EJ20X Facts and Questions answered

[@DustinLee533]

I did the jdm 08 EJ20X swap in my 2012 Sti hatch. Idk if there’s a difference in power wise engine year but it was a pretty simple swap knowing that it was compatible to my gen Sti harness. I used some of my components like the Sti Intake manifold, Usdm Sti header, uppipe, vf48 turbo and Sti tmic. Only issue I ran into was boost creep… I couldn’t figure out why it was boost creeping so bad. So I went to a local tuner and he told me I could bore out the wastegate exhaust hole or go ewg. Couple weeks after consulting with my tuner I bought a turbosmart 38mm ewg along with the Grimm speed up pipe, installed it then went to get a tune from new tuner and made 301whp. Tuner told me I could’ve made more power but I wanted to keep it at 300whp just to conserve the engine. I did the swap back in February 2021 and still driving good with no issues on the engine. The only thing that bothers me is no low end power. Idk if it’s my tune but then again this is my first jdm swap and I just wanted to share.

[@Ballsack44]

How is it running now

[@DustinLee533]

@@Ballsack44 still running like a champ!

[@alvaroGarcia-xt7bm]

Do you still have No low end power?

[@FOFRacing]

Currently I’m on a base map with a twin scroll setup now, it spools up at 1800RPM and Carry’s out the entire rpm range

[@DustinLee533]

@@alvaroGarcia-xt7bm making 400whp now on e85 lots of low end tq

[@andresserna770]

Keep making content this has been in very helpful

[@imakulateproductions1351]

I’m here in Maryland and have a 2012 WRX with the ej255 and ringland failure. I’ve had plans to do the Ej20x swap very soon. Just came across your channel. Your the sh**. Thanks man. Keep doing your thing.

[@FOFRacing]

Thanks man, I’ll keep it going for you guys 🤙🏾

[@alphalead15]

Doing the same thing on my 09 WRX

[@mikeyetman6010]

Same here I have a 11 wrx hatch and just spun a rod bearing so I picked up a ej20x to swap to get back on the road quick and it will give me time to rebuild my ej255 with some beefy parts. Thanks bro from Jacksonville,Fl

[@kotahall9327]

@@mikeyetman6010 that’s awesome man you and me are doing the exact same engine swap, and same year of car but mines a sedan, hope everything works and runs well for ya 🔥

[@connor9005]

Doing the same thing lol. My 2010 hatch has ring land failure😂.

[@alanawilliams6288]

You said the engine should be tuned .. should I tune it if I’m using it for a regular daily driver for now ? I’m thinking about spending money on the engine later on but not now

[@FOFRacing]

@@alanawilliams6288 you should have it tuned right away, 2.5 vs 2.0 are very different compression ratios and require different timing and AFR intervals

[@85mmonroe]

Also here in Ct, rod bearing went in my 06 lgt. Was going to order a new short block but thinking the ej20x might be the best option.

[@FOFRacing]

If you need any help lmk man

[@85mmonroe]

@@FOFRacing My main thing is I want to avoid dropping in something that's already knocking, paying someone else to do the swap. Do the engines come with the old oil filter attached? Maybe cut it open and check it for glitter?

[@FOFRacing]

@@85mmonroe so like I’ve said you can get a perfect one first try, but personally I’ve had 3 bad motors so far after 8 swaps so it’s a hit or miss. Yes they come with the old filters still.

[@FOFRacing]

@@85mmonroe my shop will be open in April so if you’d like I can take care of you man 🤙🏾

[@jeffamb]

This car is almost identical to my 2013 WRX hatch. I have a couple rear Cusco braces that I’d recommend and the roll center kit. I’m not sure if you mentioned this but I’d recommend all the standard bushings like rear diff, trans, rear subframe, even the pitch mount made a difference,

[@crzeebobby]

Thank you for the video! It was very informative. I have a 06 NA Legacy and am interested in doing this swap. I understand my harness will be different than a LGT. What steps would you recommend I take to tackle on this swap? Thanks!

[@FOFRacing]

You’re going to need a full body harness, dash cluster, ecu, immobilizer, and engine harness as well. There’s honestly a lot but if you DM me I can explain even more

[@Ballsack44]

You do it?

[@Rothdrop]

QUESTION: I have a 2005 Legacy Outback XT... I have the 2.5 engine but it blew. Looking to swap the engine for the EJ20X... is that basically what you did here? Will that work? I pulled the trigger and got the engine already just in case (it was a good price). I've never had to do something like this, but my engine blew and I'm moving in a month cross country so I need it all fixed up. I have a guy that can do it, but it all comes down to making sure the engine will swap.

[@FOFRacing]

It’s the exact same swap homie, good luck hope this video helps

[@Rothdrop]

@@FOFRacing I love you 😍😍😍😍

[@Rothdrop]

@@FOFRacing bro message me your Venmo or PayPal. I'll send some love!!

[@mattfares8315]

Crank isn't nitrited and the rods are the same as the EJ205s, not STI rods. Crank isn't crossdrilled either, unfortunately. It's not a bad motor per SE but mine didn't last but 3 weeks. I tore a 2nd one apart to put H-tuff rods and updated 2L crank and found #4 rod was stretched and bearing was wiped clean.

[@mattfares8315]

I'm running BC272 non-AVCS cams and it drives better than the previous 2.1 stroker with stock 205 heads/cams. And I made better power with slightly slower spool.

[@ianbotts3702]

How should i get it tuned? I have a Cobb. Is there online or ots options or do I need to take it to a shop and have them tune it in person?

[@mikemarrero9485]

I’m doing one now and the AVCS solenoids are bigger in the 20x than the 25. And idk what I did wrong but I can’t get it to start. Maybe some hoses for the turbo inlet or vacuum hoses are wrong?? Any help is appreciated

[@FOFRacing]

It’s a pretty straight forward swap, you checked timing? Even tried a compression test just to be sure? I’ve gotten blocks from the depo with zero compression causing no starts

[@patricksmith8517]

I’m wondering if keeping the 255 heads from my 2010 wrx would eliminate the added steps with avcs? Also, do you know how that’d affect compression compared to the 20x heads?

[@FOFRacing]

Yes you can do that and run regular OEM timing marks. Not too sure how much it’ll affect compression. You’ll get better low end though. Best hybrid builds are 2.5 shortblocks with port matched 2.0 heads

[@benriggs1851]

So with leaving the jdm pulleys on the motor did you leave the timing dead on or did you turn the exhaust cams back a tooth? I’m in this part of assembly right now on mine. same set up as your car.

[@FOFRacing]

I left them like stock timing, all hashes lined up. For me it’s just an easier process and I don’t mind the little bit of power loss 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@benriggs1851]

@@FOFRacing awesome thanks man!! I will do the same.

[@dgpoco8109]

Hi, I have a problem. I bought that ej20x engine but the engine light comes on and I don't know what to do. I live in New Jersey.

[@vctormartinez4822]

Hey bro we’re did you purchase your turbo, and is it holding up?

[@FOFRacing]

I bought it used and it holds 17 psi perfectly at the moment, soon to be at 21 psi

[@Fa20rex]

Did you have to mess with the timing gears like you have to with other jdm ej motors?

[@FOFRacing]

Nope, just turn the exhaust cam gears back 2 teeth

[@jakejahnke]

Hey man, did you buy the engine off ebay? If so what seller did you use, I'm in the process of buying a new engine and its looking like this is the best option for me.

[@FOFRacing]

No, I drove to NJ and picked up my motor from the depot

[@Mahcmahc20]

Hi I'm from NY I'm doing the same swap to my 08 WRX sedan. Whos the guy that does your tuning when you do this swaps ???

[@supreme4344]

Did u have to use any usdm components

[@narkyt4356]

I’m in MD, super new to this. plan on buying a 09 wrx shell that’s coming with a REV9 turbo, and blown motor. Intend on doing the intake manifold, the few sensors that need to go, AVCS solenoids? Right? How do you set the exhaust cams to closed? Cylinder4 mod for sure for cooling. Have watched all your videos trying to gather info. I plan on also getting HKS equal length headers, shooting for a good reliable street/daily tune. Is there anything else I’m missing? Catless downpipe eventually but I want it to run first. I’ve heard tactrix/romraider is the best way to tune, can you recommend any E-tuners who are familiar with EJ20x exhaust AVCs delete?

[@FOFRacing]

You can swap out your 255 cams into the EJ20X heads off you want. Avcs solenoids are the same so you’re fine there. My tuner Jake can hook you up with a reliable tune.

[@narkyt4356]

@@FOFRacinglol does your guy Jake still do tunes? Finished that car, sold it; ended up building the 255. Now I’m about to do an EJ20x into an 06 wagon; super stoked and learned from my last build. Planned to do a td05 20g, and minor stuff to daily it and take it to the mountains. Hope to hear from you.

[@FOFRacing]

@ I haven’t spoken to him since I moved into BMWs, sorry man.

[@BakuraSTi]

Hey man quick question, I'm looking at a 04-06 ej20y. Would that fit my 12 sti directly? TIA

[@Rothdrop]

QUESTION: Something that is tripping me up is the whole AVCS thing with the swap. If I swap into an EJ20X from the 2.5 from the Outback XT, I'll need to swap the cams, cam pulleys, new timing system, reseal the engine, and then use my old intake manifold. But the AVCS issue is tripping me up. I don't know what I need, what I can get away with, etc. Also I'm assuming I'd take the JDM turbo and put in a new core, right? Thanks for the help. You're a Godsend. Edit: How much is a tune? This is a daily, not a track car, but I know you mentioned a tune being needed.

[@FOFRacing]

You DONT need to swap the cams or anything bro, leave the exhaust AVCS unplugged and drop it in. Just swap the USDM intake manifold over and call it a day

[@FOFRacing]

And you use your OEM header, turbo, and uppipe

[@Rothdrop]

@@FOFRacing okay awesome!! Thanks a million

[@nickquatrini]

With the ej20x cams and cam gears in there, is the turbo very laggy and does it seem low on power on the lower revs?

[@FOFRacing]

@@nickquatrini it’s really all dependent on your tuner honestly

[@landontrombley248]

How much hp do they make stock?

[@soulgado8537]

280 I believe. That’s with the twin scroll that comes on it and on the JDM ecu. After swapping and using some of the usdm parts I’d say ab to same as the US. Like 250 ish

[@4lifegaming524]

What would I have to swap coming from a ej257 in a 2012 sti can I still use my ecu and harness?

[@FOFRacing]

Same kinda deal, swap your intake manifold and engine harness over and get a tune

[@martinpreciado3585]

Subbed! Hey dude i have a question, new to the subaru game, i bought a 07 wrx and its needs a new motor, thing smokes like crazy. Id rather just buy a jdm engine for it. So my direct replacement is an EJ20X with single avcs right?

[@FOFRacing]

EJ20X come dual AVCS no matter what, but yes you can do that and just hook up the intake AVCS and be fine

[@mikegillam1000]

Doesn't leaving the exhaust AVCS unplugged hurt low end hp and torque?

[@FOFRacing]

@@mikegillam1000 it will not hurt the motor at all and your tuner can adjust for it being unplugged. If you had it hooked up, you would get a little more power, believe it’s 20HP extra.

[@DavidGutierrez-kl8oc]

Are the coils interchangeable between these and the 255?

[@FOFRacing]

@@DavidGutierrez-kl8oc yes

[@tybtm4588]

Bro I got an 05 gt turbo but it threw a bearing and blew on me bruh I just bought the ej20x cs it was a good deal can I keep everything on the jdm engine and just plug nd play it ???

[@chemsosick796]

Is the timing kit the same as the Ej25? I have a new timing kit for the Ej25, just wondering if it’s the same as the Ej20x

[@FOFRacing]

Yes the 255 timing kit will work

[@333111444333111444]

Question.....where did you purchase your ej20x

[@FOFRacing]

Jdm engine depot in bellview NJ

[@mattyb9336]

What system did ya use to tune it?

[@FOFRacing]

My tuner and I normally use open source tuning software. You could also get an accessport and have your tuner use that to tune it and make adjustments on the fly. Which is something I’ll end up doing soon.

[@mattyb9336]

@@FOFRacing I appreciate the response, read online that open source is a good route, and budget friendly. Reassuring to hear it directly from somebody with experience. I’m new to the Subaru world and I’m looking to swap a turbo Baja that busted the crown of its piston out on one side. Definitely looking forward to seeing more progress on your swap! My largest concern is where the exhaust timing will be if I choose to simply leave the exhaust Avcs disconnected.

[@FOFRacing]

@@mattyb9336 so if you leave the exhaust AVCS disconnected, you’ll be just fine. You can drive the car just as you normally would, just don’t beat on it until it’s tuned. The 20X has higher compression than the 255 and will cause a lot of feedback knock, aka too much adjustment of timing

[@iankolb3711]

Was looking for info about ej20x engines and man you answered everything I could think of. Great video keep making them. How far do you think you could push a ej20x before having to swap the internals? 400 whp?

[@FOFRacing]

I’m honestly not sure of their potential just yet, but I’ll tell ya what.... I plan to find out one way or another!!!!

[@Khaki_wrx]

I read that it’s near 350whp or under 380wtq is the pushing the limit. It’s an Open deck so you can’t really throw a shit ton of boost.

[@FOFRacing]

@@Khaki_wrx they can handle about 25 psi no problems, they have thicker cylinder walls than the 255

[@iankolb3711]

@@FOFRacing thats what I heard too. Just wanst sure how far you could push it. I feel like the ej20x is like a half step between oem and built block

[@FOFRacing]

@@iankolb3711 yeah they have all the major components of a beefed up OEM block for sure. Idk I’m going to try and push it as much as it’ll take. ID1050s are next along with a fuel pump and fmic/ tmic haven’t decided yet

[@k92er1sm6]

hey brotha what oil is best to run for an ej20x?

[@FOFRacing]

I run 5W30 in winter and fall 5W40 T6 Rotella in the spring and summer

[@kevingroover]

Is the ej20x top feed or side feed injectors

[@FOFRacing]

Side feed, but the newer ones come top feed

[@justinrolon4643]

I have. 06 forester non turbo ej2.5 exactly what I need to go boost . Do I need almost everything from a turbo sg forester .

[@FOFRacing]

I’d just get a whole chassis, you have to swap the whole car harness and everything to swap to turbo the right way

[@kennymurphy568]

Would the ej20x bolt right into my 09 wrx? Only need a tune to do the swap?

[@FOFRacing]

You must swap your USDM intake manifold/ engine harness/ header/ uppipe and turbo

[@kennymurphy568]

Ok. And still need a tune correct?

[@FOFRacing]

@@kennymurphy568 yes

[@4lifegaming524]

Got another question start the swap where do I re route the oil phaser lines ?

[@FOFRacing]

Oil phaser lines? What are you talking about lol. The oil feed lines for the turbo that come off the avcs?

[@4lifegaming524]

@@FOFRacing no sorry I was tired from working the vvt line thing I got a bare block basically so I'm transferring it all over

[@4lifegaming524]

@@FOFRacing and can I use my current abs lines with the ej20x

[@FOFRacing]

Abs has nothing to do with the motor swap man. And everything you really need to swap over is mainly the intake manifold and harness. Should really be about it besides your turbo setup and such

[@4lifegaming524]

@@FOFRacing I just got a bate block I have to transfer everything over

[@ryanbanks6187]

Where are you getting your engines from ? I would like to get one myself.

[@FOFRacing]

The Bellevue New Jersey depot

[@divin3kag3242]

What about swapping this into a older wrx lets say a 04 how hard would that be?

[@FOFRacing]

Depends if you have Non AVCS or Single AVCS now

[@FOFRacing]

You’d probably have to swap your original heads over to the 20x block

[@divin3kag3242]

@@FOFRacing the wrx has the single avcs

[@divin3kag3242]

@@FOFRacing that sounds like a good option aswell because that was going to be my next question lol

[@jorgesepulveda1477]

I would like to know if you could help me I live in Bristol CT

[@andrewmedellin6602]

Hey I have a ej255 with a bad knock if I buy a EJ20 will I just need a tune or will it just be plug and play?

[@FOFRacing]

You will need a tune, but it’s kindof plug and play. I recommend you watch my most recent video

[@Mike_44]

Alex, I just got an ej20x motor, however I hear it runs sluggish without the jdm ECU. I’m having the hardest time finding someone who would tune a jdm ECU. I know this video is older, but how is this motor holding up?

[@FOFRacing]

This motor held up all season long with racing on track 60+ hours, held 24/25 psi of boost out of the turbo’s efficiency range as well. Was a completely unopened block. Sold the car and my buddy was driving it for months after.

[@Mike_44]

@@FOFRacing That’s awesome. Ty

[@urbrand3441]

Hi I have 2006 Subaru Forester xt 2.5 and I just swapped it with ej20 Jdm I left the exhaust cams unplugged like I was told but my car cranks no start it’s giving me p0340 and p0345 code. Do you have any idea what’s the problem? Thank you!!!

[@FOFRacing]

Try swapping your cam Sensors

[@kennymurphy568]

Do you know if i use ej257 short block with 255 heads would i need to do a tune?

[@FOFRacing]

If you’re changing the motor at all then yes I’d recommend a tune

[@juarez1112]

What turbo did you swap it for brotha

[@FOFRacing]

I’ve got a VF52 in this slow Larry

[@85mmonroe]

@@FOFRacing Around what rpm is the vf52 spooling up?

[@FOFRacing]

@@85mmonroe I’d say it spools up around 2500ish, hard to say when I really only romp on it 3K-7500

[@agustinguzman6375]

hey, can this engine be removed from a car and then be ran OUTSIDE the car? Would you absolutely need to have the car computer to run it?

[@FOFRacing]

Yes because the computer adjusts fueling and timing from the ecu, plus you’d need an ignition source

[@agustinguzman6375]

@@FOFRacing Is the ignition source a separate device from the ECU?

[@FOFRacing]

@@agustinguzman6375 no it’s all built into the ecu

[@borger99]

I bought a 2007 in December 2021. Motor blew after 400 miles, I’m a dummy for just impulse buying, bipolar will do that. CT fucking sucks you’ve got that right. Total cost into it?

[@FOFRacing]

Into this car alone probably 6/7k now with the price of the car

[@dylanschmidt4607]

Does this engine have the timing chain correct?

[@FOFRacing]

It’s belt not chain driven

[@dylanschmidt4607]

@@FOFRacing Do you know the mpg you get on the highway?

[@kingks12]

Was this an auto motor or manual?

[@FOFRacing]

Was auto swapped on a flywheel and clutch to make it manual

[@kingks12]

@@FOFRacing how’s all that work?

[@kingks12]

@@FOFRacing sorry I’m just extremely confused cuz i currently have a 20y but im changing over to the x and I can only find autos

[@FOFRacing]

It doesn’t matter if the motor was from an auto or a manual. If it was from an auto, you unbolt the flex plate and bolt on a flywheel and clutch. And vise versa

[@Mahcmahc20]

Can I used the injectors from the ej20x ???

[@FOFRacing]

You can, you just need to be tuned for them

[@FOFRacing]

They’re about 10/20 CCs less than USDM ones

[@Mahcmahc20]

@@FOFRacing thanks for responding I'm in NY do you think your friend can tuned the car for me ??

[@FOFRacing]

@@Mahcmahc20 if you have an Accessport

[@Mahcmahc20]

@@FOFRacing yes i have an accessport. Car is tuned stage 2+ from Cobb but engine blow out I'm finishing the swap today... I'm 1 hour away from Cheshire CT