Member Spotlight

2004 Subaru WRX LS

An Imprezzive AWD Subie

What started out as a journey to get more power out of a Subaru WRX, ended up going in a direction that not many subbie owners go. After pricing out the options to build a subbie EJ205 engine, it would have cost a lot more money, with an even less reliable EJ205. Also that engine platform has some inherit issues with that did not have a good solution for. Before the swap I had a EJ205 running 27psi of boost making around 300hp. Going the LS route was the best way to maximize the horsepower and reliability of the power plant.

The donor engine would come from a 2008 Chevrolet Impala SS. The 5.3L came stock with a 303hp engine at 5600 rpm. The support for LS swaps is incredible right now. The WRX engine bay wasn't really meant for a V8 though.

Builder Q&A

Is your build complete?

No. It probably will never be. I have plans to add a turbo, against Rich's advice. Lol. I did document it on youtube. This is the link for those videos. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRPBs4JhcUt-5sf0FsaLiN5vJLZCpne1S

Did you get any help with this build?

I had lots of help from friends and my girlfriend

Did you have a budget set for this build?

No, I just tried to spend as little as I could within reason. I estimate I've spend $7000-$8000 on it. Probably approaching $10,000 by the time the turbo makes it on.

What was the biggest problem that you needed to solve on this build?

Modifying the oil pan to clear the steering rack. This was very challenging because the oil filter originally mounted to the oil pan right where the steering rack needs to be. Any remote oil filter kit was to big to fit in the available space. I ended up drilling and tapping fittings directly into the engine block to relocate the oil filter.

Would you have done anything different?

Spend the extra money on a prefabricated oil pan. Although finding one to fit my application is not easy.

What is your absolute favourite thing to do with this car?

Drive it after a fresh snowfall when no one else is on the roads.

Would you ever sell this car?

Maybe the shell but never the parts. Most of it could be transfered to a new shell.

Any other projects on the go?

My friend's and I built a GSX-R 600 swapped dune buggy. I documented the build on youtube. Here's the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXnWoXCXzdY

What keeps you motivated?

Not having anything else fun to drive on the street. Driving back roads with friends. Going to the track. Speed and power!