BrainStormeR Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Hello, Recently, I had a CEL light popping out, which was traced to a faulty coil pack at cyl. 4. While I was there, spark plugs were changed and a compression test took place. Results were as follows - 1st:116, 2nd:116, 3rd:116, 4th:101 - all may be +/-10% because of compression tester scale. Now, this made me worry, as of now I was expecting that the bottom end was okay (was rebuilt at 40k, now is 97k) and I was making plans of going 300-320 whp (now is 250whp). This was the modification list when I bought the car (05 Legacy GT): King Racing bearingsCosworth Pistons, Pins, Clips, and RingsARP studsTMIC AVOGrimmSpeed tri-port solenoidCustom cat-less DPMishimoto radiator Turbo atm is unknown - seller stated it was a VF34, but since I started reading about modding - I understood it was a STI turbo and no way it could fit without mods. From what I can see without any dissassemblies - I have VF40/46, but any advice on how to recognize one from another will be welcome. I was intending to inquire 5EAT ATF change / retune, check valve clearances and to plan a budget needed to get to 320ish whp, but now I am confused and don't know if I can rely on this bottom end - I need some advice what can I expect as of now. Car is tuned for 95 octane (EU) fuel, runs great, oil consumption is around 1 quart, oil I use is Ravenol VST/RCS 5w40 full synth, 5EAT shifts nice and fast, no clunks and kicks, mileage is good - I can manage 25 mpg extraurban. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relative4 Posted September 25, 2018 Share Posted September 25, 2018 Sounds like you may not trust your compression tester. If that's the case, I'd re-test with a trusted tester. If your results are still about the same, then that engine is not a great candidate for upping the power. I'd be looking for 125-130 PSI, but that #4 15 PSI low... sorry, time for leakdown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 If the numbers are true the engine is done. At around 95-100psi of compression the misfire at idle begins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrainStormeR Posted October 13, 2018 Author Share Posted October 13, 2018 Re-tested with a friend, who is a mechanic. All cylinders are within the range 120 to 123 PSI. Happy days, happy place. I also ordered a leakdown tester, but the knob broke off and the leakage gauge went ballistic right from the start, so I didn't bother continuing with it... Furthermore, I spoke again with the previous owner and he assured me that the turbo is VF34, the engine builder (who is also the tuner) had said it was capable for more power, but the power target was set at 250whp/400nm to ensure the tranny lives longer. At this point I have many questions about getting to safe ~320whp and it would be wiser to start a new, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted October 14, 2018 Share Posted October 14, 2018 The engine you have will be fine at 320whp 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...
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