Subaru Specialist - possible engine refresh/build.

Colmr555

Colmr555

Member
Hi all,

2006 2.5 wrx - no mods other than sti intercooler and sports cat. I noticed a faint sound coming into the cabin while the car was idling - like a dull knocking sound, increasing with engine speed and eventually being drowned out around 1500-2000 revs by the sound of the engine. No other symptoms - not using oil or down on power etc.

I asked my mechanic to take a look, he could hear it but could not figure out where from, he had suspected the passenger side cylinder head but was not prepared to go stripping it as he had a big backlog of work and no real space for what could turn into a big job potentially.

I am looking to get the car checked over by a Subaru Specialist - who could also take on a potential rebuild/refresh if the problems turns out to be serious.

I have spoken to a few:

Ali Burrows: booked until xmas.
Paul Wray Motorsport: 1-2 weeks wait
David Murray Motorsport: 1-2 weeks also.

Any other recommendations? Paul and David both seem to come highly recommended but appreciate any feedback. Ali Burrows also very helpful but I cant wait that long.
 
Try Joe Gallagher in Tipperary.
Did you map it for the sports cat?
 
Ah, yeah, some seem to get away with it alright 👍
Joe is supposed to be very good, one the club members used him not so long ago, he does all sorts of jap stuff, RB, EJ, 2JZ etc etc
And Peter Simmons maps for him so can get it done there too while tis there 😀
 
Is it piston slap your hearing .what klm on the car .
Drop the oil and do a magnet test be the first thing . Knocking rod bearings don’t go away at 2000 revs . Get it diagnosed first and go from there .
Paul Wray seems good and done haseens engine
 
scoobysub said:
Is it piston slap your hearing .what klm on the car .
Drop the oil and do a magnet test be the first thing . Knocking rod bearings don’t go away at 2000 revs . Get it diagnosed first and go from there .
Paul Wray seems good and done haseens engine
Click to expand...
235km on car.

Possibly could be piston slap.

has been doing it on an off for last few weeks - most noticeable on start up.

will drop the oil the weekend and see. thanks!

will get it diagnosed asap. Yes i saw the work on hassens wagon - very nice !
 
Wouldn’t be piston slap with the factory pistons as they have a tight clearance on them , if not using oil or breathing heavily probably not the usual ring land cracking .

The fuel quality has gone down over the years so the fact it was never mapped there’s a possibility of a partial melted piston from detonation and that will give a sharp ticking noise ,

The dull knocking you describe, if it’s a rod bearing you’ll know quick enough as it would leave you stranded at the side of the road

Best off getting oil pressure checked out , compression test , maybe drop oil and filter and check for particles of metal
 
Sorry to hear that about the engine. Start with diagnostics and work from there as others have recommended.

Paul Wray gets a big thumbs up from me. Absolute gent as well well to deal with and knows these engines inside out 👍
 
buy new bottom end from ICP.
(Seals,gaskets etc…)

Get heads done.

Get a man or yourself… rebuild.

Simple engines to build with new bits.

Rebuilds here are mad money..
robbery!!
New crated bottom end from ICP is way cheaper.
 
GORDON GT SERIES II said:
Where are you based, if up the country check out division88 Kevin doran. The guy is top class, I recently got my car up to him to set the geometry for the upcoming ring trip.
Look him up he's a real knowledgeable guy who would do his best to accommodate you.
Click to expand...
Thanks will check them out - I am based in Mayo but I am up around that neck of the woods a fair bit.
 
Grahamo spec c said:
buy new bottom end from ICP.
(Seals,gaskets etc…)

Get heads done.

Get a man or yourself… rebuild.

Simple engines to build with new bits.

Rebuilds here are mad money..
robbery!!
New crated bottom end from ICP is way cheaper.
Click to expand...
ICP short block is great value on the ej20 thick wall, they do a similar one for ej257. thanks.
 
Colmr555 said:
ICP short block is great value on the ej20 thick wall, they do a similar one for ej257. thanks.
Click to expand...
Yeah they are good lads to be fair.
Looked after me very well and accommodated my friend to collect the parts from them……

If you go that route with them.. I have a friend……who collects those type of parts 👍🏻
Saves you posting them to Ireland…. 😉
 
Definitely give him a shout he's one of the best in the business and probably best in the country to properly set up a car for fast road driving
 
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