Need opinion on a 1996 wrx sti with low compression.
 

Hey revscene I need opinion on a 1996 wrx sti sedan with low compression on one cylinder. I just went to take a look at the vehicle seems like it's in great shape minus the low compression. How much would it cost to fix the problem? It is worth my time buying and fixing it? Thanks for all your answers in advance.

Only if the car is super cheap. Better off importing your own.

Opening up a can of worms, IMO.

I'm looking into import my own too but it doesn't hurt to check it out. The car was in a grade 4 condition with 116k on the odo, comes with a few mods.

+1

It'll be messy for sure unless you have the following:

1. A lot of time
2. The patience
3. The money (not that I'm making assumptions about you or anything but I know everyone on Revscene is filthy rich.)

If you have a budget, you should ask around to get a quote to see what it will cost you and of course, be prepared for surprises of all sorts. But if you want to go balls out and have your heart set on this car, go for it and post a build thread for everyone to see! :)

No guts, no glory, right? :hotbaby:

is it still driveable? can you get it to a mechanic and get a real diagnosis? because doing it here sight unseen isn't going to get you any proper answers.

It is driveable, I'm gonna call around first to see if it's worth bringing it in for inspection. Thanks for all your replies.

stay away unless the thing is like 3k

Give Eric at HBL Autosports a call. The guy knows the ins and outs of subies. He has an sti himself and will offer you sound advice.

Get a leakdown test done and find out what's causing the low compression, then go from there.

+1 for Eric at hbl

One thing I forgot to mention I'm actually located in Calgary. I did called a subaru specialist today and he said they won't be able to find parts for JDM imprezas. called Autodream as well and they said I can either do a rebuilt or swap the engine altogether which is probably gonna set me back 4-5K. As much as I like the car I don't think it's worth my time.

That's why you do a leakdown test, if it's leaking out the exhaust or intake you just need to rebuild one of the heads, if it's coolant it'll need a headgasket, both options being much more minor than a full rebuild or engine swap.

You only buy broken cars if you can fix them. If your a noob your setting yourself up for a world of hurt.

... or if you intend buy and fix on the cheap to flip it for profit (sorry i've been watching too much "wheeler dealer" again)