Project 98RS 22T

[98Impreza25RS]

Background:
I purchased my 98 Impreza 2.5RS in the spring of 2009. The car was pretty beat up and wasn't taken care of. I had to replace tons of stuff including brakes, sensors, switches, and even the windshield just to get it to pass inspection. After owning it for a few months I had to throw in a new clutch kit. After doing some research, I started to become interested in "performance" parts. It was all down hill from there (bank account wise). I started out with simple things, cheap CAI, smoked taillights, ect. Then I started to do more relevant mods, STI tail lights, clear corners, full catless exhaust, KYB AGX struts with Eibach springs, sway bars and a better cheap CAI/Ram air intake. Even after tossing money in the wind I was still left with the need (want really) for a turbo. Hearing about the limits to turboing my EJ25D, I started looking for a WRX motor. Being cheap, I couldnt find something that fit my budget. It wasn't until a few weeks ago when I found in the members classified section a seized EJ22T motor for cheap. I went down to take a look and it somehow ended up in my trunk (yes, I am the one who took the EJ22T:D). Now the fun begins....

[My25RSL]

wait, so youre going to put it onto this chassis?

or are you going to find another chassis to put it into?

[98Impreza25RS]

EJ22T Break Down.

When I first got the 22T we tried to turn it over, and as the add said, it was stuck. I must have been feeling up for the challenge so I got it anyways. After getting to the house I took my spare EJ25D motor off the stand (too much ****) and threw on the 22T. I started to remove everything, intake manifold, AC compressor, power steering pump, exhaust manifold, (I didnt realize it came with EVERYTHING until I got there, including an additional VF11 Turbo with NO shaft play, score!) until it was a bare long block. I took the spark plugs out and rotated the engine on the stand and.... Water started pissing out. Yeah I was thinking it to, Oh **** this isn't going to be good. I removed the valve covers and the cams and rockers look perfect, and the cams spin freely. I dropped the oil pan and the crank looks good, tons of oil still in it and no water. Next was the heads. When I pulled the heads off there was a bit of corrosion on the cylinder walls. Not good. I decided to try and soak the cylinders with PB blaster which got two looking really good but the others needed work still. Next was the challenge of getting the crank to spin.

[98Impreza25RS]

Freeing a seized crank.

I decided to try to get the crank to spin with a block of wood and a dead blow hammer. I started by tapping on piston lightly. To my surprise it moved really easily. After a few minutes of lightly tapping, I had the piston over half way down the cylinder wall and was able to get a honing tool in to clean the walls. I continued to do the same for each cylinder and with in a half an hour the engine went from not wanting to turn, to being able to spin full stroke with little effort. Next will me removing the pistons and spitting the bottom end... This should be fun.

[98Impreza25RS]

wait, so youre going to put it onto this chassis?

or are you going to find another chassis to put it into?
As of right now I am throwing this in my RS. I picked up a 97 Legacy Outback that I will drive next year while doing the tranny first semester and the 22T the second semester.

[98Wagoon]

awesome! cant wait to see the progress on this! the ej22t block is damn near indestructible. theres some folks out there running near 400hp on the stock internals! this would be a great engine for that chassis. good luck and keep us updated!

[02wrxman]

cant wait to see what you are going to do with that ej22t.

[Seraphinwolf]

It's a nice starting point but remember to research as much about it as you can! There're a lot of faults to them. Especially in relation to heat dissipation.
Good progress, keep it going!

[squeethebee]

I'm curious to see which heads you use and your tuning.

ed

[Berge56]

Subscribed.

[Shiux]

Post some pictures of the RS man!

[Bu11dogg2]

subscribe

more, better pictures of the motor as you go would be nice :)

[boxer3maine]

It's a nice starting point but remember to research as much about it as you can! There're a lot of faults to them. Especially in relation to heat dissipation.
Good progress, keep it going!

love that truthful reply.

That was good sale, and luck on your side...

I read the ad, and passed.

[jwebsta32]

in for more info

[98Impreza25RS]

more pics soon, I have the cylinder heads removed and cleaned, and the bottom end cleaned as well. I just have to get my camera out.

[MikeyMeyagi]

put the stock heads in the trash and get some dohc ej25d heads. you wont be sorry.

[04Wagoon]

Truth^.. and he has that spare 25d he just took off the stand...

[My25RSL]

in for the progress man....

[abenson100]

do the 25d heads. that is what is going in the SS along with either a td04, vf22, vf34 (i have turbo ADD).
what are your plans for fuel managment.

[98Impreza25RS]

put the stock heads in the trash and get some dohc ej25d heads. you wont be sorry.
I have a EJ25D on a stand too. I just might, what would I have to do to get the 25 DOHC heads to work??