.... so after a few weeks searching I think I have found an Impreza. It's a Spec D Hawkeye with 66k miles and a comprehensive service history. Accepting that the 2.5 has a history of being a little fragile I would like to budget for a forged rebuild. Would anyone be able to recommend a garage to do this and give an approximate cost. I really want to factor this in when I negotiate the purchase price and make sure it's all viable within my budget. The car is up for sale at £9500. Thanks, Paul.
Not all 2.5's pop I know of a few that have done over 100k still no probs all depends on how it's looked after as all things are but for about 9k you could go Go for a blob wide-track unless you defo want a 2.5 hawk you'll want best part of £5k for a decent forge build and most known decent well known engine builders won't touch one as they are known for failures which they can't guarantee once job is done there's a few horror stories there aswell Just my 20p's worth
Cheers guys. It's such a dilemma. I've spoken to the guy selling the Hawk this morning. He won't budge on price. As far as he's concerned the car is ultra-reliable, in good condition and he's won't accept lowering the price on the basis of work that I would want to do to the car in the future. To be honest I totally understand his point of view. Not all of them are going to fail, but from the research I have done it seems that most people buy the 2.5 and budget for a forged rebuild. As Zany said this could be upto £5K and most people are saying at least £3K. So I've had to tell him thanks but no thanks. I'm totally open to a Blob wide track which a couple of people have suggested would be a better buy. I'm just struggling to find one at a garage ( so I can part ex my current car ). All the good ones seemed to be owned by privately by enthusiasts . To make things worse the lad who was supposed to be buying my Focus ST called me at the weekend to say that he can't afford the insurance and that he wouldn't be able to buy it !
IF you really want the 2.5 Hawkeye why not wait for 1 turning up that has already had the forged re-build from a reputable specialist? I must admit it would also be in the back of my mind but as already stated maybe the Blob wide track STI is the way to go but just need a bit of patience waiting for the right 1 to crop up!
..... yeah patience isn't one of my best qualities! But I think you right. There's no rush I suppose .
If I may suggest; if your not clear on what you want to achieve don't buy anything yet. You will end up spending more in the long run. Speak with the our sponsors, Brian at CAMS, Steve at Cotcomp, Adge at Adgespeed and formulate a plan. Then cost it out, decide on the best base car for the job, then and only then open your wallet. 2.5 is not the only route, it depends what kind of a drive your after. If you do plan to go this way a further suggestion would be to start with a block insert. Oh, and £5k will probably not go as far as you think..... Good luck with the project, hope you don't mind my humble 2p. Steve.
I got my 2.5 forge build done by Andy Williams in North Walse after my hg went. It cost me £3k including removing and refitting the engine. I had a couple of snags that Brian sorted for me. Andy works out of his garage which keeps the cost down. I've since put a vf35 on and it spools great. If you do get a hawk and mod it, I'd advise have the cash to forge it. Cheers, Gio
think my engine will be going to andy as it graded on start up been off road since november had a new pulley and belt on but not pulling the same so its out ready for the new year