Hi guys, Does anyone know if there will be any problems dropping a 03 sti engine in a 99 wrx, Was there any huge changes between the engines that would cause problems when swaped? Any advice would be much appreciated. I was told the 2002 would have been no problem at all but i am not too sure about the 2003.

Thanks

my guess is it would be hassel free....few things altered but should fit fine.

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MY04 WRX CLUBSPEC 7

It will bolt in.

But the AVCS will need wiring in with an aftermarket ECU in order to utilise it.

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RS Liberty - Because WRX's are only good for parts...

Yeah, I'm running a 03 motor in my 99 wagon and there are a few things you have to do to get it to run.

The cam trigger has a different pattern so you will likely need an after market computer if you want to use the 03 heads. I'm pretty sure the 02 has the same different trigger pattern. I'm not sure if any PnP computers can change the trigger setup, I know the Autronic can't, but I suspect the Motec can. I'm also not sure if you can change the cam wheels to get the same effect, though this would mean loosing the AVCS.

Also the coil on plug idea will have to be ditched (which will likely mean using your MY99 manifold) unless you go for an after market wire in computer. Same goes for AVCS as mentioned.

I am running a LinkPlus G3 wire in in my car and it runs the motor perfectly, including the AVCS. So basically its not as simple as just bolting the new motor in. If you want to have a look at mine shoot me a PM.

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John Stamos fan club lifetime member

Don't flame me in regards to this If I am wrong, but can't you just transfer everything over in cluding the 03 loom and computer ?

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MY06 STi

You Probably could do that, but you'd have to splice the 99 dash loom into the 03 one so you can get the 03 computer and electrics to work with the AC and other dash electrics. It might be worth considering because that would mean you have a new tuning option: VERSO

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RS Liberty - Because WRX's are only good for parts...

I did consider the STi computer but put it in the too hard basket. It would be easier to swap over the entire dash and cabin loom than try and splice the two together I think. This has been done many times in the US (have a look in the conversions section of NASIOC) but I've not heard of it being done down here, though it may have been.

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John Stamos fan club lifetime member