I guess it's my turn

[Max Capacity]

Haven't forgotten about this. Just slowly acquiring the parts I need. Currently torn between stock head gaskets or one of the aftermarket options. Have ARP head studs to use. Still need the heads cleaned and adjusted. Sticking with stock valves and cams. Then I can start putting things together

 

OEM HG's are fine. It's all in the tune.

 

My wagon has almost 95,000 miles on the OEM's and ARP studs at 21psi.

[birdmayne]

Heads are back from the machine shop. They look pretty damn good, which they better for how much I paid... 3 exhaust valves were bent, and got replaced. Tanked and flushed, valve seats recut, valves adjusted, cams polished. Damn near good as new!

 

 

Things are literally starting to come together:wub:

 

 

 

 

 

I'm also hoping my spare truck sells so I can upgrade to some decent coil overs as well. maybe someday I'll start a half hearted build thread.

[birdmayne]

Are AVCS cam gears the same across the board? STi, WRX, LGT etc? I either need to ship mine out to be serviced or find a new set.

[Max Capacity]

Wouldn't the machine shop be able to clean your's ? So you could reuse them ? Did I miss that they were bad ?

[seanyb505]

I'm pretty sure the intakes are the same, and plastic exhaust are the same. Double check the part numbers on a Subaru OEM parts site.

 

You (or the shop) needs a special Torx bit to open the gears to clean them. Company 23 sells it. And then you risk damaging a oddly shaped seal that you cannot buy alone. I cleaned my avcs gears when I did my engine. The C23 bit wasn't that expensive.

[birdmayne]

I'm pretty sure the intakes are the same, and plastic exhaust are the same. Double check the part numbers on a Subaru OEM parts site.

 

You (or the shop) needs a special Torx bit to open the gears to clean them. Company 23 sells it. And then you risk damaging a oddly shaped seal that you cannot buy alone. I cleaned my avcs gears when I did my engine. The C23 bit wasn't that expensive.

 

The motor they are off threw a rod, so I'm cleaning or replacing everything that touches oil. I have them open already, but am price checking replacements, just in case.

[birdmayne]

I'm just waiting on a few more parts and then this will look like a complete engine!

 

 

 

It had been about 10 years since I rebuilt an engine, talk about some serious butt pucker while torquing heads.

[birdmayne]

Does anybody else have problems getting the right parts from the dealership? Ive been in twice to get cam seals, and both times they managed to get me the wrong ones. The inner diameter is too large, they don't even touch the cams.

Oh well, I guess its a minor hiccup in the long run

[seanyb505]

Better to figure that out now than when the engine is running...also make sure you use the special tool to install those. I used a large socket and pushed it too far in. Puked oil once the avcs activated.

[birdmayne]

I'm getting so close, I can taste it! or, maybe thats the blood from where I bit my cheek?

Not a huge fan of how the fuel lines are fitting. Might get creative and redo them entirely.

 

The cam gears are actually incredibly easy to service. Just have to be careful with gaskets, since you can't replace them.

 

Fun with colors!

 

 

[birdmayne]

This is my favorite kind of jig saw puzzle.

 

Thanks to magnusonsubie for the hookup

[FJuan]

It is fun to piece it all together, but time consuming. Have fun!

[birdmayne]

I am currently a turbo and inlet away from starting the swap. Funds have all but dried up, so I am peddling my sC300 as hard as possible. I'm still holding out hope for an FP Blue or 71HTA, but patience wears thin.

 

I'm going to reuse the 50K mile motor mounts, because I can't swing for Group N right now.

 

What is the going opinion on the stock intake at this level? I've heard it's good up to 400whp, and I'm shooting for 385 - 400.

 

I'm also going to have a complete EJ255 available once the swap is done. 200K miles But is currently my daily driver. - a local member has first dibs, but doesn't hurt to check interest levels.

 

I'm still hoping to be swapped and tuned by summer. Just on time for a couple road trips

[Flinkly]

350hp is the number i've heard people throw around about the stock intake.

[FJuan]

I agree with Flicker, over 350 you may need to consider an upgraded intake.

[magnusonsubie]

My vote is grimmspeed intake. If you come to help with my 6 speed swap this next week either before we tear stuff down or once it's driving again I give you a ride so you can hear the grimmspeed.

[birdmayne]

My vote is grimmspeed intake. If you come to help with my 6 speed swap this next week either before we tear stuff down or once it's driving again I give you a ride so you can hear the grimmspeed.

 

Just let me know when.

[Flinkly]

do you have budget for it? like $300...

[gkinslow]

I have the Cobb and zero issues. Might save a few dollars vs the GS but yield the same end result.

[birdmayne]

Money for intake is no problem, it's the big ticket turbo that I'm pinching pennies for. Have tune money and such set aside.

[birdmayne]

Updated first post with parts list both installed, ordered and pending.

I have a couple other car projects to complete while waiting the 4 weeks for my turbo, then it is swap time!

[birdmayne]

A month later and a quick phone call to Forced Performance reveals that my Blue hasn't even been started yet, I'm still a ways down their list. I was told 3 weeks on my initial inquiry call, and then 3-4 by email once purchased. Now I'm going to be 6 weeks minimum by the time it's built and coated. Anybody else had this experience with them?

 

Honestly, 6 weeks isn't the end of the world. But when I'm quoted 3 weeks, then 3-4 and come to find out it hasn't even been started after a month, I'm unhappy...

 

Turbo is literally the only thing I'm waiting on before swapping at this time. I suppose I could install the FMIC and intake and just tune accordingly on stock EJ

[birdmayne]

Got this in the mail yesterday, along with the STi style FMIC pipe I needed. AEM wide band will be here Monday. This is a larger turbo than I had initially wanted but, I think it will work out just fine. Most reports see onset of boost around 3000-3200, with peak around 4200 (25lbs ish). I'm now shooting for 400whp on 92Will be ready for a wrecked Spec B or STi 6 speed!

 

It sure does look good in there though, I can't wait. Swap will get underway in the next couple of days and hoping to be driving out of the shop next weekend.

 

Side note: debating repainting valve covers, TGV housings, FMIC and intake to match. Instead two different shades of blue and random bare metal.

[Max Capacity]

What valve covers...you can't see them, don't waste your time. It's not a show car.

 

If you paint the FMIC make sure it dissipates heat.

[birdmayne]

What valve covers...you can't see them, don't waste your time. It's not a show car.

 

If you paint the FMIC make sure it dissipates heat.

 

Rocker covers, whatever... they're already painted, but a different blue than my fmic piping. But my intake is not nor my alt cover or rad shroud. I like things to match. FMIC core will not be painted.