WRX Engine Problem

[HOLDAN]

Hi

A mate has a 2005 WRX (with the 2 litre turbo). She recently had some serious engine work done - according to her she put the 2 litre heads on a 2.5l motor. She's not exactly sure and is in the process of getting the specs from the builder. There were some problems with the car after the build and when the engine was pulled down, this is what they found.

http://s466.photobucket.com/albums/rr21/holdanvess/

Haven't seen this sort of damage before, so I was wondering what your thoughts are. The engine builder told her it was bad fuel - mmmmmmmmmmm

Regards, Dan

[macca33]

I am far from an engine expert, but that damage appears as though the valves have hit something solid - piston or some foreign object inside the chamber???

[zorro]

interesting although the pics being blurry Im not too sure. My guess is the valves have melted due to fuelling issues, are they scored or show signs of heat stress?

[Soopy]

I'd reckon you'd get some indication of detonation on the pistons as well if there was fueling issues.

That looks like its hit something.

[HOLDAN]

Thanks guys.

Sorry about pic quality - i took them on my iPhone and I shake a lot.

I thought they must have been hit by something.

How would bad fuel cause that shape of damage though?

[Uwish]

Seems bigger cams were used and cams weren't dailed in.
There are heaps of Subaru guys in QLD.
Get on Rexnet and ask about.
if you bump into Kris on there ( built h6 ) he'll point you in the right direction, or even build you a new motor

[Xjas]

Its hard to tell from the photos, are there two valves with damage? are the damaged valves all exhaust valves, what location in the engine were the valves?
This doesnt look like impact damage to me, more like combustion has been taking place while the valve was open causing part of it to get burned away.
If there are two exhaust valves with damage and the came from the same side I would say that exhaust cam may have not been timed correctly, if they are from both sides of the motor possibly a timing issue but it would have to be very late timing and the car would run very badly.