Hey Oppo, I Bought Another Asshole Car

"Jay Lauer" (thefaultinourcars)
02/01/2015 at 12:31 • Filed to: None

After a while of telling you guys I would buy one after the unsellable S2000 sold, I went out and did it.

It's a 2006 Subaru WRX STI. It's got 86,000 miles and was a 1-owner car. Most importantly, this thing is 100% bone stock, which is exactly what I wanted.

However, being a car that I purchased, there's something wrong with it. The motor in this one is all seized up. So, Saturday my dad and I began the process of tearing the old one apart for the rebuild.

Before anyone makes any crazy suggestions, the car came 100% so I intend to keep it that way. We're putting the whole thing back together with a stock STI block and turbo. No Stage 12 upgrades or Stage 20 clutches here.

I'm pretty sure a stock STI is more rare than a transgender unicorn, so I'm keeping it the way it is.

This is the tool used to get cam bolts out. Subaru felt the need to torque them to 600+ ft/lbs. Thanks, Subaru.

Looks like it got quite hot and scarred up all four cylinder walls.

Out with the old block, and in with the new one.

This is where we stopped at yesterday. The heads are going to a machine shop to get surfaced and then most all of the rest can be put back together.

With the block, I got a full rebuild kit including gaskets, oil pump and cooler, water pump, kevlar timing belt, ARP head studs, and other stuff I'm already forgetting. The only thing I have left to buy now is a new STI turbo and this.

Parting gift from the previous owner.

Let me know what you guys think!

DISCUSSION (70)

Decay buys too many beaters > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:36

Kinja'd!!!

505Turbeaux > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:36

good on you for keeping it stock!

bob and john > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:37

hmm. Whiule keeping the parts stock is an intresting way to go, why not clean everything up (like a wire tuck or clean or w/e)

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Decay buys too many beaters
02/01/2015 at 12:49

Kinja'd!!!

Sweet, or whatever it is kids say at the moment.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:49

And here we see a Subaru in its natural state...

Make sure you buy extra head gaskets. Subies like to eat them

IMO i wouldnt return to stock. Your already taking it all out might as well replace it with better things. just my opinion though

Nibby > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:50

LOVELY

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:51

Great cars though. Do you think an EVO MR is less of an asshole car? I passed one the other day and the guy was a douche in every way. Still an awesome car too though.

TopSirloin > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:51

Was the stock turbo damaged when the engine seized? How did this guy end up seizing the engine anyway?

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:52

Kinja'd!!!

Come on Subaru, this should be an emblem not a sticker!

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:54

Well, 100% stock no more

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:54

WHAT A FUCKING TOOL

-everyone

Jay Lauer > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/01/2015 at 12:55

I've got a couple minor upgrades like the ARP headstuds and gaskets, K&N filter, etc. I'm not really looking to make it a power monster by any means.

300 hp and 300 tq in a 3300 lb car seems plenty to me.

timgray > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 12:56

Nothing more awesome than a REAL car guy that is not afraid to use tools and yank an engine to fix a fun car.

You have Tons of mad respect from the rest of us that believe you have to earn car guy badge by getting grease under your fingernails and not by writing a check.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro
02/01/2015 at 12:59

sounds about right.

My goal is to make it the nicest, classiest STI around, which is a total oxymoron.

No hella horns, no monster sticks, no white oakleys, and no flat brimmed hats allowed in this car.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:00

It is till you start driving it and then you want more. :)

my 300whp and 330tq awd dsm is quick but it still could be faster :P

Its just my opinion that if im tearing it all apart its getting upgraded stuff.

What did the PO do to seize the engine?

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:00

If you go to a Subaru meet (which you shouldn't), they'll all just look down on you.

But autocrosses will be fucking awesome

Decay buys too many beaters > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
02/01/2015 at 13:00

#swag #yolo #freshasfuck # nofatchicks

Jay Lauer > timgray
02/01/2015 at 13:00

Well full disclosure, my dad owns and runs a mechanic/restoration shop here.

There's no way I could do it on my own, but nonetheless I still enjoy wrenching but having a full-blown expert to help and watch over what I do.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro
02/01/2015 at 13:02

I went to one in the S2000, because lulz. All they did was park their cars at the dealer, get out, stand and not talk to each other. It was the most awkward meet I'd ever seen.

There's one at the end of the month I might go to if it runs. I'd have to take some friends though so I can talk to people.

And autocrosses will be the tits, but I've got something else that might be better than this.

Jayhawk Jake > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:05

When are you picking up your hella horns?

Jay Lauer > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/01/2015 at 13:05

Blew a rod bearing out and I guess kept it running long enough to heat everything up and seize it. There were shavings in the oil pan and he said they made their way up to the turbo.

It's a lot easier and cheaper just to replace the whole block, and the one I got was brand new with all new internals. All the old parts that I'm transferring will get a thorough cleaning before going back on.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:06

dumb question but, where is the best place to look for this model STi? All I can find on Cars.com is the last 2 generations. Are they just that rare/held-on-to or should I look somewhere else like Ebay or Craigslist?

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Decay buys too many beaters
02/01/2015 at 13:07

What is a Fatlace? Like shoelaces? Is it cool to have fat shoelaces?

Jay Lauer > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
02/01/2015 at 13:07

True, but the ARP's are just better than stock. You don't have to torque them and do the stupid '1/4 turn' procedure.

And the Kevlar belt is way less likely to snap than a factory one.

It won't be 100% bone stock, but those upgrades aren't performance upgrades, just extra preventative maintenance .

Decay buys too many beaters > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
02/01/2015 at 13:10

No idea, I figure its probably some random "lifestyle" website like illist, but never bothered to look

Jay Lauer > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
02/01/2015 at 13:10

I've never used eBay to buy a car, just cause I believe in looking and driving a car before buying, but who knows. That being said, I bought this one sight-unseen.

I've bought pretty much all my cars on Craigslist. They're a bit rare even on Craigslist, depending on where you're located.

The problem with buying these anywhere is that many people mod them to insanity, like beyond being able to drive on the street easy.

If you need help looking, let me know.

Jay Lauer > Jayhawk Jake
02/01/2015 at 13:11

NEVER.

 > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:12

Nice, the best looking Impreza.

Jay Lauer > TopSirloin
02/01/2015 at 13:12

Blew a rod bearing.

I'm pretty sure the turbo's toast too. It was leaking oil when we pulled it off. I'm just buying another one.

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:13

Is it rallycross??! Track days?!?

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:14

Nice find. I've yet to convince my father to do a project with me.

Jay Lauer > bob and john
02/01/2015 at 13:14

It's neat in theory, but we don't do fabricating work and filling holes and painting is way to much work for a tiny gain in looks.

I'm going to clean up the engine bay so that it's all shiny black again before we put the new engine in, but stock looks good enough for me.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro
02/01/2015 at 13:16

Oh, I meant a better car.

That being said, I think Wichita is getting rallycross back. Depending on what the venue looks like, I could take this. But if it beats up the cars, I'll just take a Saturn SL2 for maximum lulz.

The sti is too nice, and way too much work is going into it, to ruin parts rallycrossing.

Jay Lauer > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
02/01/2015 at 13:17

Well, it's a grueling expensive task to take on.

Dad owns a mechanic shop, so taking on project cars is just 'work' really.

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:19

Yeah if you would've bought a beater STi with a shitload of mods, I'd really encourage rallycross, but not in this beauty.

Jay Lauer > 505Turbeaux
02/01/2015 at 13:19

Finally, someone agrees!

Aside from tiny things like air filter and such, I thought an exhaust would be cool. But since the exhaust on this one is just fine, I think I'll leave it.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:20

Holy cow. Sounds like he was beating on it a bit

TopSirloin > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:22

Might as well I guess, especially if you've got the budget.

Jay Lauer > TopSirloin
02/01/2015 at 13:24

Well I can get one from a private seller who's history I don't know or one from somewhere like LKQ or ARK for $200 more and it comes with a 1-year warranty.

So I'd rather spend a little extra for the assurance.

Jay Lauer > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/01/2015 at 13:27

I think he took it to some autocrosses and 1 track day, but the guy was a lawyer that ones it, not a punk kid. Really nice dude actually.

I think more than anything, since it was owned since new, he beat on it while it had the warranty and maybe drove it hard once in a while afterwards.

These motors are notorious for blowing cylinder 4 rod and throwing a rod bearing. Same with ringlands and headgaskets. A lot of times it just happens while highway cruising.

It's my 3rd Subaru and they all have happened like that.

TopSirloin > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:29

No doubt. New engine, new turbo and a cherry example of a pretty low mileage STI sounds like a win/win. That's pretty dang close to feeling like you're driving a brand new example. I'm jelly.

timgray > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:32

You could do it on your own. I have seen engine swaps done in a public alley with a rented engine crane. They used a borrowed jack and 2X8Xrandom length wood pieces stacked and nailed together to make jack stands.

It just makes it a lot easier to have a heated garage and all the proper tools.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:38

Well then, that explains why.

Jay Lauer > timgray
02/01/2015 at 13:42

That right there. Exactly.

I don't think I'd undertake engine swaps in my driveway, but I'd buy something that needs smaller fixes: blown turbo, head gasket, etc.

Jay Lauer > TopSirloin
02/01/2015 at 13:44

Most definitely. With the new clutch, engine and turbo, I might be more hard-pressed to not sell it immediately.

TopSirloin > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:53

Or maybe hold on to it! let it appreciate. It's the better looking generation, and high mileage examples are creeping into the affordability range of certain age groups that molest these cars with tri-pod column mount gauges, if they don't already have some tacky additions. Stock, low-mileage, best generation.. pretty soon they'll be unicorns.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro
02/01/2015 at 13:53

Autocrossing won't hurt it though, so I might as well do that once everything's broke in.

Dad bought another $200 Saturn Sl2 that we could easily rallycross whenever they do it here.

Cherry_man1 > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:55

more rare than a transgender unicorn

I really wanna show you one, I know of one.

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 13:55

yes

Jay Lauer > TopSirloin
02/01/2015 at 13:56

Well they've already held value super well. KBB put $20k on mine, which is over twice what I paid.

Flipping it was always the intention, but I'll probably be more stubborn on price now that I know it'll be in top shape. I'll have no problem keep it for a while if I don't get the price I want.

gc8foreva > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 14:05

As a Subaru tech, I can vouch for the cam bolts taking inhuman effort to take out. The intakes are fine because they're always chock-full of oil, but the exhaust cam bolts...whew.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/01/2015 at 14:06

Not everyone is as lucky as you or I to be 500hp capable with the same reliability on abouts 1/3 the investment as basically everyone else ; P...while carrying hundreds of pounds less with a better drag coefficient ; ))

OPPOsaurus WRX > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 14:35

Kinja'd!!!

this guy swapped in a 2011 STi. I thought that was kinda cool, its not stock but still kinda stock. I'd like to get a little more sound out of mine ('14 wrx). for now its all stock. I hope I dont have to go thru that in another 75k miles

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 14:47

exactly as you said, not 100% bone stock.

Still, did you root cause the engine seizing? What caused the overheat?

44444444444 > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 15:10

A stock WRX STI, I have seen everything.

I still prefer my sedate 300hp 298ft-lb torque 3800lb Swedish boxes... I don't even have to downshift out of 6th to pass people on the highway. Also, Volvo reliability > Subaru reliability. An R will go 280k miles on the original engine.

The only mod I'd do is swap the intercooler for abigger one.

Jayhawk Jake > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 15:34

I should take the CRX. 'Oh fuck it's a W rx meet not C rx...'

ly2v8-Brian > Cherry_man1
02/01/2015 at 15:50

I'm sure there are many of those on Tumblr.

jkm7680 > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 16:03

Yes, please keep a 100% Stock STi. In fact, I had no idea that they didn't come out of the factory with a Stage 100000 Clutch and Stage 565454 ECU, with a down-out-my-ass pipe.

p33t - wagons 4 lyfe > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 16:06

As someone else with a stock WRX Sti, I say good job too! Luckily mines a fair bit older then yours so most of the flat peakers have moved on!

eddy_a > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 16:14

Well that looks like fun!

I just did a motor swap on my 05 WRX. I ended up going with a JDM ej205 and it's been pretty interesting so far although I think there's some damage to with wiring harness that's causing a misfire. They are really fun to drive though!

Slave2anMG > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 16:25

Heh. Me and a buddy yanked the engine out of my Midget back in '89...in the driveway of the duplex where we lived (me and girlfriend in #16, him and his girlfriend in #18). New bearings, new rings, back together...still running 26 years later :)

Cherry_man1 > ly2v8-Brian
02/01/2015 at 16:52

Oh I can get them at the source really.

ly2v8-Brian > Cherry_man1
02/01/2015 at 16:54

then do it

Jay Lauer > p33t - wagons 4 lyfe
02/01/2015 at 18:03

Flat peakers?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Jay Lauer
02/01/2015 at 21:56

oh gotcha. at least you know how to fix the issue

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > banjo cat ghost of oppo past
02/01/2015 at 21:56

oh what do you have? Mine is a 98 Eagle Talon TSI AWD

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
02/03/2015 at 21:17

I have a 93 mitsu gsx awd with the 4 bolt lsd rear I tinker on/let waste away in the lot of a trusted mechanic's who hordes his own high hp 1GA Talon. I keep it around for its promise of harsh acceleration and driver forward seating, swapped in black leather so its was liveable compared to newer cars I've owned since. Always liked the shape of 2G talon's I thought if I ever owned a 2G it would be a burgundy talon.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > banjo cat ghost of oppo past
02/03/2015 at 23:26

Gotcha. Mine is red with black top. 6 bolt 1g engine swap. Runs ~25psi. The guy who tunes mine has some world record with his drag car so he knows his stuff.

WhiskeyGolf > Jay Lauer
02/06/2015 at 11:05

What sort of % discount do you think this car was over a fully running example of the same vintage?

Jay Lauer > WhiskeyGolf
02/06/2015 at 11:18

Over 50%