[pta slowchat] Impreza WRX 2.4 @ 499hp

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Needless to say, the car was attacked with a lot more than just bolt-ons. Out came the robust Subaru EJ20 quad-cam 16-valve engine and the Rigolis set to work working the magic that they're now dab hands at. The first step was to stretch the internal swept capacity from 2.0 to 2.4 litres (2.4, not 2.2 litres like the Rigoli vehicle). This was done using an atmo 2.2-litre block, which was then kitted out with a TRP (Tony Rigoli Performance) stroker kit. This incorporates a long-throw crank, forged rods, forged pistons (giving around a 7.5:1 CR, like the Rigoli's), heavy duty bolts rings and bearings. The rest of the engine received an O-ringing, copper head gaskets and all-important heavy-duty head studs. Subaru's effort with the 2 litre's DOHC, 16 valve alloy heads was pretty good, so these were bolted on standard - just like the Rigoli racer.
So lets get down to it. The Rigoli racer - at the time that Alfred had the work done to his car - was making 499hp at all-four-wheels on the TRP Dyno Dynamics dyno (on 42 psi boost). (And for our overseas readers, that's way, way more than this at the flywheel - the DD always reads far lower at the wheels than a flywheel figure!) Alfred's car is run at a more conservative boost level - ensuring heightened reliably. With its turbo set to push a relatively mild 25 psi, Alfred's beast has cranked out 405hp at all fours. Not at all bad considering how much harder it can be pushed!
Being a streetcar (yes, Alfred's WRX does get driven almost every day) the car hasn't yet run a quarter mile time - but you'd be a fool not to expect a 10 second pass. Looking at the power, the traction and the vehicle mass, that'd be a very safe guesstimate. Indeed, Alfred says it's a terrific weapon to drive on public roads, but - as you'd expect - there is the odd trade-off. That dog box can be a real stubborn bastard at times. If you want to change into a lower gear, you'd better be still rolling - or you're in for a big fight with the gear lever! Oh, and the dog box is a loud sucker too. Other than that though, it's safe to say that Alfred's Rex is pure ecstasy on wheels.