I'll pipe in on both the Tiico and the WBX, since I drive both :
My Tiico into Syncro AW conversion has 15K trouble-free miles on it.
Change the plugs, add good oil and filter and away you go. I can drive
this anywhere, anytime...and I drive anywhere, all the time. Only 15K
though, so who knows. It is not my daily driver.
My 2.1 WBXs (one Syncro GL and one 2wd GL)have been very reliable as were
my previous two (another 2.1 Syncro and a 1.9 2wd GL,) which, after a
reasonable 170K or so, developed head leaks, as I expect my current two
will (though I'm crossing my fingers that the phosphate free theory will
save me.) Other than that, I have only experienced a failed Hall Sender.
So, in my observation, I agree with those who say that for every person
posting problems on the forum, there is another driving around, trouble-
free.
My WBX philosophy : No one but moi uder the lid! Timely maintenance and
oil changes. Never lug it. My 2.1's see 4000+ RPMs routinely and they are
zippy. If they are not zippy, I pull them into my garage and make them
zippy....well, as zippy as possible. If no go, I usually have a spare 2.1,
with good compression, purchased cheap somewhere or another.
I do not mope around, bemoaning the bad performance of all 2.1s. These
were not dogs when they came off the assembly line. If you drive a GL,
perhaps you know what I mean. If you drive a Westy, you are heavier and
this engine will not propel you quickly up a hill. Ever consider removing
some weight?
Sometimes I get on the list and the mood is that we should rush to remove
those evil 2.1s and replace them quickly with a Subaru......quick, quick,
before it's too late!!!!!!!Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
Whew! Miguel