[Tiktaalik]

Hi all
Thanks for any help. I just spun a bearing in my 2009 Forester XT at 122k.

I live in the Madison WI area and don't know where to turn to get back on the road. I'm open to higher performance mods or stock. Used engines are rare and not worth the risk without a good warranty. Anyone know where I can get a good replacement motor? I have a good mechanic who can do it, but what are my options?

I will really appreciate any help. I'd love to push it if I can get more performance/durability for a reasonable price.

 

[Scooby24]

I'd take the opportunity to get a built shortblock. IAG has staged short blocks though I don't have any experience with them. I'd also consider replacing hard lines and make sure to follow the recommendations of removal of screen for AVCS and turbo. I'd also take the opportunity to replace the turbo as there was likely metal in the oil and the turbo probably won't be lasting long if it didn't go first.

 

[skirbykat]

Input on IAG blocks....I would recommend installing a block heater, as warming motor up to temp is critical. Since the forged pistons expand slightly, there is noticable piston slap and high aluminum counts in my Blackstone reports. IAG also offers on their stage 1.5 block a tighter piston to wall clearance. This and the heater for where you live.

Compression ratio will change, so tuning would be involved, even with a stock turbo.

The checklist (in short) you will want to make should contain the following for reliable engine replacement:
New block.
New anything the oil touched (including oil control valves and avcs gears, oil pump, heads hot tanked and serviced, and even the turbo as suggested, or rebuilt at minimum.)
Engine rebuild gasket kit
Killer B oil pick up
OEM timing belt kit, depending on service history
Turbo inlet (as this is likely to shred upon removal)

To make a little more power add ARP head studs, downpipe, fuel pump, and injectors to a new turbo/intercooler and you'll be making folks jealous!!!

Whether you go OEM or performance, this project can be pricey, but worth it if you love the car. Be sure to check out SH build threads on here for ideas....mine started basically where you are at now.

Edit - Add in a quality air oil separator

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[Nolant]

I spun a bearing on my old 02 bugeye wagon DURING a tune! Of course the tuner didn't take responsibility, so I ended up sourcing a new shortblock. I'm with Scooby24 on this one. You could see it as an opportunity, if you're the optimistic type..

 

[Tiktaalik]

How About This Short Block, + what's a guestimate on $$...

https://www.iagperformance.com/IAG-Stage-2-2-5L-Subaru-Short-Block-WRX-STI-LGT-p/iag-eng-1202.htm

Let's say I were to go this route... and I buy the hardware/seals that are on the same page for this block...
What else will I need, apart from someone to put it together and take mine out?

Could I use my existing turbo? (that might be a bad idea, right, even if it were sufficient)

Obviously I'd need new exhaust/larger downpipe, right?

The car is in great shape and it's just sad to not put a good powerplant in it, right?

Thanks for any help. As technically capable as I am generally, I have never done any engine work, so it's fine to assume I don't know much about what I'm doing!
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Tiktaalik]

Hey, would this bolt up to my Forester:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-09-SU...967001&hash=item4d880181aa:g:wQQAAOSwsZhcLi0A

Any thoughts?
Thanks for any help,
Mike

 

[skirbykat]

STI motor (EJ257) has variable exhaust timing, so you will probably need to also get an ecu from STI to make it happen, or at least custom tuning. Also, your stock intercooler will not mate up, so an appropriate unit will be needed there as well.

Have you considered a new short block from Subaru? That is really the only way to avoid custom tuning and many further expenses.

If your plan is to up the power, you should consult a tuner. Stock replacement really is the only plug and play solution considering (I assume) your stock ecu.

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[montanasuby]

You can get a stock short block from heuberger or other online parts places like flat irons tuning. 1600-2100 bucks if recall. That motor you posted might or should work too but that’s a long block. You could save money by using all your parts on your current motor except the short block. Maybe send your heads to a Subaru specialist like ASF machine in grand junction CO to get reworked and put all the parts on the new short block.
https://www.flatironstuning.com/subaru-oem-shortblock-04-08-sti-ej257

 

[skirbykat]

You can get a stock short block from heuberger or other online parts places like flat irons tuning. 1600-2100 bucks if recall. That motor you posted might or should work too but that’s a long block. You could save money by using all your parts on your current motor except the short block. Maybe send your heads to a Subaru specialist like ASF machine in grand junction CO to get reworked and put all the parts on the new short block.

https://www.flatironstuning.com/subaru-oem-shortblock-04-08-sti-ej257

This!!!!

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[Tezzating]

EJ257 will work with the XT ECU if you install XT/WRX exhaust cams and gears and get it tuned.
Your easiest option is as above, new EJ255 short block, salvage the heads/cams. I'd replace the oil pickup, oil pump & sump with new.

I did it the expensive way, EJ257 and modified STI exhaust cams with vernier gears. I dont recommend it.

 

[northman]

I'm open to higher performance mods or stock. Used engines are rare and not worth the risk without a good warranty. Anyone know where I can get a good replacement motor? I have a good mechanic who can do it, but what are my options?

I will really appreciate any help. I'd love to push it if I can get more performance/durability for a reasonable price.

How much performance do you want? The main driver will be turbo selection. A VF52 would be a turbo that can put you in the 280 whp range, and still maintain reasonable reliability. A bigger turbo from a vendor like Blouch can get you closer to 350 whp, at a somewhat reduced reliability. With either scenario, starting with a new shortblock and forged pistons would make for the best likelihood of success. To go the VF route will cost a couple grand or so (for turbo upgrade + supporting mods, not including engine rebuild), less if you can bargain hunt and turn your own wrenches. A good tune is required, don't cheap out there, figure about $500 just for the tune.