I was also looking into buying a Subaru Impreza but I’m torn between putting a turbo into a 2000-2001 2.5 RS and getting a newer model. I currently drive a 96 Nissan Sentra and it’s a bucket.

I really like the body style of the 00-01’s with the narrow headlights and big fog lights. My question is what kind of project is putting a reasonable size turbo (nothing hardcore) into a 2.5 RS? Is the engine already set up to receive it or would I have to upgrade parts like pistons and valves? Also would a turbo totally kill the reliability of the vehicle?

Thanks

Many people have turboed 2.5RSes. I haven't done it myself, but I'd assume the boxer-style engine would make it slightly more difficult than your usual inline-four.

This will come down to what you want out of the car, and what your budget to get there will be...

Overall, in the long run, putting a turbo on an N/A Subaru motor (or N/A tuning it for that matter) just won't be as effective, reliable or cost-effective as just swapping in a complete turbo motor (WRX, STI, etc.)

Another point to consider, is that 98-01 2.5RS models are, frankly, overpriced in most US markets, due to the demand and scarcity. Realize that all Imprezas from 93 - 01 have virtually the same chassis and running gear, and will easily accept parts made for the WRXs and STIs of the day, including suspension and body work. Impreza Ls (the base model), Brightons and Outback Sports (two-tone Impreza wagons that already have the scoopy hood) can be found for much cheaper than most any RSs.

Mechanically, Subaru motor swaps couldn't be simpler. The tricky part is mating the wiring harnesses from the motor and the chassis. Complete drivetrains from all types of JDM and USDM WRXs and STIs have been swapped onto the GC chassis - a 2007 motor-to-brakes swap into a 98 car is the most up-to-date that I know of.

See the FAQ at the top of the forum for more info about all that...

When you say "swap in a complete turbo motor (WRX, Sti)" do you mean that there are 98-01 WRX's and Sti's or would it be a motor from say an '03 or later? I didn't think there were WRX's and STi's in the early models. or were they just not available at dealers?

My issue with getting an L or outback is that I would lose allot of the other features that the RS's have like the aggressive front end with large fog lights, standard rear disc breaks, moon roof , spoiler, etc. all those things I would really like to have would probably make buying an L or outback a wash. besides I’m not a fan of the gray "two-tone" of the outbacks.

While the WRX didn't appear in the US market until 2002 and the STI not until 2004, Subaru's been making WRXs since 1992 and STI versions since 1993 for the Japanese and European markets. Used motors imported from Japan have become an affordable, viable option.

As far as chassis and running gear, like I said, it's all interchangeable. Hoods, headlights, fog lights, front grilles, bumper skins, trunklids with wings, etc., are all pretty much mix-n-match-able, and they're coming over on the boats from Japan, too.

Hypothetically, if you can track down a decent source, you could get a half-cut JDM Impreza with the complete motor, dash, wire harness, front end and probably rear end, too, depending on specs of the donor car for $3000 - $8000.

When you compare the prices of Ls in good condition at $4000 - $6000 vs. RSs in similarly good condition for $8000 - $10,000, you can start to see where planning for your end result can save you a ton of money.

There's several reputable shops that specialize in these swaps, and can make them very cost effective and turn them around reasonably quickly. Basically building STIs for the price of an RS.

The only thing the RS has exclusively is the sunroof.

My main point is - decide first if you want a turbo Impreza or not, then consider your options. If you get the RS and it looks good, but you decide it's not fast enough, you'll spend a lot more money getting it to go faster.

The area I live in, there isn't a big market for sport tuning which is why I kinda wanted to start with the RS. I'm just afraid that I will have to do some searching and traveling in order to find the parts I want. With the money you say that I’ll save and a better end product it sounds like it’s worth putting some thought into it.

We have a Subaru dealer in town, I was wondering if it would be advantageous to go in and ask some questions about getting things like that done? A dealer would probably charge alot more for the work, should I just search out some one who advertises things like engine swaps?

Find a mechanic shop which specialises in either Japanese vehicles or imported vehicles and talk to them first.

That's a good point I don't know why I didn't think of that. It's definitely a place to get started. Thanks for all the information. you guys are a big help!

The area I live in, there isn't a big market for sport tuning which is why I kinda wanted to start with the RS. I'm just afraid that I will have to do some searching and traveling in order to find the parts I want. With the money you say that I’ll save and a better end product it sounds like it’s worth putting some thought into it.

We have a Subaru dealer in town, I was wondering if it would be advantageous to go in and ask some questions about getting things like that done? A dealer would probably charge alot more for the work, should I just search out some one who advertises things like engine swaps? Yeah, you're not really near any of the Subaru-specialized shops I know of...

The dealership will not touch the work of doing the swap itself with a 10 foot pole. Maybe after it's all done and installed, they'd work on it for you, at stealership rates.

Ray's right to tell you to check your area first for places that might know the first about Subarus.

What the dealership is good for, is test driving. Go test drive a 2.5i and then a WRX back-to-back and see what you think. Remember the 2006 WRXs have a bit more power than others because of the +0.5 liter bump over previous years. Then also consider that later JDM WRXs and STIs were all rated at 276 hp, even with only 2.0 liters.

Then, keep in mind the newer GD chassis is stiffer than the GC, but the GC also has ~300 lb weight advantage, and a few nice suspension bit will tighten it right up.

All this will help you decide what you want out of whatever car you get, and what you can deal with for whatever budget you have.

Now don't get me wrong - a stock RS is a blast. I love mine. I love the styling, and I love being one of the few coupes in a sea of sedans and wagons... (But I still want to swap in a WRX motor! ;) )

While the WRX didn't appear in the US market until 2002 and the STI not until 2004, Subaru's been making WRXs since 1992 and STI versions since 1993 for the Japanese and European markets. Used motors imported from Japan have become an affordable, viable option.


The first Impreza to hit the market was in November 1992 which was actually the 1993 Impreza, the STI followed in 1994.

Missed your confused dates previously. :wink:

I'm glad I said "making." :p Technicalities are always fun!

hahaha

don't forget Australia! We've had WRXs and STis since about 1994 I think

hahaha

don't forget Australia! We've had WRXs and STis since about 1994 I think

Wow! It would be impossible to have either a WRX or STi from before 1994 :shakehead