TL;DR at bottom/in sig.
Got my 04' WRX in March of 12'. I knew mostly nothing of Subaru's and purchased it with an APS FMIC, APS intake, AP Bov, GReddy TBE and BC Coilovers. Unknown by me, not tuned. Came from DSM's which are far less sensitive to tuning so I wasn't overly concerned about it. A decision which I later regret in this thread
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Here she is the day I got her. It also had Blue STi Carpet, STi steering wheel, STi shifter trim, STi splitters, STi scoop, STi HID's and an aluminium rad.
First thing I installed was my A/F ration gauge and repainted the hood scoop. Car ran great for a while. Had fun it it even after I read about tuning issues. A/F was well within check and I was only half worried. Don't make mistakes that I did.
Long story short, on my way out to Coaldale one day she decided it wasn't happy anymore. Lost compression on Cyl 2 and terrible leakdown results. So it was time for fun!
I'm sure you can imagine what happened to get to this stage.
Began breaking it down at the shop I worked at and found valve/piston issues in that cylinder.
I decided on using ACL STD main + thrust bearings, CP Pistons, Supertech nitrided valves, Exedy Clutch, ARP Head Studs and all new OEM gaskets with machine works done my Chris Wood engines of Cranbrook. Fantastic machinist and a great guy.
I'm not going to get into the reassembly much here. Went well, learned a lot and had a blast working on it though! I'll just leave you with some photos.
All back together!
Video of first and second start. I added more PS fluid after and it stopped crying.
After rebuild topped it off with an STi TMIC, stock airbox again, AEM A/F, Boost and Oil Pressure in an ATi clock pod and of course a tune (car is also getting retuned by airboy in the spring). Not sure on future mods or how long I'll have the car but this is how it sits now.
If I could I'd like to do a 6 speed swap and a Evo III 16g. We will see where it goes though.
Joel
