my 02 engine

[1nice-rex]

Hi everyone. The engine on my 02 wrx is bad. Need some opinions on what to do. I have a spending limit of about $3000 for the engine. Have extra for install. Would like to know what would be a option. Rebuild the motor I have, buy a new ej205 or is there another option? My friend said get a ej207 v7 but there $6000 on eBay. Any help would be great. Thanks

[MainFrame]

$3k isn't a lot.. do you know what went wrong with the first one? What are your goals with it?



I would say for $3k, if your case halves are still good, build a stroker using an ej257 crank. If you're going to get a bigger turbo down the road then try to get forged rods and pistons put in, and ARP headstuds.

[1nice-rex]

The car has been sitting for a few years so there is alot of dirt inside. Friend was going to help me build it up be we both got busy and had to put the car to the side. I have a VF34, frontmount intercooler, STI injectors, fuel pump ready to go in once i get it running. Not looking for big numbers. Just alittle bit more pep. It will be my new daily driver.

[EJ257]

I would say for $3k, if your case halves are still good, build a stroker using an ej257 crank. If you're going to get a bigger turbo down the road then try to get forged rods and pistons put in, and ARP headstuds.

Mmm 2.1L stroker

[1nice-rex]

I was looking at the stroker kit and it lok good. What else would i need besides the kit itself? Would a VF34 turbo and STI pinks be good or would i need bigger? What ecu would you recommend? Sorry for all the question.

[MainFrame]

You will need to use the ECU that goes with the rest of the car.. You could run an aftermarket ECU if you want, but the cheaper ones will cost $3000 by themselves, so I would say that's both unneeded and out of your budget.


The pinks will be fine, but I wouldn't bother with the FMIC, you would get better performance on a VF turbo from a good TMIC. The VF34 on a 2.1L stroker with a 3-port EBCS and ProcessWest TMIC would be a great daily driver setup (as long as it's built right.. don't skimp on machining).