!997 Gtb long block Vs 1997 forrester long block

[Guest]

Hi guys just wanting peoples view on what blocks better to use as im needing a long block!

I know !997 gtb blocks are good as there are similar to V3 and V4 correct me if im wrong lol

Cheers!

[Guest]

The GTB's heads are better but the bottom ends more likely to / will run a big end bearing.

Fozzie block will be more reliable

[ReubenH]

There's 2 types of GTB blocks. Don't get suckered out of a good engine.

You are specifically thinking of the EJ20R. That engine was only available in the MANUAL GTB's. Not in the auto GTB's, and not in either of the GT's. And it's very hard to tell them apart from the Auto GTB's EJ20H. The only way i know is checking the numbers.

The EJ20R will be on par with V3/4 STi engines more or less. EJ20H is on par with foz and WRX.

[Guest]

Good point

Yes i assumed he would be talking about the R - otherwise there isn't much difference

[Guest]

Yea was meant to be more precise (ej20R) but i want to stay away from a block that will be more pron to run a big end bearing so i think i wrx or forrester will be more better choice!

Whats the difference between open deck block and a close deck block?

cheers! 8)

[ReubenH]

Yeah, the 20R's tend to get thrashed. The block i think is hardly much different to the STi blocks, but the way the TT works means they get rung out allot more than STi's tend to (TT making peak power later down the rev range). And the typical everyday gtb owner out there probably doesn't know the first thing about maintenance, being they are more family cars.

As for open deck/closed deck:

The deck is the mating surface for the heads as far as i remember. Getting a block "decked" is to machine a layer off the block to make it all nice and new. Closed deck, on the left, is basically re-inforced through the cooling galleries there, it strengthens the cylender walls, so you are less likely to get headgasket failure, or crack cyl walls with a closed deck. But in the 2L's, that's pretty rare. You hardly need a closed deck with a 2L unless you are making insane ammounts of power. I only went with one cause it was given to me, and i liked the sound of a future proof engine.

My honest advice, get a 20R longblock, and rebuild it. Go with a different short block, either closed deck, or a later rear thrust block (Or was it centre thrust, i forget... go with whichever one the GTB isn't...) Get forgies, maybe do some work to the GTB heads. And presto, new, powerful, and very strong engine.

If you just want a replacement long block cause your engine just blew up, avoid 20R's like the plauge. Second hand ones are ticking time bombs, only get a 20R if you intend to re-build it.

[Guest]

cheers reuben! umm couldn't i just use a closed deck blocked and use my parts off my old engine eg water pump cambelt etc change the head gasket, the heads and pistons?

[ReubenH]

AFIAK, yes. Someone may have to back me up on that though.

For pre 98, and EJ block is an EJ block.. After 98 they changed the position of the thrust bearing on the crank, so you gotta get the right crank to go with. Also, i think you gotta match your pistons to your heads.

[Guest]

Sweet!

Is there a specific closed deck block i gotta use? any under the 1998 down? my old engine is 1997 if i use v4 heads and normal wrx piston would that be ok?

[Guest]

TBH you really don't need to bother with the closed deck block on your setup. Its not needed at your power level. And on non forged wrx pistons you ain't going to make more power safely.

The open deck block itself rarely if ever fails or causes the big end failure. 9/10 it will be detonation or an oil issue.

Closed Deck Blocks are most commonly found on 1989-93 single turbo legacys, v2 wrx sti also had them.

If you have done a beb then you should replace the crank as well.

I think somewhere u said you were using an sti ecu with a v2 wrx engine - once running again you should check out if that caused your engine failure.

[Guest]

just wanting a safer option yea was using a V2 pistions only.. on 1997 wrx longblock.. my comp was a v4

Ive taking out my intercooler and seen where the block is cracked sorry guys no pics lol

Im just wondering what would i need as i gonna use a close deck block just to be safe i can use my other parts from my old engine. i'll find some forgie heads maybe v3/v4 pistions and cranks and gasket.

Have i left any thing? just wanting to know start saving and also need a shopping list!

cheers!