December 2024 Update: iWire is no longer offering harness merge services so we can focus on other parts of the business, including iDCCD, plug-and-play harnesses, and replacement electrical components. As part of this change, our technical support, wiring guidance, and troubleshooting assistance for harness merge projects will be very limited moving forward.
We appreciate everyone who trusted us with their swap wiring over the years.
These blog posts will remain available as a resource for the Subaru swap community.
To learn more about why we ended our harness merge services, please read the blog post below:
https://iwireusa.com/blogs/iwire-university/why-are-we-ending-our-harness-merge-services
In this blog post, we go over why buying a complete engine is a better option than buying its components separately. This is catered toward those going from a non-turbo to turbo application, like a 2001 RS getting an 06 STi engine.
Sometimes we get the following question: “I have purchased a long block, and I’m going to make an engine.” For example, someone purchasing a built 2006 STi long block but not having the other components, such as the intake manifold, wiring harness, hoses, bolts, crossmember, steering rack, etc.
The problem with going down this route is that there are a lot of little things you need, all of which are expensive when you have to buy them individually. Some examples of parts that would need to be sourced include bolts, the engine wiring harness, hoses, gaskets, the inlet pipe, clips, and oxygen sensors. When you do the math, purchasing these pieces separately ends up being more expensive than just starting with a complete engine. (Click here to see all the pieces with pricing for our WRX into RS swap).
What does iWire Recommend?
We think the best solution is to start with the most complete engine possible and then refurbish it or modify it. If you want to do a built engine for high horsepower like a 2006 STi, then purchase a used or blown 2006 OEM STi engine complete and buy an upgraded longblock for it. The more accessory parts you can get with the engine the better.
Utilizing a more complete engine as a starting point will be easier for you and makes it easier for future shop to work on the engine as well. Shops dread a box of parts showing up from a customer because of the difficulty to figure out what is what and if all of the parts are even there.
Need Subaru DIY Items? Check Out the Links Below:
Updating your Transmission? You May Need our iVSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor Replicator) or our iDCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential for 6 Speed Transmission).
