Blowing Up

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Update by Tom Suddard to the Subaru Impreza WRX project car
Jan 9, 2013

We had given our 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX more power and more suspension, so it was time to take it back to the track for another test day. The car was great for three laps (and 6 seconds faster per lap), but then something happened: We blew it up. Here’s a video on YouTube showing off our Subaru’s new noises.

We were forced to leave the car at The FIRM, so until we get it back home we can only speculate as to what happened. What do you think?

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Comments
dj06482
dj06482 GRM+ Memberand Dork
1/9/13 9:24 a.m.

Ugh...

SilverFleet
SilverFleet UltraDork
1/9/13 9:44 a.m.

Spun rod bearings. I read that the car ran Mobil 1 in it for most of its life. Subaru motors don't like that stuff.

Tom Suddard
Tom Suddard GRM+ Memberand Associate Editor
1/9/13 10:00 a.m.

We had given our 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX more power and more suspension, so it was time to take it back to the track for another test day. The car was great for three laps (and 6 seconds faster per lap), but then something happened: We blew it up. Here’s a video on YouTube showing off our Subaru’s new noises.

We were forced to leave the car at The FIRM, so until we get it back home we can only speculate as to what happened. What do you think?

Wicked awesome Scooby Rexes in your treeware mailbox. Subscribe to Grassroots Motorsports now.
fiasco
fiasco New Reader
1/9/13 10:08 a.m.

They definitely don't like thin Mobil 1. That drivers side back cylinder is usually the first to go.

Protege2886
Protege2886 Reader
1/9/13 12:03 p.m.

They don't like Mobil 1? I did not know that. I have a similar (less intense) sound coming from my engine too. *Sigh

Bobzilla
Bobzilla PowerDork
1/9/13 12:37 p.m.

Ahh.... because SUBARU!

Woody
Woody GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
1/9/13 12:56 p.m.

Miss January?! Nooooooo!!!!

Sorry to hear that. I'll have to check, but I don't think that car ever had Mobil 1 in it.

RHCorley
RHCorley New Reader
1/10/13 3:15 p.m.

Ruh roh Bad noi$eS

jmr302
jmr302 New Reader
1/10/13 10:53 p.m.

It spun a rod bearing. Unfortunately this is what Subarus do and it really has nothing to do with what oil was in the sump. It's in the oil pump design.

skimobile
skimobile New Reader
1/11/13 9:53 p.m.

OH yea, mine sounded just like that. We dropped the oil pan and you could shake the rods back and forth. Time for rebuild with MOAR POWER : )

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