Sonicfrog Posted January 1, 2018 Share Posted January 1, 2018 (edited) Hey Everybody. Long time no write!It's been too long since I posted anything.. Busy with work and things. You know the drill.In the next week or so, I'll be performing the EJ20 swap in my 05 Forester. My engine has over 180 miles, has oil leaks, including the rear main seal, and has some really nice piston slap. If not for that last thing, I'd fix the leaks. I have some long distance driving coming up this spring - Death Valley for one - and I simply don't ant to get stuck somewhere with a blown engine. I decided an engine swap is the best solution. I tried finding another EJ25, but those are impossible to find, so a JDM EJ20 is on its way. I'm aware of the various thing that need to be swapped over from the old engine - cam and crank sprockets, sensors, intake manifold - but I have a question. Is the timing belt different between the two? I recently changed mine on the 25, and it would be nice if they were. If they are not, what car should I order from. All of the auto stores order according to vehicle, and since the Forester only comes with the 25, I know from previous experience I won't get the right part.Also, I'm curious how this swap has gone for others. I've read that the idle is smoother, but you do lose a bit of torque on acceleration. I can live with that. Edited January 1, 2018 by Sonicfrog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted January 1, 2018 Share Posted January 1, 2018 (edited) Foresters were originially equipped with the EJ20 SOHC in a number of markets outside the US so it should be well suited. I did it on a 2001 and a 2002 outback. (Heavier than a forester) Easy swap. Was actually impressed with the power. You dont notice the difference unless you're really loaded down or going up a long or steep incline. 99% sure the timing belts are the same. Count teeth just to be sure. Edited January 1, 2018 by AdventureSubaru Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dp213 Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 I've done a couple of those swaps and I have ordered the timing kit for an 2.5 and it works perfect. So your stuff will work. As for power loss, a bit, but not enough to be really disappointed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike104 Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 I did an EJ25 to EJ20 Swap on my 03 Forester and the timing stuff all fit (Timing Belt, Idlers, Tensioner, etc). I had done the timing belt job on my EJ25 about 20k miles before it got bad rod knock. Many of the JDM suppliers require you to put on a new oil pump as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrwphoto Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 I have read about a lot of swaps to the EJ20, but what is the reason vs staying with the EJ25? What are the benefits and negatives, performance, mpg, etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 (edited) Foreign engines inc in Lynnwood Washington has EJ25 short blocks for about $900. They are from JDM EJ254's. They are a direct swap for the USDM 251/253. The EJ20 has no power and fuel economy will suffer with the USDM gearing, etc. GD Edited January 30, 2018 by GeneralDisorder 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfoyl Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Agree with GD. Yes, the first gen non-USDM Forester's had EJ20 SOHC (EJ20J to be precise, for most of 98, before switching to phase 2 EJ202), and they were gutless. I pulled a 98 Forester down and fitted the EJ20 into my Brumby and it was fine but in a vehicle as heavy as a Forester it was ... slow. This was an auto, which didn't help, but even so I can understand why SOA didn't offer the SOHC EJ20 in the US. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt167 Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Automatic Forester is 4.44 geared in the USA with a 2.5L. Pretty sure the automatic 2.0L JDM Forester is also 4.44 geared. But they live at speeds no higher than 100 km/h. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 I have read about a lot of swaps to the EJ20, but what is the reason vs staying with the EJ25? What are the benefits and negatives, performance, mpg, etc? Easy - not everyone is the same. Not all areas are the same. 1. Cost. By now these are decades old and could be beat and in some areas rusted up and not worth even a few hundred premium for repairs some people. 2. If your EJ25 is roasted due to a headgasket you can’t blame or fault someone who wants what is possibly a more forgiving engine. I’ve instalked EJ18s in legacy’s and yeah they struggle up mountains with a few adults. Big deal just smash the accelerator it’s an EJ18 and the ones Ive installed go a quarter million easy miles without hiccups. Brainless easy cheap engine for practical people. They’re freaking awesome engines for people who just want A-B reliable cheap drivers with the rare downtown. Performance people or car fiends sure they won’t like it. But that’s not the entire world or even the majority like maybe it is on a car forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now