Subaru’s most popular engines with car enthusiasts that love modifying

Subaru is known for producing reliable and powerful engines, and some of their most popular engines include:

1. EJ20/EJ25:
   
   • The Subaru EJ20 and EJ25 engines are both four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed (“boxer”) engines that have been used in a variety of Subaru models over the years. The EJ20 was introduced in 1989 and the EJ25 was introduced in 1995.
   • The EJ20 has a displacement of 2.0 litres and has been used in many different Subaru models, including the Impreza, Forester, and Legacy. The engine is known for its high-revving capabilities and its ability to produce a lot of power relative to its size. In some versions, it features twin turbochargers which can deliver a lot of power but also can create some reliability issues if not maintained properly.
   • The EJ25 has a displacement of 2.5 litres and is used in a variety of Subaru models, including the Impreza, Forester, Outback, and Legacy. It is a larger version of the EJ20 and produces more torque due to its increased displacement. However, it also has a reputation for head gasket issues, particularly in the earlier models, which can cause coolant leaks and engine overheating if not addressed.
   • Both the EJ20 and EJ25 are known for their durability and performance, but like all engines, they require proper maintenance to ensure their longevity. Regular oil changes, timing belt replacements, and other preventative maintenance measures are crucial to keeping these engines running smoothly for years to come.
     
2. FA20:
   
   • This is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that was introduced in 2012 and is used in the Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, and Scion FR-S.
   • One of the key features of the FA20 engine is its direct injection system, which helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The engine also has a high compression ratio, which contributes to its efficiency and performance.
   • The FA20 engine produces 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque in the BRZ and 86, which is enough to deliver a fun and engaging driving experience. In the BRZ tS version, the engine is tuned to produce 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque.
   • One notable aspect of the FA20 engine is its sound. The boxer engine design gives it a unique rumble that many Subaru enthusiasts love. The engine also responds well to modifications, and it is possible to increase its power output significantly with the addition of a turbocharger or other aftermarket upgrades.
   • However, it is worth noting that like all engines, the FA20 engine has its potential issues. Some drivers have reported issues with the engine’s direct injection system, such as carbon buildup on the valves. Additionally, while the engine is relatively reliable, it can be sensitive to poor maintenance and aggressive driving.
     
3. FB20/FB25:
   
   • The Subaru FB20 and FB25 engines are four-cylinder, horizontally opposed (“boxer”) engines that were introduced in the 2011 model year. The FB20 has a displacement of 2.0 litres, while the FB25 has a displacement of 2.5 litres.
   • The FB20 engine is used in the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester models, while the FB25 engine is used in the Legacy, Outback, and Forester models. Both engines are designed to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than their predecessors, while still delivering good performance.
   • One key feature of the FB engines is their use of a chain-driven camshaft system, which eliminates the need for a timing belt and reduces maintenance costs. The engines also feature Subaru’s Active Valve Control System (AVCS), which helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
   • The FB20 engine produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, while the FB25 engine produces 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. These power figures are not as high as some of Subaru’s other engines, but they are still enough to provide good acceleration and a satisfying driving experience.
   • One potential issue with the FB engines is that they have been known to consume excessive amounts of oil, particularly in the early years of production. However, Subaru has issued a number of service bulletins and recalls to address this issue, and newer versions of the engines are generally more reliable in this regard.
   • Overall, the FB20 and FB25 engines are solid choices for drivers who want a fuel-efficient and reliable engine in their Subaru vehicle.
     
4. EZ36:
   
   • The Subaru EZ36 engine is a six-cylinder, horizontally opposed (“boxer”) engine that was introduced in 2007. It has a displacement of 3.6 litres and is used in a variety of Subaru models, including the Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca.
   • The EZ36 engine is known for its smooth power delivery and its ability to provide good acceleration and high-speed cruising capability. It produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque in the Legacy and Outback models, and 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque in the Tribeca model.
   • One notable feature of the EZ36 engine is its use of Subaru’s Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS), which helps to improve power and efficiency by adjusting the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. The engine also features an aluminum block and cylinder heads, which helps to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
   • The EZ36 engine is generally reliable and well-suited for long-distance cruising, but it has been known to experience some issues with oil consumption and head gasket failure in earlier models. However, Subaru has issued a number of service bulletins and recalls to address these issues, and newer versions of the engine are generally more reliable in these regards.
     
     
5. EJ257:
   
   • The EJ257 engine is a turbocharged 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine produced by Subaru. It is part of the EJ series of engines, which has been used in various Subaru models since the 1990s. The EJ257 was first introduced in 2004 and has since become one of the most popular engines used in Subaru’s high-performance vehicles.
   • One of the key features of the EJ257 engine is its use of a horizontally opposed layout. This means that the cylinders are arranged in two banks that lie opposite each other, rather than being in a V-shaped configuration like many other engines. This design helps to lower the engine’s center of gravity and improve the car’s handling.
   • The EJ257 engine is also known for its use of a turbocharger, which helps to boost its power output. In its stock form, the engine produces around 300 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. However, with the right modifications, it is possible to significantly increase these figures. Many performance enthusiasts have been able to extract more than 500 horsepower from the EJ257 with upgraded parts such as a larger turbocharger, high-flow fuel injectors, and aftermarket engine management systems.
   • Despite its popularity, the EJ257 engine has also faced criticism for certain reliability issues, such as the tendency for the factory head gaskets to fail. This issue has been addressed in later models with improved gaskets and other modifications. Additionally, some drivers have reported issues with the engine’s oil consumption and excessive wear on its bearings.
   • Overall, the EJ257 engine is a highly regarded power plant that has earned a reputation for its strong performance capabilities. While it may have some reliability issues, it remains a popular choice among Subaru enthusiasts who are looking to extract maximum performance from their vehicles.

Kris Beck

Kris is the founder of 86modified.com and has a love for cars and modifying them. He has owned many different Japanese cars and has enjoyed installing modifications to get more power or fitting body parts to change the aesthetics.

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