Okay... I am completely new to the Subaru world, and very nieve to the workings of a car in general. I picked up my 02 WRX wagon a few months ago and lately it has been acting kind of funny. So I had a compression test done on it and I've got very low compression on cylinder 4. My understanding is that I have two options. A) find another shortblock and put that in (which I understand is a pain to do). B) find another longblock and just replace the motor entirely... Either way, I'm kinda screwed. That being said, I'm leaning towards getting another longblock and putting that in (unless someone can convince me otherwise). So I am in the hunt for a WRX longblock with low(ish) miles.
Do you have the compression numbers? Did you add oil to the low cylinder and re-check compression? That will tell you if it's an issue with the heads or the combustion chamber. Considering it's an 02 wrx, the safe bet is it's the exhaust valves. If so, just get new heads. How many miles? Close to 100k? Were the valve clearances ever checked? In short, figure out why you have low compression then go from there.
The numbers were somewhere around 90-95psi on 1-3 and like 45 on 4. It has about 150,000 on it. I don't know if the guy did the oil test or not...
Who did the compression test? Did they follow up to figure out where and why it's losing compression? 95 would make me think the test was done on a cold motor too. Where are you located, it sounds like you need a better, second opinion. How far are you from RS Motors?
It was a guy from over in Superior who rebuilds and flips salvage Subes. I think it was cold when he ran it. I am located up in Duluth.
Definitely get a follow up wet compression test and possibly a leak down test if the wet test doesn't tell you anything. The price difference between swapping in a good set of used heads and rebuilding your block are significant.
^Time is also of the essence. Buying a longblock for cheap-ish would be slightly more expensive but also significantly less time consuming than replacing the heads/shortblock (whichever it is).
Having seen enough "cheapish longblocks" I wouldn't install one unless I knew the previous owner and had checked it over while it was running. Otherwise, a longblock of unknown condition and with unknown history may end up leaving you in the same or worse position than you're already in. If you know of a cheap longblock hook-up that's cheaper than $500, then sure. Again, there's really no way of knowing without a proper diagnoses of the issue. So everyone that's crying "buy a new longblock" needs to take a step back and verify the issue before suggesting someone starts throwing parts at their car.
Being a 2.0 Wrx, I would lean towards burnt valves. You can check your valve clearance, if you know how, and verify. I'm not sure how many people pay attention to these engine's valve lash. They are tight. Once the valves start wearing, they sit in further and ends up being tighter resulting in the valves being held open or not closing enough. If you catch it early, you can still change the clearance and get the compression back. I haven't looked but I would think Subaru has a recommended service interval on checking/adjusting valve clearance on these engines. If not, at least they should. I'm anal when it comes to valve clearance on non hydraulic lifter cars.
I'm pretty sure they do, or at least the people on here do. I didn't know about the valve lashing until i hit 193,500...when you guys replaced the motor. Lol. On my new one they will be checked...and then checked again. Sorry to hear about this mess Grant, especially since you've barely had a chance to enjoy the car!
I'm not in a huge rush, but i would like to get it done sooner than later... What are you thinking? Also, since I will be in there moving things, what are some possible upgrades that I could look into? Sti Oil pump, injectors, turbo inlet, etc? I don't think that I will get to crazy with my car, but I would like a little added power. Currently, the my car is stock with the exception of a turbo back and an Exedy stage one replacement clutch. I do know that I will need a tune with the exhaust, so, I will be going to get that taken care of but thought I would see if there is anything else to do while I am going to town.
