03 Sport MT rod blown, an intro, & can I replace with turbo?

[txrhubarb]

Hello, long time lurker to these forums. The baja was my dream car since I picked up a car & driver concept pamphlet and it had the STX in it. When I had the cash, I watched Carmax for months waiting on the perfect storm - this black/silver manual baja. I was overjoyed to get it.

I've meant to post some pics and experiences with my Baja, and hopefully I will if I get back on the road. I have only a few months left to pay it off too. I've hauled some pretty ridiculous items in my subie; a 55" projection TV, a huge computer server cabinet, 4' tall wooden cable spools, a nine foot long bookshelf, 16' canoe, you name it. Definitely made some people nervous on the highway behind me. And I only just got the A/C fixed (Texas!) and a tow hitch installed last month, so I can't quit on this car.

My 2003 Sport had the check engine light on due to the O2 sensor (and an occasional cylinder misfire) and I was aiming to replace the sensor next week so I could get inspection to pass.

Turns out since the light was on I had no clue the vehicle was overheating, and I guess I wasn't watching the gauge. I began losing power though electrical and power steering/brakes worked. Oil had been changed within 1k miles, but it does have a slow leak that can't be found and I can be bad about monitoring.

Last year, at the dealership and under Carmax warranty, I had the left head gasket replaced, with engine benched, as well as the timing belt, drive belt, and water pump/hose. They first said there was a leak on the right side too but later recanted this saying it was splash from the water pump. Anyway, I'll follow that avenue of possible culpability.



So, I'm going to have to replace the engine it looks like. Does anyone have any experience what the expense involved putting a used one in? My mother knows someone that was able to fix a buddy's car with a salvaged 02 hyundai engine for just $1500 incl. labor TOTAL.

Obviously that sounds cheap, but it's a different car.

OK, now a probably rehashed question: I have looked into this but found little information other than a google cache of a forum member and it doesn't show the thread.

How plausible is it to drop the baja turbo engine in this instead, considering I need to replace the engine anyway, and knowing that I'd need to also put in turbo drivetrain from other info I've collected? I know it's been asked I just cannot find any more information. Is there any more to it than those items (and the hood of course).

Thanks fellow subie owners. This forum has helped me in all kinds of ways with my Baja. Hopefully I'll be back on the road soon turning heads!

[twheats1]

Putting the Turbo engine in is possible. Not cost effective, but possible.

It's more than engine and drivetrain. The turbos are "drive by wire". IIRC the N/A's are not. You will need the turbo's accel pedal, ECU, and the ability to mate up all the wiring. The exhaust is different as well. If you are paying someone to do the conversion it will get expensive quickly.

You are probably better off repairing yours and looking for a turbo model to buy in the future. What ever course you choose, I wish you luck.

BTW the turbos are a BLAST to drive!

[txrhubarb]

Thanks for the information.

I've proceeded to try sourcing engines but being in Texas I am not finding many Subarus.

According to Wikipedia's page the EJ251 engine was used in the following:

* Impreza 2.5RS, 2.5TS 00-04 (US)
* Impreza Outback Sport 02-04 (US)
* Forester 00-04 (US)
* Legacy 00-04 (US)
* Outback 00-04 (US)
* Baja 03-04 (US)

I'm curious if I can widen my search by including those models in it? Apparently I would possibly still need a matching ECU and Engine harness?

I would appreciate any help in this matter. I've made a post in Technical Discussion forum too.

As for turbo, I'll just bug my friend to let me drive his wrx.

Thanks again!

[twheats1]

Any of the engines that you mentioned will swap in without a problem, as long as they are not turbocharged. Your ECU and harness should work just fine.