EJ20TT into Gen2 RX

bensmith87 · Post by **bensmith87** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:05 am

Hi, I think this is my first post here.

I've had my RX for almost a year now, and am slowly becoming more competent with its workings, I've "rebuilt" the gearbox after having it explode (quite literally) a few weeks after I bought the car, I replaced all bushes with nolathane ones, and recently I replaced a front wheel bearing and hub after it seizing (not as fun as you would thing).

Anyway, I'm wanting to start working on the engine now, am I'm contemplating buying a half-cut twin turbo.

I want to know if this motor will drop into mine?
Can I use my existing gearbox (I have a manual, and it is an auto)?
What are the specifications of the motor based on the chassis code (genBG5 J469C-BG5 010703-VIN-EJ20 973902), I've tried to decode it, but it doesn't seem to follow the examples I can find?
Can I use the bonnet from the half-cut, considering mine is a sedan and I think the half cut was a wagon?
Any other difficulties I could/will come across?

A few more details about mine...
1997 RX liberty sedan
2.5L DOHC
Manual

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,

Ben

spike · Post by **spike** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:28 am

couple of questions to ask......

why do you want to use the bonnet from the wagon? i would presume they are the same.

the VIN almost looks like a japansese car which is quite probably being a holf cut.
id image the motor would drop straight in, and id also imagine that it would bolt to the gearbox.

bensmith87 · Post by **bensmith87** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:44 am

Hi, thanks for the reply.

I would like to use the bonnet as it has a scoop on it for the top mounted intercooler.

Venom · Post by **Venom** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:50 am

TT bonet wwill have a scoop for the top mount.

You would be well advised to go onto RSliberty.org forums and read up their on these conversions. If you post this on RSLib there will be a chorus of people telling you twin-turbo set up are to be avoided like the plague, and the only reason people on that forum still have them is because they don't have the money to convert to single turbo, YET. Seriously though check out that forum there are dozens and dozens or turbo converted cars on there to learn from.

bensmith87 · Post by **bensmith87** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:54 am

Thanks for the heads up, maybe it would be better if I found a single turbo out of a WRX or something?

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:38 pm

I've heard pretty much the same thing as Venom - main reason is that you can't "upgrade" or tweak twin turbos as easily as you can an single turbo...

Go the single turbo and your RS will have a pot load more potential even after the conversion is completed.

Al from AMauto will be one to seek if you need anything done. Venom has direct experience in this as his current ride is a product of Al's

Cheers

Bennie

sven '2' · Post by **sven '2'** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 11:12 pm

Start here (is rslibertyclub) - been done before, remember search first before asking Qs...

TT = fail no matter which you cut it

Ninja edit - agree with Venom (please search first though...)

d_generate · Post by **d_generate** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 1:07 am

My suggestion would be to buy a V3 MY97 or V4 MY98 STI front cut, everything fits and you send the wiring harnesses to Al at AMauto for the splicing, you'll get a strong 4.44 box, 4 pot brakes, alloy arms, best heads & cams and a really aggressive computer that'll get you close to 600Kl around town and a high 12sec qtr with very easy mods......I should know,I've had mine for 5yrs & love it as much as the day I had it converted.
It's in the YouTube vid in my sig.