08 STI's to do big end bearing...

If its still at Gosford, give MSR an email, he's up the hill at somersby...

vinshonz wrote:Should i go a dealership with my 08gtb and ask if there any recalls this car?

Tristons car only had a silicone intake.... Wow

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/ABD5BB0E8A39281DCA25742600021B35

Especially seems to be a problem with the tbsti models (probably due to the horrible "sti" tune they have on it)

Take it to them and see if they'll play ball, especially if you have full service history by Subaru.

Otherwise a competent mechanic will be able to do a short block for $6-7k and what is that "turbo is probably ruined"? Turbo could be fine so don't just get that replaced without checking it out first but I do have a VF46 turbo from my 08 in a box from my upgrade (~97,000kms) if it is ruined and you want an affordable replacement.

ferret89 wrote:

vinshonz wrote:Should i go a dealership with my 08gtb and ask if there any recalls this car?

Tristons car only had a silicone intake.... Wow

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/ABD5BB0E8A39281DCA25742600021B35

Especially seems to be a problem with the tbsti models (probably due to the horrible "sti" tune they have on it)

Take it to them and see if they'll play ball, especially if you have full service history by Subaru.

Otherwise a competent mechanic will be able to do a short block for $6-7k and what is that "turbo is probably ruined"? Turbo could be fine so don't just get that replaced without checking it out first but I do have a VF46 turbo from my 08 in a box from my upgrade (~97,000kms) if it is ruined and you want an affordable replacement.

thanks for the information, i've felt like i hijacked tristans thread, sorry!

triston what power level are you planning to seek? i personally would get a built motor to handle future power needs

Thanks all for the replies.

Currently still at Subaru Gosford. When I spoke to them on Tuesday they were going to see if they could figure out why it happened (e.g. timing belt failure - recently replaced by Subaru Artarmon) - though when girlfriend rang them today they said they had no idea what car she was talking about and never seen it - sigh

I'll check to see if Subaru are responsible in anyway, either recall (though I think I've checked this before) or repair issues. Otherwise get some quotes from MSR and other then decide whether to repair / get it 'built' (considering the potential fix price this could be an option) or scrape it.

Does anyone know if the newer STI wrx engines bolt in / close to bolt in?

FwiW.....Mine is an 08 gtb 6mt, in the late 07-early 08 bad batch of engines. First oil change was pulled forward to 4k, and declared OK. Early in 2014 it went in for a service (not dealer) and they said a big end is going- 121k kms. Took it dealer to verify - yes. I asked them what they could do for me considering it was in the bad batch - checked the ECU had not been changed. Offered me a new short + gaskets and fluids if I paid for the labour . What sort of labour cost are we talking ? ~$2k - ok go for it. $600 for heads to be sent out and cleaned, flushed. NO mention of turbo issues.
I added a new oil cooler, being wary of metal particles trapped inside, and a new clutch. Total bit over $4k. Took them only 2 1/2 days, which impressed me.
10k later no issues at all.

jp 08 gtb 6mt wagon