Looking to buy a ej20k swap in a 95 Subby

[niko303]

So, long time troll, first time poster. I have been seriously looking into a 9-2x (the wrx rebadge) but this caught my eye. I am very interested in this car for numerous reasons, mostly the price. I would be able to get the car for $3000. Only problem? A few. So I will start off with the general info of the car then move onto the problems.

From his listing: "The motor has about 53,000 miles on it, and recently did an oil change. It runs great, just needs a good tune.It is only run on a stock turbo so it can be upgraded for more power, also I didn't get around to getting headers yet so that is also holding back a lot of air flow that can be released.

The good: Engine runs great, car is quick but with some after market headers and a tune it has the potential to be a lot faster, the car is sitting on 05 wrx rims.

The bad: The paint was recently primed so the texture is rough (it is ready for paint tho), the front driver side fender was bent in and i bent it back out but it sticks out a little, one of the rims on it hit a curb so it broke the edge, so its on one donut at the moment, engine does eat a little oil (seen in a lot of turbo engine oils).

After market parts: Up pipe, down pipe, full cat back system, front mount intercooler, manual perrin boost controler, nrg ground wires system and nrg electronic stabilizer, apexi short ram intake, i can't remember anything else at the moment. You can come by and check it out if you want." He emailed me today saying he can lower the price to 3k and enclosed this as well "the turbo is going out so its making a rattling noise from the fins."

So I have a few questions and concerns for all you Subby Gear Heads!

1. Based on what he has said, is that the turbo going out? A fix would be as simple as getting new headers and a bigger turbo? [Main Worry]
2. How realistic is it that all Subby's burn oil? Is that a worry?
3. Is the price right at 3k?
4. Is it drivable home? 25 miles about
5. Anything specific I should look for other than usual stuff when looking at it?

I appreciate all the help and look forward to being and active member

[lancer_013]

idk but 3000 is a deal

[niko303]

I am also seeing that its a vf10 turbo...I have never even heard of it ugh!

[newtothegame]

Stay away from it. If he say sit needs a tune and he has an MBC, likely that there is more wrong that what he says, or even knows. Unless you have money to rebuild/buy another engine I would steer very clear of this car.

[basco]

I would actually buy this...a ej20k is a phase one motor so there very cheap...even if the motor did go you could find another on the forums probably right about $1000 for a longblock...and paint is pretty cheap so even if you did need a new motor I woul estimate you cold have this car completely finished for 5000 dollars

[booosted09]

i would probably run away from this car.

[basco]

actually I'm positive I would buy it...its worth it in the driveline swap and wiring swap alone...not to mention the other parts...if you had to you could part the car out for well more than 3K

[Smokin'Joe]

I'm not a full on gear head, but if he has done all of that modification he should have some upgraded suspension too then right? As stated, if you have the money to fix/replace what needs to be done, then yeah, it's a steal for a fixer upper. If you're looking for a solid reliable car to get you to and from work, I'd stay well out of range of things that have been modestly or highly modified. Especially when it has tune necessary components and has never been tuned! You could be digging a big hole with that one, or you may get lucky. How much money do you have? lol. I hope the choice you make works out man. Just spend the loot wisely in this day and age!

[man show]

That car sort of reminds me of the similar-looking dark green model that Grimmspeed modded and covered in white vinyl...

[turmic]

LOL, funny you should say that man show. I was just talking to justin about the project L a couple days ago. He said, its been negelected lately. But, they might start playing with it again here shortly. I asked him to revive the dead thread.

[man show]

Ah, yes... good old project L. That thing came out of left field and then disappeared faster than a fat kid in dodge ball. I'd enjoy a nice update on that car. Pics and videos would be the jam.