Hello,
Like many others, I have always thought that one day I would own a 22B. That day may yet come, but while watching the prices of 22B's skyrocket over the past few years and after finally seeing 22B's in Japan on vacation last year I've decided to try and piece together a 22B replica car with the goal to recreate the driving experience of an OEM standard 22B. I've been slowly gathering parts and hope to get some feedback from those that have actually driven \ maintained \ owned \ tuned 22B's to see if I'm on the right track.
My base car for this project is a 1998 Subaru Impreza WRX STI IV Type R V-Limited which I thought would get me the 22B gear ratios, rear diff, brakes, heads, and of course the 2 door shell in 74F. My plan is to start with the driveline before moving on to the suspension, interior, and aesthetics.
I'm using an EJ22T block from a USDM Legacy Turbo. I was able to find a set of original stock bore 22B pistons, which I intend to use with the EJ22T legacy crank paired with some EJ207 rods from an STI V7. I have the option of using the V7 crank but from my forum searching it sounds like at stock power levels its not worth machining the block and dealing with the change in thrust bearing position. I'm not sure which headgasket to use yet and could use some advice here.
Engine management will be a Link G4 PnP which will sit in an original 22B Ecu Case I was lucky enough to come across.
I am planning on running the original JDM 22B clutch setup. I've read that they don't last long but I don't intend on driving this car all that much (have another GC8 for daily driving as well as a GC Time Attack track car) and I really want to experience what the original 22B was like. I've been able to source a new 22B flywheel, but have not bought the clutch yet and could still be convinced to go with the AP Racing UK 22B clutch. Is it possible\beneficial to use the JDM Clutch Cover with AP disks to try and get some extra longevity? I've seen the 22B specific clutch bulkhead pipes for sale, guessing I should use that with the Twin Plate clutch?
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