Closed Deck EJ207 Engine Build and Comparison

Another day, another engine build! Here's an up close look at a brand new closed deck EJ207 build for a customer's GC8, and comparison with the old block....
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[@LuxKeiwoker]

Thanks Brett for continuously giving us insights on Subarus technology and especially your own work! Thumbs up

[@106poobug]

Thank you Brett for taking the time to make these videos, I could watch them all day. that's also a problem, I don't get any work done....

[@williambussell8818]

great video

[@msknuked]

You awesome on explaining how this ej and fa motor work and how to make them stronger and what there weaknesses.

[@MRTPerformanceAustralia]

thanks

[@ryancarter7460]

Can you make a video discussing the various tolerances and clearances you need when building an EJ motor? Preferably a 257...

[@jordanp6420]

I wish subaru put a bit more money into the EJ. Imagine if there were all factory forged, or all had more reinforced bores or MLS head gaskets, subarus would be legendary. But no, they had to be cheap and now everyone thinks they spin bearings, crack pistons and blow head gaskets. That's what they get for being stingy.

[@lancelaprarie6128]

Nice!

[@lauwelau27h]

Hi Brett! Thanks for the video, I have a question with regards to the pinned deck version. I was thinking about doing this to my cylinder blocks, but I was wondering if you have any idea of what the interference fit for this should be? I'm looking into this option because I have access to a lathe and a milling machine, but not a CNC machine. Another question would be if this is actually necessary for a 350-400bhp engine (EJ20 1995 - from I believe a first gen wrx or something, came with a td05-16g). I'm rebuilding the engine for in my first gen Legacy wagon, got the internals sorted out, but am just looking into this in case I have different plans in the future, power wise.

[@jens-erik2555]

has MRT Performance enny project with the 3.3L EG33 H6 ?

[@sk8erEkaJ]

how do you access the main bolts with the closed deck inserts in place? would the block need to be married with the rotating assembly inside before adding the closed deck inserts?

[@mattoaida]

I feel like these ej207 are the best! Less torque than the ej257 so less problems :), don't have to worry about transmission components going boom

[@jayoheyo9750]

seeing that the 207 piston dome is smaller, what would the CR be with the gc8 heads? and how would you resolve that issue?

[@joshuas10]

What does this short block option like shown cost? I am interested in this.

[@harisb7862]

can ej207 oem forged pistons be put on a wrx 205 engine?Will it work?

[@edwarcusi9096]

Hi what is the cost for this particular package? If you don't mind.

[@SYESNAP]

How much did the new crate motor cost from Subaru

[@Dudesqu]

I would like to know the safe power output on the 207? Running bigger top mount, VF34, AVO intake, exhaust and the pump? Those engines are just awesome, and goes strong in my GC8 tuned by Sean. Love the vid.

[@MRTPerformanceAustralia]

not an easy question to answer as there are so many variables......

[@ratisha29]

where the hell do you put the bolts to join the halves cases of this block?😮🤔🤔

[@greybuckleton]

Whats the ballpark cost of the closed deck EJ207 engine package?

[@apeanutbutterwolf6529]

I really want 14mm studs but sending the heads to be match drilled to the block leaves me thinking it's best to buy a long block. So much for saving money. Hope it's worth it.

[@saccusgalifinaccus3184]

How do we get ourselves a mrt ej207 in the states???

[@glynecollymore5569]

Great info one question though what would be the average cost to closed deck a 2009 STI engine block 2.5

[@MRTPerformanceAustralia]

best call us as costs vary with mods and packages

[@glynecollymore5569]

MRT Performance can I call now

[@JaYzWrExX]

i know the early EJ207(v7/8 ) redline around 8250-8500rpm. is there any particular build that will allow it to rev freely to 9000rpm without affecting to much drive ability ad durability ?

[@FlyCat-cb8fz]

valve springs, valves, cams, then u would need to upgrade things like turbo etc then tune, the stock turbo will be out of its efficiency range at 9k revs

[@silvetrelomeli7815]

Listen to fly cat hes on the money

[@johnnybravo1700]

Hey Brett what’s the maximum displacement you think you could take this block too in a higher horsepower application? I’ve seen a few ej207 stroker kits float around and wanted to ask a engine builder?

[@hollowsun2407]

A 2.2 or 2.1 is as big as I'd suggest going. I'm no engine builder but if you go any bigger than that, you might as well get the ej257.

[@FlyCat-cb8fz]

hi will a v4 sti 5 speed gearbox bolt up to the ej207 without an adapter plate?

[@dravenm4]

Yes, they are like legos

[@TyCrawford]

I've got a spun-rod EJ257 block sitting on my backburner, I was planning on just slapping something together, aiming for 300+ crank horsepower if I can, VF39 turbo, hopefully putting down somewhere upwards of 15lbs of boost (sorry for all the Imperial units, America just can't get with the program). I've also got a set of EJ25D DOHC heads that are non-variable-valve-timing like you mention towards the end of the video, are these the type of heads you're talking about when you say original GC8 heads?

[@MRTPerformanceAustralia]

the heds in this video are GC8 heads of a Pre MY00 engine

[@TyCrawford]

DOHC or SOHC?

[@grecoconduris6716]

Does the close deck insert cause the heads to run hot or cause preignition?

[@MRTPerformanceAustralia]

no, its 100% reliable :)

[@troyfankell6581]

Brett, I understand the reason for boring the cylinder after the installation of the inserts, but I don't quite understand the thin liner being installed in the factory liner? Is it a harder material or is there another reason?

[@boostedmedia]

The liner is installed in this case so the factory forged pistons can still fit.

[@troyfankell6581]

Thanks for clarifying that. I listened to it again and that is what he said as well...

[@jasaircraft]

We are actually having trouble with hg being blown over 25psi in our stock ej207 block so i guess we should go closed deck too. How can we look for the closed deck blocks? We have lots of jdm engines here in my country.

[@Dudesqu]

Jassaicraft, you can bye new short EJ207 block and you would have to closed deck it I believe (MRT can do it for you). Another option is to buy a sued one but this has to be one very well checked because those are boosted all day long :). Tuspeed in Sydney got Ej207 new for less than 3K

[@MRTPerformanceAustralia]

agreed

[@jasaircraft]

Peter Dudek im in Bolivia so a bit hard and expensive to import from another country. I read that some gc8 did come with closed deck but dont know exactly which or how to identify them?

[@apeanutbutterwolf6529]

jasaircraft you can use a boroscope to look through the water jacket crossover pipe and look at the decking. I've personally never seen marks on the case that prove it's a factory closed deck though. If I'm remembering correctly the stock EJ207 doesn't like to hold past 21psi.

[@carlraymondgrenier787]

how much hp a ej257 block could take with upgraded internal and stock block (in very safe tune)?

[@MRTPerformanceAustralia]

too many variables to answer here, best visit MRT :)

[@inkno701]

Depends on how many upgrades have been done. With only upgraded to forged pistons (the stock block's main flaw) people have few problems in the 400-500 hp range. With upgraded everything (heads, rods, bearings, dry sump, etc) I would think 600+, maybe even a 1000 with race gas and meth injection. But the block's safety will be put to the test as it is probably the weakest link in the chain after upgrading everything else. Of course it's all up to the tune.

[@carlraymondgrenier787]

well i was thinking around 380 hp for a very safe tune

[@silvetrelomeli7815]

Carl Raymond Grenier yu can push 380 easily on sti motor jist get a good tune and dont rev it high and beat the crap out of it lmao

[@terryloweh]

sorry if this a stupid question, but would the liner lower the displacement?

[@nuftie7292]

Terry Low, no as they over bored the inside of the cylinder walls to put the liner in. It would still be a 2.0L

[@terryloweh]

@@nuftie7292 that makes sense. thank you for the reply.

[@nuftie7292]

Terry Low no worries

[@inkno701]

Would it have been cheaper and easier to use a EJ22T block (plus more displacement)? Or is the factory closed deck not as strong as your awesomely modified Ej207? Thanks again for the great videos!

[@MRTPerformanceAustralia]

EJ22 is not strong enough

[@BramBiesiekierski]

The close decking isnt too expensive these days anyways.

[@orbitaljellyfish808]

Excellent content and video! Thanks for all the info. Can the closed deck mod, liners, and studs, be done on the us version ‘13 wrx 2.5? If not can the 2.0 as shown here be set up to work with a ‘13 WRX with 100% of the factory equipment (variable cam, smog etc), systems, accessories, harness, and ecu? Thanks again

[@invertedv12powerhouse77]

Ummmm... Doesnt the aluminium block corrode with that cast iron lip????

[@FlyCat-cb8fz]

how would it? only way for it to corrode would be to blow a headgasket and leave the water in the cylinder to long

[@apeanutbutterwolf6529]

Called a dielectric union, it happens with steel and brass but I dont think aluminum and iron do it because aluminum doesn't oxidize like other metals do.

[@MRTPerformanceAustralia]

no

[@terry947]

does Subaru still sell new ej207 engines?

[@wax333]

the current model sti will still use this engine i believe. wrx has a new fb20 engine. the 2.5 sti is still the same engine i think.

[@Tomtoms91]

Yeah, 10103AB470 is the part number. $2800-3200 depending where you buy it from.

[@MikeG4936]

A lot of Subaru aftermarket companies here in the US are using the factory sleeves on their closed-deck 2.5 blocks without the cast iron liners shown in the video. I suppose they are over-boring the engine and using oversized pistons?

[@wax333]

that would be scary.

[@ryanschmidt2048]

The liner is installed so the factory forged pistons can still fit.

[@ALKATRAZ99]

that liner on the top left had some dents in it. prety poor product or workmanship. and it has been decked.