BigTDogg MA Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 Hi Leggy fam. It's been a long time, I shouldna left you, left you without a dope build to fap to, fap to... I've got insomnia, it's the best I can do right now. Engine Rebuild Volume 1 here So earlier this year, That happened. Car broke down leaving work (small coolant hose gave out, car began to overheat, caught it by 215°F, I think, more on that later ). Called AAA for a tow. The driver loaded the car on the flat bed. Drove home. My driveway is about 6-7 cars long, up a hill. At the top of the hill is my garage. I tell him to back up and he can just unload it at the top of the driveway, where it's flat. Get home and the driver begins unloading the car. The tow hook comes out of my car and it free rolls down the hill into landscape timbers and small trees. Driver was able to get hook back in to the car to pull it up from where it landed. Was able to drive it the 20 feet up the hill into garage. The OEM tow hook backed out, likely due to the tow cable twisting as it was unreeling. Insurance covered it and then went after AAA for reimbursement I assume. The appraiser was excellent, covered everything with no arguments. I'd imagine that's rare. Bent the sway bar tab on my 202k mile subframe, bought new subframe. Paid for new Borla exhaust because mine was toast. Super easy. In MA, Arbella has been excellent for me. I go to Motive Auto Works for the mechanical repairs, then Mike's Autobody in Malden MA for the bodywork. Two of the best vendors in their trades. Motive found the coolant leak (heater core hose) and repaired it. They did all the subframe and exhaust work, then I drove the car to Mike's. I got a friggin steal of a deal on a JDM rear bumper from Canada, ordered the missing passenger side fitting from JapanParts.com. Got the trim strip from a member here. Everything is rebuilt and the car looks positively amazing. The new Borla is properly tucked behind a JDM rear bumper, like a sedan. While the subframe was being replaced, I also had the gas tank replaced, as well as every bushing in the rear suspension, or the entire arm if the bushing wasn't available solo. Because hey, "while I'm in here"... So now the car looks great, rides great, but it doesn't run great. Fast forward a few weeks and the stumble I was experiencing prior to the accident is now worse. Long story short, Alberto at Motive discovers it's a head gasket leak (exhaust gas into coolant system, but not coolant and oil mixing). Alberto: How hot did you get it? Me: Dunno, about 215°F (not positive because my mothertrucking Kiwi3 decided it didn't want to connect the ONE MFing TIME I MUST HAVE IT WORK!!!) Alberto: (makes face) Well FML then… I sat down with Alberto and discussed options for rebuild and replacement. He was thorough in explaining options and game plan. I honestly can’t say enough great stuff about this guy and his shop. I wish I remember who referred me to Alberto, because I owe them huge. Like cup the balls in a reach-around huge. Timing was everything aparently, because he had a freshly built shortblock comprised of an STI crank, Manley H-tuff rods and pistons. I bought new heads from North Reading Subaru (what up Rich!!). Alberto also had a set of STI cams available, since one of my 200k stockers had developed a groove. I also wanted to keep it simple, because she’s my daily driver, and reliability is paramount. So enough rambling, here’s the parts list (in no particular order): Motive Auto Works Shortblock with STI crank, King bearings and modified oil flowBrian Crower Intake valve set Brian Crower SS exhaust valve setARP head studsBrian Crower valve springs and retainersManley H-Tuff rodsManley 99.75mm pistonsKiller B Oil BaffleKiller B Oil PickupSTi camsARP Head Stud Kit OEM Parts New OEM throttle bodyNew OEM MAF sensorSubaru USDM 04-06 STI gasket and seal kit STI 11mm Oil PumpOEM oil panOEM oil CoolerAVCS SolenoidsClutch Slave CylinderWater PumpWater Pump gasketTiming BeltTensionerIdler Pulley, Left UpperIdler Pulley, Left LowerIdler Pulley, RightCrankshaft GearThermostat and gasketCoolant ConditionerBy-pass PipeUpper Elbow HoseLower Elbow HoseUpper Elbow Hose ClampLower Elbow Hose ClampMotor Mount, LeftMotor Mount, RightTransmission Mount, MT Other power-related mods ACT HDSS+ cluchResurfaced OEM FlywheelDW65c pumpIP&T oil feed lineGrimmspeed 3-port EBCSTGV deletesGrimmspeed UPCobb HFC DPBorla cat-backAEM dry panel filterBlouch 16g, 7cm billet compressor turboGrimmspeed TMICID 1050x injector kitPerrin headers I broke the engine in for about 2000 miles, then had a compression and leakdown test done. Leakdown showed the rings needed more time. 3500 miles in I had another test done, passed with flying colors. Brought her to Subaru Jesus, AKA Matt Miner for tuning. Told him reliability was paramount, from which we both got a good laugh. I said I don't care about numbers, I just want a good, solid tune that won't grenade my 208k mile transmission. His magic is below: Peak numbers: 318 AWHP 320 AWTQ (lb-ft) No, not monster numbers, but a big fat powerband that I can enjoy every day. 300ish lb-ft by 3500 RPM... That's amazing, the car is so lively and just pulls and pulls. He could have got more down low by adjusting timing, but I didn't want to push it, as I'm still on the original 208k mile transmission. I've got fuel for days, but this is also my second built engine and tune. I can't afford to keep dumping money into this thing! First and foremost, I have to thank Alberto and Motive Auto Works. He was able to turn this around in relatively short time and helped me keep my costs to a minimum. I had to rent a car for the duration since the LGT is my DD and my Z32 only has 2 seats and I can't drive it to work. Next I have to thank Rich at North Reading Subaru for great prices on OEM parts. Great source for guys based in Southern NH/Northern MA. Last but definitely not least, Matt Miner for his wizardry in tuning, and great service with aftermarket parts. I've got a wicked fun daily again, and it's almost time to make the donuts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted October 13, 2017 Share Posted October 13, 2017 That's some story. Glad she's running fine again. When it comes time, add Moore Performance Blast Plates to the tranny. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savethewagons Posted October 15, 2017 Share Posted October 15, 2017 Hey man great build, you should bring the wagon to larz Anderson auto museum today, there's a Japanese car and motorcycle show from 10-2. Hope to see you there. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTDogg MA Posted October 16, 2017 Author Share Posted October 16, 2017 Hey man great build, you should bring the wagon to larz Anderson auto museum today, there's a Japanese car and motorcycle show from 10-2. Hope to see you there. Thanks man, I was there with my Z32, brought the LGT and the fam last year. Didn't get to see your ride, I had to leave early because I was wicked hungover Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savethewagons Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 Thanks man, I was there with my Z32, brought the LGT and the fam last year. Didn't get to see your ride, I had to leave early because I was wicked hungover Aw man maybe I'll catch you at the next cars and coffee. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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