Rebirth of God's Chariot

[ansonowicz]

Some of you have probably heard by now, but my block has a blown head gasket and ringland in one of the cylinders.  The car is still driveable, just not trackable and I don't want to mash on it too hard anymore.  I'm starting to feel the effects of it (15mpg vs 22mpg), eating a TON of oil, and rough idle and stuttering before when I press the accelerator.

So here are my options:

1)  Rebuild to OEM specs myself using Genuine Subaru Parts.   Great learning experience for me and Jon is willing to help since he has good connections to ESX / Santa Monica Subaru.  This option is the least expensive, but probably the most time consuming.  Down for several weeks. Nothing will be warranted, labor or parts.


2)  Find Used long block and drop it in.  The fastest route, but unknown longevity. No warranty. Down for a weekend.


3)  Rebuild using oversized pistons, race bearings, reworked heads, the works!  This will obviously done by a professional (Kevin & Frank @ Garage Tuning), comes with warranty for labor and parts.  Block will be able to withstand high HP setups. Car will be out for approx 2 weeks.  Since I just replaced my timing belt, cam gears, v-belts, tensioner, water pump yesterday with Kevin, he said these parts will apply to the rebuild and not cost as much.  He even asked me to throw in more parts if I gather them and he will install for free since its all a part of the process.


Since I require RELIABLE transportation for the sake of my son and my employment, but also have very little spare time, which route do you think I should go?  I'm leaning towards Option 3, but I will probably disappear for a little bit while I'm out working / scheming to make this kind of cash.

[hoppergrande]

Thats a tough one. Ideally you would need a mix of all three, little down time, reliability and power. Option 3 would deff be bad ass.

[Z3RO]

while option 3 would be the one to choose......remember this is you daily. you're still gonna put maddddd miles on a built block. I would say rebuild your engine, sell me the 20g setup  . and save the rest for the 510

[ansonowicz]

while option 3 would be the one to choose......remember this is you daily. you're still gonna put maddddd miles on a built block. I would say rebuild your engine, sell me the 20g setup  . and save the rest for the 510

Well, it's not a FULLY built block, but something stronger than stock.  I still don't plan on keeping 20g, it's already in my head I'll be powered by a vf34/vf39 with 565 injectors.  The stock intake will be going back in because my current intake gets covered in dirt & water too easily. I'll have more peace of mind running the VF @ 18psi near redline all day as I'm bogging through mud or up a sand hill

[ansonowicz]

so gus, what's your timeline?  your timeline might affect mine for the rebuild as well.

[ansonowicz]

I'm just here to vent.  I've had several sources for an EJ257 shortblock and either they change their mind or i'm a tad too late.  GRRRR....

I have 2 more sources, lets see if it works out.

[boarder4life]

Maybe is better that they didn't work. Maybe something uber amazing is coming your way

[ansonowicz]

just to bump MY thread...because it's all about me