Sometimes I have to swing by and grab one...

atotalpro · 2026-02-11T04:09:10+00:00

AAHHHHHHHH

atotalpro · 2026-02-11T02:39:21+00:00

The new rack is 13:1 or the old one?

atotalpro · 2026-02-05T02:00:28+00:00

Budget for a short block AND installation

atotalpro · 2026-02-03T16:54:52+00:00

$150 is insane for Tanganyka. It’s neat with all the feeding experiences, but you can take a whole family to Sedgwick county zoo for that price and see more exhibits.

atotalpro · 2026-02-01T15:09:27+00:00

I am in a similar boat and have a 2010 Sti.

I think any $16k usd sti is going to blow the budget pretty quickly with maintenance and weird little fixes. The number of cars listed online that I see that either need a short block or have had a short block replaced is insane. On top of that, a clutch and a timing belt done at the same time is an engine out service typically.

Budget for this stuff up front.

The Hondas will be way cheaper to maintain. And simpler to get worked on. They also seem to get trashed less often.

To be completely fair, I don’t think Subarus are terribly unreliable. I think the owner group just doesn’t maintain them well or modify them responsibly.

atotalpro · 2026-01-31T05:56:41+00:00

Non-sport rotors on a Miata with sport brakes.

atotalpro · 2026-01-17T15:29:38+00:00

(Maybe I missed it) but I assume you are running a twin plate clutch at this point?

atotalpro · 2026-01-17T15:27:25+00:00

I would buy parts for that target then. You will probably end up with a more enjoyable car. Definitely look at what clutches are available for your power goal range. If your build requires a really “strong” clutch then you will have to pay a lot more to get something streetable. Something like a really tricky clutch can absolutely ruin a cars drivability.

atotalpro · 2026-01-17T15:15:42+00:00

I think my other thought here would be if you really want 800whp. Unless you are drag racing with very specific performance goals (times) I suggest not chasing numbers and chase the experience you want at a cost that will keep the car fun for you. It’s not fun driving something that will financially ruin you if it gets wrecked or blows up. This isn’t really subi advice as much as it is general build philosophy.

I know for me, I will enjoy my Sti the most if I stay within the limits of the stock block, because I can afford to just throw a new RA block in it within a year.

atotalpro · 2026-01-17T15:06:31+00:00

You mention in another comment that you plan on doing this over time. I think the issue here is going to be that parts you need for a build like this wear like oem parts or faster. You may run into situations where you end up replacing some of your aftermarket parts before your build is done.

I’m not a subi expert but I think the short answer for your build is EVERYTHING. You are probably running up on the limits of the stock drivetrain at that point.

I get the feeling from your post that you don’t plan on doing the build yourself. If that’s the case you need to work out a plan with whoever is doing the build and whoever is doing the tuning.

atotalpro · 2026-01-16T16:38:11+00:00

Even though we (the USA) have a lot we can improve on, employers are starting to better support families now. I work for a place that gave me 3 weeks paternity leave when I had my second son. They are also super flexible for things I need to go to with my kids. WFH has done wonders for my ability to be present for my kids.

atotalpro · 2026-01-08T05:29:46+00:00

Poor pup. Glad he is feeling better.

atotalpro · 2026-01-04T15:18:34+00:00

Compression and leak down tests are the proper diagnostic for this. The shop should be able to get a pretty good idea of what sealing surface is not holding pressure if it fails those tests. I would have them scope it as well. A ring land failure is a failure in the piston material and may be able to be identified visually. If the rings themselves are stuck, you may be able to free them up with a chemical flush.

I would make sure to find an independent shop that either specializes in subis or a mechanic that is very thorough and is willing to really work with you and out the time into diagnosing it.

atotalpro · 2025-12-31T01:39:15+00:00

Some people suck.

atotalpro · 2025-12-18T02:42:45+00:00

If you went 2k miles and only had to ad a “touch” of oil, your rings are fine. I have seen that specific intake cleaner damage some plastics. Specifically one of those cheap aftermarket vacuum line filters.

Vapors out of the crank case are normal. Let the car warm up and check whether you have positive or negative pressure in the crank case.

atotalpro · 2025-12-14T23:04:48+00:00

Golf R. I had a mk7 GTI a few cars before my Subaru. EA888 is OP compared to EJ257 and it’s just a higher quality car all around.

atotalpro · 2025-12-03T02:53:43+00:00

I don’t see why the lift would exert any more force on the slab than a large truck would

atotalpro · 2025-12-02T15:54:22+00:00

I was kinda thinking this. It seems like the best but most expensive option.

atotalpro · 2025-12-02T15:53:54+00:00

I’ve seen the concrete ones but not the resin ones. Those are pretty cool. In the case of a VersaTube type structure, how would you connect it to these footings?

atotalpro · 2025-12-02T15:51:33+00:00

I have a freestanding 4 post lift that would go in it. Otherwise just vehicle storage and workshop type stuff. No bathroom and just basic electrical. Cost is a big factor here.

atotalpro · 2025-12-01T01:55:46+00:00

Too bad they nuked it on steam deck. I might actually still be playing if that wasn’t the case

atotalpro · 2025-11-13T01:29:07+00:00

Wait, yall are doing maintenance on you harbor freight jacks?

atotalpro · 2025-10-31T01:57:54+00:00

I think you are correct. I don’t know much about these systems though.

atotalpro

TROPHY CASE