[Likawind]

My engine blew up when I was driving my car back from Montana to Calgary, Canada and it needs a new short block I guess, what is my best option, I've never had a Subaru before and I need some good advise, please help me guys. Thanks

[STI Sibb]

Originally Posted by Likawind

My engine blew up when I was driving my car back from Montana to Calgary, Canada and it needs a new short block I guess, what is my best option, I've never had a Subaru before and I need some good advise, please help me guys. Thanks

First, I would verify that it is indeed blown.

Then decide whether you want to replace the shortblock yourself. If you don't want to replace it yourself, take it to either a dealership for replacement or an engine building / tune shop that specializes in Subarus. My gut tells me that the dealership will be more expensive and you might take a gamble on who is doing the installation. A tune shop / engine build shop is the better route. At best, you could get the job done for $5000 US.

If you decide to do it yourself, most vendors you find on IWSTI or NASIOC supply OEM Shortblocks. The cost of these blocks will hit you for around $2000 US. I bought mine from P&L Motorsports. You also have the choice of buying a built block which can range anywhere from $2500 US to $14000 US. You can also just buy the shortblock case halves, buy your own internals, and build your own shortblock. This of course takes the most time, knowledge, and effort. You need access to a knowledgeable engine building machine shop.

All that aside, you should probably get your heads cleaned up and resurfaced. Boxer engine heads have a tendency to warp. If you have the engine out, you should go ahead and make sure they are flat. The cost per head is usually $50 US at a good shop.

Good Luck.

If you have questions on what's in a shortblock, I took one apart with pictures: Disassemble the OEM Shortblock

An excerpt from the How-To:

Procurement:
It is not necessary to buy a new OEM or built shortblock depending on the condition of the one you take out of the vehicle. Many times the block can be reworked by an engine builder and sized for new pistons and bearings. If the block is in bad condition, an OEM or built shortblock can be purchased from several vendors listed on IWSTI. It's important to search for a block based on the price, reviews, and vendor reputation. An OEM shortblock will cost at least $2,000 from most vendors. Aftermarket vendors will typically beat the price of any dealerships. If you browse through the aftermarket websites, they can give you an idea of the products they offer, but it is better to call them to find out exactly what they have. The vendor should ask for identification of the vehicle which may include the year, make, model, VIN, and Engine Code. These items can be found on a nameplate under the hood. Keep in mind that replacing a shortblock may involve work to the heads such as resurfacing. It will involve replacing the head gaskets and possibly other seals. It may also involve replacement of the water pump, oil pump, oil cooler, pulleys, and timing belt. The cost of replacing the shortblock can go up quickly so be prepared prior to starting. I'd like to give a quick thanks to P&L Motorsports for processing my shortblock order.

[Likawind]

I'm lost, I don't know where do I start, car is still under power train warranty but dealership is asking for 16 oil change receipts, seller is not responding to my phone calls or email, if I could get the maintenance record it will be covered by the dealership, apart from a short block what else I need, dealership said they would charge me $7000 to do a complete job.

[STI Sibb]

I would first back up and explain how you know that you need a new shortblock. Did the dealership inspect it? What did they find? Did you perform your own test?

[Likawind]

spoke to the dealership, they said it needs a Short Block, Turbo and Gaskit Set.

[CGMDan]

You might also point out that your in Canada and it's an imported US car.

[STI Sibb]

Originally Posted by Likawind

spoke to the dealership, they said it needs a Short Block, Turbo and Gaskit Set.

In order, I believe that those items cost approximately $2300, $1100, and $160 at a dealership (excluding labor). Did the dealership pull and dismantle the engine...or did they just perform a compression/leakdown test?

If they've pulled the engine and disassembled it, it sounds like you've started the warranty process. You probably gave your consent to pulling the engine for inspection. If I'm correct up to this point, you are probably best off letting the dealership perform the repair. If the warranty claim does not pan out, you may be able to finance the repair if you aren't able to pay the full amount of $7000.

I would ask the previous owner to look through credit card and banking card statements to try and prove that the oil has been changed frequently. 16 receipts seems like a stretch, but since it is a 2005 model, I can see why they would want that type of proof. Online banking and credit card statements are usually available for a number of years to the owner. The other option is asking the owner for their MySubaru login to see if any dealerships posted Preventive Maintenance items. She also may have posted items in her MySubaru login. That is how I keep up with my maintenance.

[adamfl]

16 receipts seems like a stretch, but since it is a 2005 model, I can see why they would want that type of proof. Online banking and credit card statements are usually available for a number of years to the owner. The other option is asking the owner for their MySubaru login to see if any dealerships posted Preventive Maintenance items. She also may have posted items in her MySubaru login. That is how I keep up with my maintenance.

--------------------------------------------
If you run a carfax it will list any maintenance done by a dealer.

[Likawind]

They have not pulled the engine yet, I have called the first owner 10 times in the last couple of days but no answer yet. Dealership said they will rebuilt the engine, I dont know if that involves any new parts or not.

[STI Sibb]

Originally Posted by Likawind

They have not pulled the engine yet, I have called the first owner 10 times in the last couple of days but no answer yet. Dealership said they will rebuilt the engine, I dont know if that involves any new parts or not.

Try the carfax route as adamfl suggested. Judging from your post above this one, the dealership says it requires a new shortblock, turbo, and gasket unless I misread your post. Those items plus the labor will easily reach $7000 if not more.