Possible ringland failure! 2006 Hawkeye

[subaruchic84]

Hello fellow Subaru Enthusiasts

I have a Impreza 2.5 WRX 2006 model which I need help / advice with. I’m afraid this might be a long post but wanted to provide ALL details. The car was driving absolutely fine but a “whistle” had started from the turbo when the car was cold. It sounded a little bit like a siren (not mega loud though) but it would stop when the car was warm. I took the car to the garage for the turbo to be checked & this is where it all goes horribly wrong!! The turbo was sent off to a specialist to be refurbished but when they investigated why it had failed, they diagnosed oil starvation. This LED to my mechanic having a second look & he confirmed there was a blockage “somewhere” so the oil wasn’t getting to the turbo but it was also low in oil so suggested that it could have been burning oil. The oil was drained & evidence of copper filings were found.

My mechanic (who has rebuilt Subaru engines multiple times) has said that he thinks the ringlands are failing therefore it needs a full engine rebuild. This may include boring of the head & having bigger pistons fitted depending on what damage is found. The price quoted is unfortunately pretty high & not sure if it’s worth completing on an 18-year-old car! Now I don’t claim to be a mechanic or particularly knowledgeable about the inside of engines but I’m finding it hard to comprehend that the car drove absolutely fine but within a few days it seems all is lost! The car is a dream for me & I’m loathed to sell but also struggling to justify the bill quoted.

I wanted advice on what you guys think.

-Do you think it’s reasonable to say that it needs a full rebuild with evidence of copper filings in the oil? The blockage has not yet been found.

-How much would you expect a full rebuild to cost if it is required?

-The bodywork on the car is in good condition so I’m loathed to just “scrap” it so wondering what it would be worth to an enthusiast who would want to rebuild the engine themselves?

-The car has the Subaru graphics on which makes it look more desirable (to some but not others).

-Wheels are in great condition with NO curb marks at all!

-MOT expired this month but previously had no advisories.

-Mileage currently at 76,000.

CAR SPEC – please read to the bottom as gone from date order with most recent work completed first but the car was stage 1 tuned when bought so will be listed later.

-Full 4-wheel tracking completed Aug 2023

-Replace both front shock absorbers Aug 2023

-New front drive shafts Jan 2023

-New fuel pump fitted Sept 2021

-New radiator & hoses July 2018

-Service including spark plugs Oct 2015 & then been serviced in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 & 2022 – have some receipts from previous owner.

-Bought the car in Sept 2015 & it was HPI checked & clear so no problems there.

-New clutch fitted Feb 2013

-2010 had “Stage 1” conversion & ECUTEK remap, 50K cambelt change, full de-cat stainless exhaust fitted.

Would appreciate any thoughts / advice on next steps to take.

Thank you for reading!

 

[Tidgy]

Short version, yep, will need a full rebuild.

 

Copper fillings in the oil very highly likley means the crank bearings are damaged (could have ring land issues, but untill its stripped you wont know. although ring land failure is common so would be no surprise)

As far as what you do its up to you really, a proper reabuild wont be cheap if done properly, If the Shell is solid and you plan on keeping the car long term may be worth the cost. Rolling Shell of a wrx isnt worth much, maybe 1-2k at best, it's doubtful the cost of a rebuild will increase the value of the car to make it cost effective to rebuild then sell.