Piston Slap: Extraneous Engineering Fallacy, Factory Performance Models

Sajeev Mehta
by Sajeev Mehta

Matt writes:

Hi Sajeev,

I’m anticipating that my 1997 Subaru Legacy wagon, with 210,000 miles on the clock, will need replacing soon. I’m lucky in that my wagon is a five-speed manual with the 2.2 EJ motor, so it has been fairly bullet proof. I’ve been looking around at affordable commuter five-door hatchbacks (Mazda3, Impreza, Focus, etc) to replace the Legacy as the replacement needs to be able to fit multiple kids and sports gear, as well as be my daily driver (~45 miles roundtrip work commute).

Here is my question: I would like something a little sporty as more than half of my commute is on fun, twisty, back roads.

The half of my commute in bumper-to-bumper stop-and-go makes me want to ditch the manual, and the curvy roads have me debating the merits of a turbo. But my wallet and the fact that I’ve always driven my cars for 180,000+ miles makes me think NA and manual will be more reliable and cheaper in the long run.

I feel like my Subaru has skewed my perception. It’s led me to believe that the naturally aspirated engine and manual transmission combination is a much more sturdy, robust and reliable setup that’s less prone to breaking and needing repairs than a turbo and/or automatic.

Am I wrong? Is this true for late-model cars?

Sajeev answers:

The uncomplicated yet thoroughly acceptable performance of fully electric vehicles (be it a Leaf or anything Tesla) prove the old adage “ less is more” still holds water. It’s the best way to show extraneous engineering is just that, so let’s apply it to piston engines and those much-needed pistonhead thrills.

Considering the extra fail points and internal stresses generated by turbocharged cars, and their extra labor charges at the bottom of the depreciation curve, they are never the best car to cheaply put 180,000 on the odometer. One can (rightly) argue that today’s turbos are far more reliable than their 1980s predecessors, but naturally aspirated cars with manual transmissions are so damn popular in Europe for good reason.

Now consider that automakers manufacture cars from interchangeable parts, therefore you can make anything faster, more fun and even more efficient than factory spec. So why deal with extra plumbing, heat, stress, intercooler, etc. when you don’t need it? To wit, my $18,000 ( drive out) Duratec Ranger and my sporty, hot-roddy plan:

  • SCT 87-octane computer tune: way more low-end torque for $250
  • Bilstein HD shocks: mind-blowing ride/handling improvement at $350
  • FX4 Ranger shifter: relaxed, faster shifting from the armrest for $200
  • Reproduction Fox Mustang leather shift knob: ergonomic grip, matches the leather wheel for $25
  • FX4 Level II forged aluminum Alcoa wheels: shaved 40-ish lbs of unsprung weight, improving turn-in and overall steering response, $500 shipped from Edmonton
  • Removing airbox snorkel and modifying factory “cold air” ducting: added an exciting-ish growl at 5,000+ rpm for free
  • Bassani (2.5 inch, like the rest of the system) cat-back exhaust with Mustang GT muffler, $175 installed for smoother revving and a pleasant, Miata-like tone
  • 10mm wider (General Altimax) tires of a far superior rubber compound than the OEM shoes, $370-ish
  • Dead pedal from a Fox Mustang: $4.99 at the junkyard

For sure, I still have no chance against a Civic Si/Speed3, or even a regular 3/Civic with a competent wheelman or wheelwoman at the helm, but they can’t do what I want to do: carry 3 toilets from Home Depot or move 450 pounds of junked halogen shop fixtures to the recycler, all wrapped in this rig’s legendary ruggedness … so I double win, Son!

My point: Go drive something mediocre, but make sure there’s a halo model to grab factory parts (for cheap on the forums) and a strong aftermarket footprint. The Civic LX and Focus SE come to mind, so do some research and plan your post-purchase modifications. I promise your next 180,000 miles will be absolutely thrilling and personally fulfilling.

[Image: Shutterstock user Guitar Studio]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry … but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.

Sajeev Mehta
Sajeev Mehta

More by Sajeev Mehta

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 59 comments
  • Vulpine Vulpine on Jul 26, 2016

    You forgot to mention what engine in that Duratec Ranger. As for cold air injection, I'd like to see how to get more of that. In this summer heat with the AC running, it seems everything I've ever owned in NA has wimped out. Let it cool down into the 70s and they wake up again.

  • Nels0300 Nels0300 on Jul 26, 2016

    I think just like this guy. Last time I was in the market for a family car, I wanted: Manual transmission Port fuel injection Naturally aspirated As I found out, at least in terms of midsize sedans, you can pick TWO. The Accord Sport almost checks all of the boxes, but has direct injection. I ended up with a Camry V6, which of course has an automatic, but I keep telling myself it will be fine because it's a Toyota, and the 2GR-FE V6 / 6 speed auto combo is ancient. Still second guessing if I should have bought the Accord and might still check out a 6 speed manual Accord if I see they're cancelling the manual transmission for the next generation. Anyway, why not check out a Forester with a manual transmission? Port fuel injection, manual transmission, naturally aspirated, and REAL full time AWD? I'll bet it handles the twisty mountain roads better than an old Legacy too.

    • Gtem Gtem on Jul 26, 2016

      Forester seems like the natural pick, just keep an eye on the oil level!

  • ToolGuy North America is already the greatest country on the planet, and I have learned to be careful about what I wish for in terms of making changes. I mean, if Greenland wants to buy JDM vehicles, isn't that for the Danes to decide?
  • ToolGuy Once again my home did not catch on fire and my fire extinguisher(s) stayed in the closet, unused. I guess I threw my money away on fire extinguishers.(And by fire extinguishers I mean nuclear missiles.)
  • Carson D The UAW has succeeded in organizing a US VW plant before. There's a reason they don't teach history in the schools any longer. People wouldn't make the same mistakes.
  • B-BodyBuick84 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport of course, a 7 seater, 2.4 turbo-diesel I4 BOF SUV with Super-Select 4WD, centre and rear locking diffs standard of course.
  • Corey Lewis Think how dated this 80s design was by 1995!
Next