SVO1's - 05' Baja - My New Subie project, The Cruck

[SVO1]

Found a deal on an n/a 05 Baja that I couldn't pass up. Repo with a nasty knock. Going to use it as a parts runner for the shop.
Plans are to lower it a couple inches, turbocharge it, fix the few little body issues and have a blast with it.
It also needs a good detailing. I have no idea how anyone can spend the money on a car and treat it this poorly. The PO had it for less than a year and 15k.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/IMAG1011-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/IMAG1012-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/IMAG1013-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/IMAG1014-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/IMAG1015-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/IMAG1016-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/IMAG1018-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/IMAG1017-1.jpg

[lord flashheart]

cool i dig it man!

altho i must lightly criticize turboing your parts runner.. lower MPG, poor reliability. plus a turbo would chew up that auto tranny.

anyways. it will be cool for sure.

[SVO1]

That's part of the fun! Considering I build a lot of turbo cars, I can't have anything without boost :)
It will be a lower boost setup just to pep it up a bit. I will keep updating as I have free time to get it underway!

[lord flashheart]

i know how it is man. ive turbod quite a few cars. anyways good luck

[SVO1]

New EJ257 shortblock at home for it, and some new drop springs and GR2's. Have been slammed with customer work so I haven't gotten to much on it other than a small amount of body tear down.

[httrdd]

Ohhhh fun stuff! Get that baja hood too.

[SVO1]

Ohhhh fun stuff! Get that baja hood too.
Already on it, I wanted something just a bit more aggressive than the Baja XT hood :)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/12/IMAG1062-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/12/IMAG1063-1.jpg

[httrdd]

Yes!

[httrdd]

Yes!

[chuckthefuk]

Bad ass but why is this in Members Ride II? This is as much a Legacy as any other BE/BH

[SVO1]

I dunno, can it be moved? I figured it was a bastard child LOL!

[chuckthefuk]

moved. :-D

Can you post the info badge / vin plate from the shock tower? I curious to see the info on it.

Cheers and the Baja is not the bastard child.. The Legacy is :-D Anything that falls under Legacy is welcome here.

-Chuck

[SVO1]

Thanks and here you go!
I apologize my camera was having issues picking it up really well.
and on a side note the new driver's fender showed up today :0
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9669/btvin.jpg

[SVO1]

new fender mocked up on it
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/12/IMAG1101-1.jpg

[chuckthefuk]

Cool. Enjoy you BT.

[SVO1]

Thanks, I'm looking forward to getting it on the road!

STI shortblock and headgaskets
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/12/IMAG1081-1.jpg

and the suspension goodies
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/12/IMAG1077-1.jpg

[SVO1]

had a few hours to mess with it yesterday, got the engine out!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/IMAG1124-1.jpg

metal shavings on the oil pump pickup. Had about 3 qts of nasty nasty oil in it.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/IMAG1125-1.jpg

[httrdd]

moved. :-D

Can you post the info badge / vin plate from the shock tower? I curious to see the info on it.

Cheers and the Baja is not the bastard child.. The Legacy is :-D Anything that falls under Legacy is welcome here.

-Chuck

I quoted you in my sig chuck! :lol:

This thing is going to be a fun cruck!

[chuckthefuk]

just for shits and giggles pull out the oil pickup from the sti short block and install one of these.. $200 but worth every penny

http://www.killerbmotorsport.com/index_ ... Pickup.htm (http://www.killerbmotorsport.com/index_files/UltimateOiPickup.htm)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/IMG_6900-1.jpg

[chuckthefuk]

moved. :-D

Can you post the info badge / vin plate from the shock tower? I curious to see the info on it.

Cheers and the Baja is not the bastard child.. The Legacy is :-D Anything that falls under Legacy is welcome here.

-Chuck I quoted you in my sig chuck! :lol:



Wow.. my first signature quote.. :smt023 :smt020 :smt020

[SVO1]

just for shits and giggles pull out the oil pickup from the sti short block and install one of these.. $200 but worth every penny

http://www.killerbmotorsport.com/index_ ... Pickup.htm (http://www.killerbmotorsport.com/index_files/UltimateOiPickup.htm)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/IMG_6900-1.jpg
Very nice piece! I have have to add that to my project parts list :)

[nikolaus.conrad]

Can't wait to see how this turns out!!

[lord flashheart]

Questions.
So what are you doing for engine managment?
Also you mentioned that your doing low boost, but your using a STi short block. That means your compression will be down in the low 8:1 range. Based on my experience that motor on 7lbs of boost will make about 180hp-ish (which doesn't seem with it since the factory engine made 175hp-ish.) with supporting mods. And I gotta go back to the transmission, how are you going to keep the trans from being destroyed?

[SVO1]

I am still looking into tuning it, the Baja PCM seems to be a unique one. I have the diagrams from the FSM and I need to compare it to other models to see what my options may be. From what I can find nobody has open sourced a n/a baja PCM.

I will have to talk to my machine shop, when they calculated it they were in the 8.9xx range with compression with the '11 257 and 251 heads.
Either way it will get enough boost to get out of it's own way, but it's not going to be a racer, I have a few Turbo Mustangs that take care of those duties.
As far as the 4eat, I'm personally not too worried about it. I will put a good trans cooler on it and temp gauge, and watch it. I did the same on an 06 4eat Impreza that a local has with a raptor supercharger, He doesn't just beat it, but he drives it hard and it has survived with no issues for about 26k. Hell the head unit has been rebuilt twice by raptor in that timeframe!

[lord flashheart]

hmmm...i work for a machine shop, and i got a much different number.
(and im pretty good at this stuff LOL :D)

lets do a bit of math.

head volume
EJ257 51cc
EJ251 50cc
head gasket thickness.
EJ257 .031
EJ251 .021

using a calculator, with a 99.5 mm bore, the head gasket volume is
EJ257 6.1cc
EJ251 10.66cc

so....
bore: 99.5MM
Stroke: 79MM
Head gasket bore: 99.5MM
Head gasket compressed thickness: 0.80MM (0.031 inches)
combustion chamber volume: 50cc
piston dish: 22cc
Deck clearance: .30MM

this is all the information required to calculate your compression ratio.

i got 8.3:1 on one calculator and 8.5:1 on another

if you want to play around with the calculator here is some info on that will come in handy.
http://www.rs25.com/forums/f128/t167242 ... ons-q.html (http://www.rs25.com/forums/f128/t167242-ej25d-w-ej257-pistons-q.html)
http://www.rs25.com/forums/f7/t94195-ne ... gines.html (http://www.rs25.com/forums/f7/t94195-need-specs-many-different-engines.html)

this is the calculator i like.
http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/compstaticcalc.html

like i said i work for a machine shop and am more than happy to answer questions and toss around ideas.
ive turboed a few cars. :D the shop i work at also does alot of tuning, custom wiring harnesses, engine swaps, dynoing etc.

there is a way to access the EJ251 ECU. via romraider and it is possible to tune it, but the people
who can/have done it are few and far between. not saying its not possible tune it, but it would take
a skilled tuner a fair amount of time to manage it,
basically, you have whats called an 'image' which is how your ECU runs and operates. more or less its a 'tune'
. well in order to change your image, you need the deffinition, which makes a program (like romraider) able to
access, read, understand and edit the image.. unfortunatley as far as i know, i havent heard of
anyone who has managed to tune a naturally aspirated subaru ECU prior to the USDM 2005 EJ253 AVCS.
this is due to the limited 'market' for a opensource deffinition for the N/A cars. particularly the older ones.
on a side note our tuner is working on a way to tune the OEM ECU because the subaru computer is engineered to
a higher standard, not to mention it is programed with information like injector offset and stuff of that nature.
plus they are dime a dozen compared to the aftermarket options. but if i were you i would get a piggyback.
AEM, and Gready both make some well engineered and inexpensive options.


as long as you have faith in that transmission. that is all that matters.

i was also going to ask you about your turbo selection. as i have some suggestions.
IMHO turbo selection is as important as Gear ratio selection.
ie if you go too big, you will have too much lag.
go to small, your prime volumetric efficentcy of the turbo will be below your shift range (subarus are usually in the 4000-6500 RPM) if you get a turbo thats too small, the VE of the turbo will light up at 2700RPMs and fall off at like 5000 rpm. so you will only have 1000 rpms of peak effiecency, then you got another 1500rpms where your torque and HP nose dive. but on the flip side, it being an Automatic you want a smaller turbo so your not waiting all day for the turbo to spool.

Just trying to help with your build.

edited because i had some numerical errors. after i double checked my work.

[nikolaus.conrad]

^+1

[SVO1]

Wow I have not been on here for a long time, as the shop has been keeping me really busy, so here is a condensed update.
I have been driving it for about 3500 miles, and its great!
it is the ej257/251 combo, with later avcs valve springs for when I am able to get it boosted.
For anyone thinking about the hybrid route, Honestly the difference between the stock high compression engine and the low compression hybrid is not bad at all. I was able to run it against a friends lightly modded (drop in air filter and a muffler) 03 legacy GT 4eat and 0-75 he had me by about 3/4 of a car. Driving it around town and on the highway it's fine. I have been averaging 25mpg with it as well.

I also have the LGT suspension in it, I have to get whiteline bushings for the rear to get the alignment in spec, but it's close. it rides/handles great.
Also have done a little body repair, repaired most of the hood and modded it for the scoop,fixed the front bumper & blacked out the bed trim/sport bars.
More will come soon!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/IMAG1382-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/IMAG1411-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/IMAG1454-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/IMAG1457-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/IMAG1476-1.jpg

[chrish8r]

I really like the styling of the baja. practically a legacy wagon with a bed. Nice work so far

[chuckthefuk]

very nice!!

[Muse]

that's pretty cool looking. I've been wondering what a dropped Baja would look like, and behold: my answer!

[MonstarMotorsports]

Reading threw some chitchat up above.... Just FYI, automatic trannys can hold just as much, if not more power than subarus 5 speeds. Your not going to tear it up by any means. Boost the shit out of it and have fun. Your only weak link might be the torque converter after 300+ horsepower.
and a properly tuned boosted car will net more MPG's than a N/A. driven properly of course.

Love the project though, I own a '05 Baja Turbo 5 Speed. by far the most favorite car ive ever owned. You can fit street bikes and banshee's in that bed just so you know!!

[Yamazaki]

That's all good information, but this thread is about SVO1's vehicle. Let's limit the threadjacking and start this conversation in a new thread.

[lord flashheart]

oh yea sorry...
the lowered baja looks spectacular. i honestly never liked them but that does look good i must admit.

[lord flashheart]

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=25530 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=25530)

like the mods said, lets not thread jack. come on over and we will hash this out.

[SVO1]

Small Update
Dipped the wheels to see if I would like them black
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/08/IMAG1537-1.jpg

Shot a light mixture of clear/black on the tails, and built a bed cover
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/08/IMAG1561-1.jpg

On our vacation in the middle of a back lot at six flags I found my Doppleganger
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/08/IMAG1609-1.jpg


Haven't done much to the Cruck other than this small stuff, Been busy with Customer work, My SVO, and doing the turbo setup on my Wife's Cobra
From a poker run this past weekend with a Friend's turbocoupe
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/08/IMAG1698-1.jpg

[lord flashheart]

I think a set if 18s will make it complete

[chrish8r]

The plasti dipped wheels really set that off with the blue.

Ive looked into those SVOs and they seem pretty damn sice

[MonstarMotorsports]

I've been debating going black chrome on my "roll bars"
i think you just sold me on it lol. Thanks!

[SVO1]

Thanks guys!
The SVO I have had since 95, It's back to mostly stock as I have an 87 LX with a built 2.3 turbo in it. It's a fun car to blast around in for sure.

Monstar- do it! I think the bars look great not being super bright!

[Dead91silvia]

Coming along nicely! I'm still thinking if my BD gives up a Baja might be the next one...

[Yamazaki]

Coming along nicely! I'm still thinking if my BD gives up a Baja might be the next one...
You should. I borrowed that turbo Baja down the street to go pick up a mattress.... it was amazing! Utility PLUS the hot looks of the 3rd gen.

[MonstarMotorsports]

Utility PLUS the hot looks of the 3rd gen.

^ this!

only car in the world besides a diesel truck that can pull 26+ mpg, turn a 12 second quarter mile, haul a street bike in the bed, take 4 people + gear to the mt. snowboarding and do it all on the same set of tires. thats function. WIN!

[SVO1]

a Little teaser of what's to come
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/IMAG1718-1.jpg

[MonstarMotorsports]

you sly little SOB.

[98legwag]

I see what you did there.

[Rubie_25GT]

hmm yes. Go on.

[Dead91silvia]

Coming along nicely! I'm still thinking if my BD gives up a Baja might be the next one...
You should. I borrowed that turbo Baja down the street to go pick up a mattress.... it was amazing! Utility PLUS the hot looks of the 3rd gen.

Did you let the guy use your STi?! LOL!


a Little teaser of what's to come


HEY! No porn! :smt005

[chrish8r]

I dont like being teased....haha

[1996Battlewagon]

Did you weld the mounting bracket to the intake?

[SVO1]

Mounting bracket was just bolted on. Haven't had a chance to do a lot more on it, My mom fell and Broke her hip and I am taking care of her, and still have a few long term shop projects I'm finishing up.
Initial startup with the belt on, nothing hooked up yet otherwise.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/th_VIDEO0004-1.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f96/SVO1/?action=view&current=VIDEO0004.mp4)

[SVO1]

Somewhere in a field in Missouri on a trip
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/12/IMAG1854-1.jpg

[bulldozer24]

sweat! I have been wondering about your project, looks like its coming along nicely.

hope your mom get feeling better.

[chrish8r]

Any progress on this build? Id like to see what a supercharger can do for a Baja!!

[Dead91silvia]

Why does it sound like a weed eater? LOL