STiLtd683's SVX build: Opinions and advice wanted

[STiLtd683]

Hey everyone,

After more than a year of being down, it is time for me to rebuild my SVX. Due to other distractions, namely school, my parts knowledge has become a bit rusty. So I thought I would run my engine plans past the community. I'm not planning anything too aggressive. I'd like a reliable, CA legal EG33 with a bit more spunk than stock. I am not interested in a forced induction build at the moment. I'm taking things slow as I only want to build the block once. Please don't hesitate to chime in.

Pistons:
My bore is currently out of round, so regardless of performance gain I will need to pick up pistons. I am planning on picking up a set of CP pistons. My debate is how big. I know that a few people, such as NeedForSpeed, have talked about putting EJ25 pistons in an EG33. I wouldn't mind going this route as I have to bore and hone anyway. If anyone has any input on whether this is a feasible way to go or if I should just get slightly oversized pistons then I would love to hear it.

Rods:
I am debating between stock STi rods and Eagle rods. I can get a set of STi rods for a decent price so I am leaning that way.

Bearings:
I'm pretty much set on ACL bearings for rods and mains.

Cams:
I spoke with the guys at Delta cams and they said they have a a few EG33 profiles. One of which will provide a mild performance increase while still allowing me to pass smog. If there any other options out there please throw them out.

Gaskets and studs:
I'll be purchasing a OEM gasket set. I am also considering grabbing some Cometic headgaskets and ARP head studs. I am not sure whether or not these precautions are necessary.

Engine management:
Seems like a kit from ECUtune is one of the few options. I'm not sure how well this would work with my proposed build and I was hoping for input. I'd be willing to grab a stage 2 kit if I knew it would work. And if anyone has any information on any tuneable kits I would love to hear it.

This is as far as I've gotten. I imagine I'll need an intake and exhaust system. I'm also planning on a manual swap. But, I'll worry about these after I have the block put together.

Thanks in advance for helping.

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by STiLtd683

Pistons:
My bore is currently out of round, so regardless of performance gain I will need to pick up pistons. I am planning on picking up a set of CP pistons. My debate is how big. I know that a few people, such as NeedForSpeed, have talked about putting EJ25 pistons in an EG33. I wouldn't mind going this route as I have to bore and hone anyway. If anyone has any input on whether this is a feasible way to go or if I should just get slightly oversized pistons then I would love to hear it.

You cannot just put EJ25 pisdons in an EG33. Needforspeed and I discussed it and I don't remember exactly why, but you'd have to get pistons made even if the bore is the same as the EJ25 bore. I think it had something to do with the valve cutout angles or something. The cylinder walls can take that much, but I wouldn't feel comfortable boosting it, because the cylinders would be a bit thinner. Still, it's not that much meat off of them, they might be fine.

Cometic headgaskets can't hurt, but the ARP studs would be unnecessary without FI.

STi rods are lighter than the eagles, and strong enough, go with those.

[STiLtd683]

You simplified a few things for me. My machinist seems to think he can get some 0.02 over CP pistons for ~$650 so I'll plan on going with those and STi rods and cometic gaskets. Thanks for the input.

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by STiLtd683

You simplified a few things for me. My machinist seems to think he can get some 0.02 over CP pistons for ~$650 so I'll plan on going with those and STi rods and cometic gaskets. Thanks for the input.

THAT is cheap!
"How cheap is that, Johnny?"
Waiting....

[STiLtd683]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

THAT is cheap!
"How cheap is that, Johnny?"
Waiting....

He's a really, really good machinist

I'm not 100% sure on that price but he does do some machining for a local guy that specializes in putting EG33's in vanagons. So I am hoping he can get them at that price.

[svxfiles]

By the way,
icingdeath88 has a post/thread that gives good information;
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...t=engine+build

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by STiLtd683

He's a really, really good machinist

I'm not 100% sure on that price but he does do some machining for a local guy that specializes in putting EG33's in vanagons. So I am hoping he can get them at that price.

Middle Aged Tom, (no not YT) has access to CP pistons for less than $900.00.
for a set of six.
He also has Cometic head gaskets and ACL bearings as well.
I would buy the all aluminum rod bearings from LAN, but they are $200, rather than $100.00, and the customer is always right.

[STiLtd683]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

Middle Aged Tom, (no not YT) has access to CP pistons for less than $900.00.
for a set of six.
He also has Cometic head gaskets and ACL bearings as well.
I would buy the all aluminum rod bearings from LAN, but they are $200, rather than $100.00, and the customer is always right.

Thanks for the info. Any chance you have a link?

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by STiLtd683

Thanks for the info. Any chance you have a link?

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[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

I would buy the all aluminum rod bearings from LAN, but they are $200, rather than $100.00, and the customer is always right.

I haven't been able to find another source of aluminum bearings other than LAN, and I haven't asked him yet. I would rather have the aluminum ones as well, but the ACL ones should do fine for what you're trying to do.

[svxfiles]

BTW, Middle Aged Tom has ACL mains for $140.00.

[Johnybeas]

Hydra EMS still available and most basic version starting at 1200, best set up for the SVX would be the Stage III at 1700 for OBDI or 1800 for OBDII this includes base map and it's plug and play and allows for live tuning and one of the most versatile stand alones out there.

Optional wideband and many other options including CAN box to interface with OBDII port for emissions readiness. Check the thread out or visit Hydra's Website

Also I spoke with the guys at JE at SEMA and they have custom set ups for the EG33 that they sell all day long to Impreza guys doing the swap. Just another option that has yet to really been discussed. I also spoke with the guys at CP and they have a couple set ups for the SVX and can also do custom one off sets to your needs.

There are a lot of possibilities for this car and a lot of manufacturers willing to work with us on parts for the SVX. I spoke with Darton Sleeves and they would love to do up a set of sleeves for anyone and have made some for the EG33 already. I've made contacts with people over the past few years at SEMA and other auto shows, many are familiar with the SVX or the EG33 others are not but are excited for new projects. Granted there are a few that want ridiculous buy ins such as Brembo etc. However they are not all like that.

As far as cams are concerned Dany Eid or "SilverSpear" has a source for fresh ground new cams at whatever profile you would like for your application. These are brand new cams, not a regrind. Contact him for more info and pricing.

Just my .02

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by Johnybeas

I spoke with Darton Sleeves and they would love to do up a set of sleeves for anyone and have made some for the EG33 already.

With some sleeves you could bore it out however much you want....

[STiLtd683]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

BTW, Middle Aged Tom has ACL mains for $140.00.

I sent him a message on facebook Thanks again.

And thanks for the input Johnny. Unfortunately, I think a hydra setup and aggressive cams are farther than I'd like to go. My goal is to stay street legal and not to make the lady too upset with my budget.

[STiLtd683]

Alas, my machinists price was too good to be true. Turns out they were some goofy Ej22t pistons that had a big dip in the center.