91 GT Manual Legacy - HELP ON BASICS

[Guest]

Hey im sure this has been answered before but I have a 91 GT Legacy Hi Top manual. Its been to the moon and back (500,000k's) but got it for $600 reg and wof with a leaking top radiator filler tank and a supposed burnt valve causing lack of power etc etc.

I found after inspection that the previous owners mechanic was an idiot and found the altenator to be screwed (yay) and have replacement STI alloy unit doing the job.

This now begs the question aside from the obvious pod filter and exhaust what can I do to it???

I would love to raise the boost but what is safe and what can I get away with as it will be a daily driver.

And has anyone managed to wire an override switch to thier water to air intercooler so to make it run full time if they want. IE so I can have it running to keep everything cool after enthusiastic driving.

Any help woul be great

[BC5RA]

I would first assess what needs to be done maintenance wise.

No point raising the output of an engine if it's on it's way out. Or perhaps that would be a good reason depending on how you look at it.

Not sure what you mean by an "STI alloy unit" (alternator?)

Override switch or wire to full has been done before in regards to the WAIC. No gains to be had except a slight increase in static throttle response.

After you have done basic breathing modifications you can look into a chip.

Suspension, brakes and rubber equal a faster car overall though.

[ODB]

I am looking at doing this (still havent found car yet) and found excellent reading to be had in the legacy projects page.

in particular boostins was a good read.

As BC5RA said establish how good the engine is. Do a compression/leak down test first and see whats what.

Once you are sure the engine is sound then Id look at your options.

[Guest]

Thanks for that I should have menioned service history in glovebox and shows servicing including gear box and differentials all up to date.

When I mean STI unit I meant the over flow / filler tank for radiator mine is remote mounted next to altenator but was made of plastic. The replacent part from wreckers was off a STI RA model and made entirely of alloy/stainless??? and needed to make custom bracket as the plastic one bolts up differently.

I Have made custom air box with ducting to replace factory airbox and have pod filter etc.

Im just a litte worried about how much boost they run factory and how much they can be adjusted by with out damage to enge on factory injectors, fuelpump etc

I.E It currently runs 7 and can run up to 14 duz this sound right some one told me boost cut is 14 psi

[ODB]

Id probably run a conservative 10-11psi to be on the safe side.

Again Id re-iterate that you should check out the actual condition of the engine.

Does it leak any oil?

[BC5RA]

Just keep an eye on oil usage and leaks, particularly build up in the inlet plumbing. As well as coolant levels.

Put it this way; If the engine has been maintained and in good condition, you can run 14 psi all day every day.

14 psi is well within OE setup tolerances. I would recommend doing this with a stock 4 plug ECU upgrade.

[ODB]

 BC5RA said:

Put it this way; If the engine has been maintained and in good condition, you can run 14 psi all day every day.

Thats the million dollar question as with any engine i guess.

What sort of condition is it in?

At 500kms on original engine (particularly on a jap turbo 4 banger) you would have to expect it to be in shit order!

I may be proven wrong but im of the mind its best to play it conservatively until proven otherwise.

[BC5RA]

 ODB']

[quote name='BC5RA said:

Put it this way; If the engine has been maintained and in good condition, you can run 14 psi all day every day.

/quote]

Thats the million dollar question as with any engine i guess.

What sort of condition is it in?

At 500kms on original engine (particularly on a jap turbo 4 banger) you would have to expect it to be in s*** order!

I may be proven wrong but im of the mind its best to play it conservatively until proven otherwise.

That is up to him ascertain. It won't be the original engine.

[Guest]

Original engine, New Zealand new Japanese assembled has lots of evidence of large dollars spent on servicing and repair.

Am still in touch with previous owner who has had the car for the last 8 years and hs not replaced the motor he has owned it since 185,000k's with no new motor.

He was obsesive compulsive with servicing done at every 5000k's and spent huge dollars reconditioning power steering rack instead of fitting a second hand replacement. Serviced gearbox and differentials every 30,000k's

It has no leaks on gear box or engine and blows no smoke.

Have just had the altenator reconditioned and was also found to have 1 x leaking injector when tested buy auto sparky second hand injector price =$15.

Thanks for the help guys.

[shrug]

What do the plates say?