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Legacybt 6mt Compromised Autocross Build


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IT DRIVES!!

 

 

Finally got it done last night - it started up first time, and everything seems to be working as it should!

 

 

After bedding in the brakes (which are super solid and easy to modulate), I drove it around for a while on the twisties with my eyeballed alignment. Even on the initial tune, the car feels extremely fast and much smoother than stock. I can't wait until I can shift over 4000 RPM - breaking in the new clutch is a real test of patience.

 

 

 

 

The handling is super crisp, and the car changes direction like it never has before. The turn-in is incredible, but I haven't had a safe chance to test how neutral the car is at the limit. I'm guessing I'll be upgrading to 500# rear springs at some point.

 

 

A fuel line popped off by the intake manifold on one of the pulls - I'm not sure if it was installed incorrectly or of the quick connect fitting is damaged. I guess I'll find out soon enough. No fire, just a little scare.

 

 

I can't wait to get my alignment and start the tuning process with Bren! Photos to follow sometime in the coming week.

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post your dyno if you do that

 

There are no plans to get the car on a dyno, but a local shop does host awd dyno days from time to time so I might end up with some numbers someday. I think I'll be just driving and enjoying this thing for a while after that long a build.

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Why not get it dyno tuned.

 

Cost. There are one or two decently reputable shops in town, but the difference it would make isn't worth it to me (if anyone disagrees, please chime in - I'd like to know if I'm making a wrong decision). Nobody specialises in subaru here, now that Rocket Rally has closed its doors to the public.

 

The car is driving well, I'm hoping to get my first log in this weekend and start the tuning process. I'm getting an alignment tomorrow, and have been doing a little prep work:

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=190294&stc=1&d=1408633985

IMG_20140821_080251.thumb.jpg.bf6786f4f7f8ac483a5faac11cd6ef14.jpg

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Cost. There are one or two decently reputable shops in town, but the difference it would make isn't worth it to me (if anyone disagrees, please chime in - I'd like to know if I'm making a wrong decision). Nobody specialises in subaru here, now that Rocket Rally has closed its doors to the public.

 

The car is driving well, I'm hoping to get my first log in this weekend and start the tuning process. I'm getting an alignment tomorrow, and have been doing a little prep work:

 

 

If you come south of the border, InFront (was Outback) Automotive in Auburn can do dyno tune for you.

 

I had mine road tuned, then dyno tuned. The dyno showed it was making too much power and it was too peaky. After dyno tuning, tq was nice & flat.

 

If you are going to autox, it's worth it to find out if you removed the stumble in the 3-4k range, and to smooth out the tq curve

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All the huge money into building this thing and getting it dyno tuned is too expensive? :lol:

 

It's always been on a budget :lol:, and I never did enough research into dyno tuning vs e-tuning. For my needs, the e-tune route will hold me over for a while, and when the budget allows I'll head down to Washington for a dyno tune. I've talked to a few shops around here and they generally suggest going south of the border.

 

Sorry for the lack of updates, the shop is having trouble getting my rear alignment in spec. Rear toe was at -6 degrees :eek: (no, not -0.6) when I rolled in, and they can only get it as far as -3.

 

We're trying to figure out what the problem is - has anyone had trouble with the JDM STi pillowball links??

Installation error is definitely possible, though I don't think I stuck any washers between the hubs and trailing arms... I'd really prefer not to go with the Whiteline adjustable arms if I have the option. The winter destroyed the powder coat on my sway bars in 6 months (great product, just apparently not suited for this climate).

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Quick Update

 

I've been popping back and forth from the shop while they try to get everything straight. The subie's been in three times and it still pulls to the right - might be time to head out to another shop. :confused:

 

Anyway, I touched up a couple photos I took when it was completed. I'll add more as they come.

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=190849&stc=1&d=1409291644

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=190850&stc=1&d=1409291649

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=190851&stc=1&d=1409291649

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=190852&stc=1&d=1409291649

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=190853&stc=1&d=1409291982

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=190854&stc=1&d=1409291649

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=190855&stc=1&d=1409291649

IMG_6086.jpg.1d45f276b73b83e9d2a31fa12e2a69f4.jpg

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IMG_6098.jpg.0a25d7ec139ea53ce871be761aab1b70.jpg

Edited by legacybt
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  • 4 weeks later...

Little update looking for a bit of advice.

 

I've been E-tuning the car and it's not able to run much timing at all. I did a boost leak check with a medium-warm engine, and air was flowing like crazy out the oil filler cap. I'm going to be doing a full leakdown test, but this could be turning into an engine rebuild/swap thread soon....

 

 

Opinion time:

 

For the same price, would you

 

a) buy a OEM shortblock, do the usual replacement/head machining yada yada yada

b) buy a built, sleeved, freshly assembled, ported stroker long block and put the VF52 & OEM LGT gear back on.

 

I don't have lofty power goals (happy around an eventual 300whp) and I want reliability. I just bought an apartment and have monthly payments to hit. The appeal of dropping in a built block with way less labour than taking the OEM short block route is definitely there... Does anyone care to chime in?

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Make sure you check the rules as well. It doesn't appear you really had a targeted class to race in, but swapping motors to something non oem or an oem equivalent can dump you into classes where a street car is not competitive at all.

 

And yes I am aware the trans swap probably already put you into those high classes.

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Thanks for the opinions!

 

Classing is very much a non-consideration. I'm just building a fun-to-drive wagon that won't be an absolute slug out on the course.

 

I like the idea of the reliable power on a ej207, but combined with my LWFW and the super hilly area I live in, I couldn't take the hit in low-down torque. I'm sticking to a 2.5L block.

 

At this point I'm looking into the cheapest route I can for reliable power. It seems to me like the Heuberger OEM shortblock route is most likely, but it still ends up being around $4000 to do properly (remember, I'm in Canada - anything I buy has currency conversion and import tax).

 

I'll update this as decisions are made - until then I'm going to drive the snot out of it and enjoy it for what I built it for.

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I would spend the $4k on something stronger. celtic motorsports here in Orange County has a fully built closed deck short block for $3,750. You could then port your heads, with new cams and valves and be good for about 700whp (on the block).

 

Even if you don't do the extra steps you're still getting reassurance and safety from a closed deck for a good price.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Subaru-Rebuilt-Closed-Deck-Shortblock-EJ257-2-5L-STi-Block-Forged-Pistons-Rods-/330735882670

 

Vader from NASIOC is running a closed deck at 900whp..

 

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