V7 AVCS Engine or Forged V3 STI with worked heads... ?

[scooby-wrx]

Hey guys,

I bought a V7 STI AVCS engine over the weekend to put into my GC8 but I know it’s a bit of a mission to convert (loom, ecu etc...) so unsure if I'll continue with the conversion at this stage... Bought it as it was really, really cheap!

I have two options:

1). Convert GC8 to suit V7 STI AVCS engine

2). Forge current V3 STI Engine (still running well, just oil leaks = Crank seal & rocker cover)

I've been offered a set of V3 STI heads which have been CNC ported / polished, have new valves / springs and 272 degree Kelford Cams, so could sell the AVCS engine - forge the V3 motor & fit the heads. I’m looking for around 250 kw so not sure if it’s really worth rebuilding the V3 engine…? Currently running a Possum Link on V3 engine. Plan on running the car on the streets as well as the odd track day, so perhaps the 272’s are a bit extreme…?

Any input appreciated.

Cheers

[gotasuby]

Stick with v3 engine if you can get heads cheap as they could make serious power. But if you only ever want 250.standard heads will get you there.

[94 Leone]

being that you have the whole inlet manifold and loom; I say hit the v7 into it. avcs timing etc. well worthwhile in the end. suitable for both street and track with avcs too.

ultimately its what you wanna do. and which goes in which hard basket.

[Kiwi_Fozze]

Avcs tuned correctly can bring on some wicked spool, much nicer to drive off boost, will handle 250 with a bigger turbo and fuelling on the stock ecu, which is reflashable, as opposed to having to buy a link. Personally id keep the 7, find a body and engine harness, and ecu and swap it all in. Yeah its a pain, but still a lot cheeper than link + tune....

[scooby-wrx]

Thanks for your responses so far.

gotasuby The V3 heads are tempting, can get them for 2k or a deal with my moto-x bike but am uncertain on 272 degree cams. They may be a bit extreme from road use.

Agree, I’m a huge fan of the EJ207 conversion. AVCS is fantastic, it’s just the wiring putting me off… I’ll pull the old engine out, fit the V7 one but wouldn't know where to start with wiring so was planning on dropping it off at Dtech again (they did an exceptional job on my last conversion) hope to get it tuned by them too.

[gotasuby]

If they that much get the v7 in and a link. Trust me it's far better than standard ecu. Allows a lot more options and easier. Initial cost are more but we'll worth it.

[scooby-wrx]

Keep getting told to get a G4... Don't really think its worth it, but will see when my mate gets his into his V3 STI RA.

Turns out the heads I mentioned are not V3 STI nor do the have Kelford cams... They're actually V6 WRX with over sized valves plus race springs and retainers (Brian Crower), cams are after market Brian Crower Cams 272 deg. heads have only been fitted to motor never run. The port and polish was done by CNC machine and have been volume tested to ensure all are equal.

I've decided not to take them, so still available. PM me if you're interested.

[scoobygt]

How much are you wanting for the heads man?

[scooby-wrx]

They're not mine. Met a guy selling them. They were on trademe so have a look. I'll add an auction link if I come across them.