I'm trying to decide between rebuilding my RX engine or starting with another one. The RX engine has 220k miles on it, a melted timing belt cover case, and a hole in the crossover pipe. I'm guessing it overheated (duh) and someone replaced a head gasket or something.

I'm OK with inspecting and perhaps replacing internals, but i'd like some opinions about using the block and rods and stuff as they're kind of high miles for a turbo, and it would be less work than shopping for a better EA82T engine first. I have some OK looking gen 3 heads I scored at they PY that would go on whatever I build.

 

Plus, if I start from scratch, I'd like an SPFI block for better compression .. won't that be nice under my garaged spider intake! finally got all the parts for the swap

 

So I need to decide what to shop for and everything.. any help? thanks

Screw it.

 

If the engine you are considering rebuilding is in your car, running, then keep driving it and build another one.. Find a low mile SPFI block and go to town

no, the RX engine is in my secret hiding place, not in a car. If it is still good with a 220k mile block i might just reuse it.

Jon's vote: NA block, gen 3 heads, spider intake, and fab up a new set of down pipes and uppipes. don't forget a BOV and a turbo timer, plus an intercooler... and oh... you also might want... and don't forget... or... or... and then.... (ect.)

 

The list could go on forever. How simple or complex/expensive do you want to go?

Hi Jon. That's a bad question to ask me mwahahaha

I don't want to go too expensive, really, as I'd rather sink serious bucks - assuming I had them - into a WRX engine swap.

But I think for peace of mind I'll need to replace the engine sooner than the actual upgrade will be possible.

Although I could probably sell a hotted-up EA82T to someone here for a reasonable price..

so as far as cost is concerned, the engine I already have is cheaper since I already have it.

Unless these engines have been abused they usually only need the "wear" parts replaced (bearings, rings, seals, etc). Take it apart and inspect everything. The cylinder block itself it almost always useable as long as it was never run out of oil. If a piston siezed or a main bearing spun your block is no good. Otherwise chase the head bolt holes in the block with an M11x1.25 tap and hone the cylinders. If your pistons look good get new piston rings. Use high quality rings and make sure that you check the end gap. The rods are just about indestructable. Unless they are obviously damaged or the wrist pin fit is sloppy reuse them. Make sure you have the crank reground and get the appropriate size bearings. 220K really isn't that many miles for an EA82.

coolness, that's what i was looking for. I think the budget will be the ultimate deciding factor as I'd rather do the SPFI-T thing but i needed to know if it was worth the time to deal with the RX engine. thanks!