[psuLemon]

I would suggest buying a spare block (or stage one block) so you can work on it little by little and be ready it anything starts to go.

[mazeroth]

It seems like some (I have no %) people with built motors end up having problems as well, sometimes needing to rebuild their engines yet again. The way I see it, since that's the case, I might as well run on the stock engine and if something ever happens I'll get a new engine. Getting a new engine now won't guarantee that I won't have downtime later. I'm even under the impression that getting a new engine will bring lots more problems with it (from the posts of people with engine problems and built engines).I have 10k+ miles at 450whp and the stock engine is still running like a champ.

[STI_Mike]

don't you think a gt52 is alittle big for daliy driver? daliy driver is more of a 20g i would think.

[eXstasy]

^^Different strokes for different folks. He didn't ask our opinion on that =) ...actually he did, but it was a different thread, and he's made his decision haha.

[STI_Mike]

Originally Posted by eXstasy

^^Different strokes for different folks. He didn't ask our opinion on that =) ...actually he did, but it was a different thread, and he's made his decision haha.

ok thx for ur input but i was just saying.....

[520]

build it man. or buy a spare shortblock and build it on the side so when/if your's goes you can drop it in.

[BrewPubeaver]

yep, build a second (back up) motor... thus you can swap in a matter of hours, and then have your old motor as the back up....

[Rookie84]

I'm on the same boat, and I plan to build it when I install the turbo kit if I can afford it. If not, I'm definitely having mine built after a couple of months so I can save up for the build

[Flycaster]

Originally Posted by WhyteSTI

So, those two things aside, is it really necessary to go that extra step and spend huge amounts on labour and parts to upgrade my block?

I've been down this road, so here's my $0.02:

Not until it breaks. And it will, someday, but until then the miles are free. Think of it this way: why pre-pay a hotel bill if you don't know when you are going? It may be months, perhaps years, but do start to save up (or start on your new, built block) as time goes on...

[TheLimitedProject]

Hey guys, thanks for all the info.

I talked to Phil and his suggestion was to keep things as is - as in, don't touch the block - and make sure that I get a really good tune.
He said his GT65 kit is running on a stock motor, obviously tuned well by him, and they haven't had a problem after caning the car on the track multiple times.

His only other comment was that should the injection system fail, forged internals would buy some time before serious damage happened. But, at the same time, forged internals won't save your motor either.

So, based on all the recommendations in this thread, and Flycaster's last comment, I'm going to keep my motor untouched and install everything on a really good tune.

At the same time, I'll have some funds set aside should anything 'untoward' happen to my engine. There's a great shop that's a bit far from me (RocketRally.com) but very, very good at what they do that's on board to help out if anything happens. I may even may the drive to get tuned by them at a later date.

[mxpop]

Any choice you make can be the right choice depending on your situation. Waiting will let you shop around for that 1/2 price fire sale on a ready to go Cosworth longblock that some poor sap has to sell due to taxes/divorce/etc...

Time will also let you determine exactly what your power goals will ultimately be so you can make an engine that will safely handle your desires.

[raginbull74]

wait man....i "daily drive" my car and im pushin...well near 400whp on 91.....its all in the tune. Ive got 32k on the clock total and about 7k with the mods. When your engine goes...most of the time its not catestrophic. Usually its a slow process....basically you'll start to burn oil faster and blow smoke. Throwing a rod or spinning a bearing happends...but its not usually how it does with a factory subaru engine. Stick to the stocker you'll be fine...oh yea is this on a brand new car? or does it have miles on the clock already?

[B4RSTiwsnc]

I made 454whp on 93 + meth at 25psi and its my daily driver, but that is my high boost setting, so if i am not racing on the track then i run wastegate spring of 20psi. The AFR's are real rich then but its very safe. just be safe on the stock block and like everyone said don't beat the S**t out of it and check your oil periodically and you should be fine! bottom line...get a good tune!

[mxpop]

^^^that too.

I beat the crap out of my 400whp stock motor every day and track it monthly, so dont be too afraid of your stock motor, its still pretty strong.

True, most engine failures are rod bearings or major oil use (which will eat rod bearings if oil level gets too low). Rarely will it be a catastrophic blow up where you will "ventilate the cases" as they say in F1.

You cant go wrong either way, just do what makes sense for you.

[TheLimitedProject]

Thanks everyone. Great advice. I feel a lot more comfortable sticking with the stock block for now, getting a great tune, and being prepared should something happen.