2006 Outback Full Swap to STI

[Scottb117]

Hello,

I've been looking around at people who have done swaps and put STI engine in outbacks. I'm interested in this as well. I am considering just getting a WRX STI, but I like the size and ground clearance that the outback has and I mainly just want more power for mountain driving.

So how much would you estimate the damages would be for a full and complete STI swap on a 2006 2.5i and what all would be involved? I don't have the time or facilities to do it myself so I would need to have it done somewhere else. I wondering if there is just a cut off point where getting a new car is a better option.

I would want to make sure that all the systems support the new engine and work as they are intended. Would it possible to keep an automatic transmission through all this? Upgrade to something other than a 4 speed auto i currently have, like a 5 speed auto or CTV?
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On a different note I've been noticing quite a delay between when I press the accelerator and receiving power.
It's like:
1. Press accelerator
2. Wait around 3/4 of a second
3. Receive power

This happens no matter how hard I press the accelerator I can press it a "normal" amount or floor it and the result is the same. My car has 116k miles.

I saw some posts about drive by wire causing it, but it's such a noticeable delay I have a hard time believing that. I'm wondering it it might be a transmission issue. Maybe it's not engaging fast enough or something. Subarus are a strange beast hehe :)

Thanks for your help :)

[AWDFTW]

In a nutshell, it would be cheaper for you to get the H6 or an Outback XT than to try and do what you are asking about, if money is an object at all.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by AWDFTW

In a nutshell, it would be cheaper for you to get the H6 or an Outback XT than to try and do what you are asking about, if money is an object at all.

XT - put through all the proper stage 2 and 3 mods is basically your STI swap. ^ what he says makes sense get the XT and start doing the documented mods and tunes and you have the car your talking about.

[Scottb117]

Yea, I was looking at the XT as well but failed to mention it in the post. That does seem like a good option. From what I can find out the XT has ~250 HP and the STI has 305 hp. How much of a "noticeable" difference is there, if you know what I mean? I'm not exactly sure how wide the gap is when dealing with 55 hp between them. Maybe some tests drives are in order to see what I want to do.

[AWDFTW]

XT + some mods = much fun.
XT performance mods

You have to pay to play(or in this case, go fast), and the XT requires more service than your non turbo Subaru (premium fuel, synthetic oil at short intervals, etc).

[subiesailor]

There is at least one XT owner here in the forums who has done lots of mods and can give you a good idea about power. But realistically speaking if you want the most HP possible the OB is the wrong platform due to its lacking ability regarding handling.

[Scottb117]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

There is at least one XT owner here in the forums who has done lots of mods and can give you a good idea about power. But realistically speaking if you want the most HP possible the OB is the wrong platform due to its lacking ability regarding handling.

True, the handling probably isn't meant for it. More power is want I mainly want. I really like my Outback so it would be nice to keep it somehow. I know a couple of ppl with WRX STIs and they recommend them.