Everything You Need to Know to Turbo your non-turbo Subaru

In this episode of Dirtcheapdaily, Aaron shares all the wisdom he's learned over the years so YOU can turbo your Subaru!
Got a Slow 90's Legacy? How about a wanna be GC8? This video is for you!
Boost into your dreams with your own reliable turbo'd naturally aspirated EJ engine!

[@lap2garage854]

This video was exactly what I was looking for. The motor in my 00 outback seized on Wednesday, on Thursday I pulled a really nice 2.5 from a wrecked 04, that same day I ordered a ACT stage 2 clutch and lightened flywheel and a full gasket set for my new engine. Today(Saturday) I pulled my old engine and since I’m doing a engine replacement and head gaskets, head studs, full gasket set and timing kit to the new engine I figured if I can boost it for less than a grand and run low boost to keep it reliably I figure why not so I started doing some research. The forums were useless so I came to KZbin and this was the second video I found and it’s all the info I needed. Great video subbed, notifications on. Thanks again

[@Hellofadrive]

How did it work and which parts did u use 😃

[@laflareup5454]

you had me at "cut your subframe". awesome video man, very helpful!

[@mr.bob-omb4457]

i swear iv'e watched this video 20 times still contemplating whether to turbo my hawkeye base or not lol

[@chrisvang7948]

well did you decide??

[@muzzdiddy810]

Hands down most enjoyable video I've seen in a long time. Loved the memes and what a great job urve done on the car. Looks good and gud luck

[@whiteknuckleracing4249]

ive got a bg9 wagon. ej25. used a vf14 primary off a twin turbo on stock up pipe and stock non turbo exhaust minifold. oil feed went straight in the rear of the head on the left looking at the motor from the front. did put return oil in rocker cover also. cross member had both exhaust pockets to save cutting. did change power steer pump to a turbo one due to the plumbing from airflow and turbo intake (hacked a twin turbo intake and blocked remaing hole).........used a turbo intake manifold but fitted it with the ej25 injectors and rails plus wiring. short custom downpipe adaptor to exhaust and stock charge pipe from turbo to minifold. stock bov. slight idle issue at the moment, but so far its boosting. also done manual conversion...... thanks for your vids....theyve helped a heap

[@PaycoTsunami]

Love the run down of everything you've done with your NA, I've been on the fence with my new subi but I might make that plunge

[@jaysplays8646]

Yes finally a video been waiting for a while. Please try keeping up on the videos I learned a lot from this channel and your better then a lot of other channel 😊😊

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

Thanks! There’ll be a lot more content this summer

[@daubinks]

quality, got a solid chuckle out of me. I'm grateful and appreciate your video.

[@Regulators0001]

Hi mate awesome video. Convinced me to turn my second ez30 into a sleeved and forged beast.

[@jakeneux6195]

nice one man super helpful. I just picked up a limited edition outback and have time and space to turbo it! later on dude.

[@miketlane]

Cool thanks this is exactly the info i needed to make up my mind. My 98 impreza sport will now get boost

[@nathanielfacchini8096]

VERY HELPFUL VIDEO CANT WAIT TO TURBO MY 93 IMPREZA

[@joelyboyblue]

Holy Crap this is Brilliant! Great Episode

[@toothpickfilms3970]

I am going to turbo my ej20 swapped subaru forester I cant wait thank you for all this information

[@guadalupegaminom3831]

Very good vid. Keep them coming

[@GoldGuyRides]

Great information!! Thank you for making this video, I appreciate it! I am in the process of doing this right now

[@CuttinChris]

Goldguy been following your build as well, my lgt hopefully should be joining the club!

[@HunterBucher]

have you run into any reliable issues doing so? I have a 06 impreza and want to turbo it

[@_dylankiefer]

Lol, found this video because of your videos

[@delaz4ck543]

@@_dylankiefer same

[@xombieification]

Awesome video with great info. I know you cant do these all the time but this is why alot of people sub to you. :)

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

Thanks! The whole reason I started DCD was to make this kind of video. It’s really difficult to make every episode fabulously entertaining and informative, but I try.

[@mile--higherboyz548]

Your awesome dude much respect!

[@snoook1758]

So glad someone made this video, everyone else just says oh yeah theres no point you'll spend too much money just buy a turbo engine and swap it in. This is exactly what I wanted, I have a 1996 legacy ej20 116bhp and just want to make a little more HP, maybe 30-40hp. This is exactly what I needed.

[@Obem2115]

Yea you always see "It's better to just sell your car and buy one with turbo in it" for me to buy non turbo vs turbo is 10 times the cost. I can buy non turbo for 5k pln and turbo one for about 50k (1usd is about 4pln). I don't need 300hp if I could get 200hp I would be happy.

[@patricksharman2071]

Bro you really know your stuff this was a great vid i learned a lot from this and your car is sick

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

Thanks! I’ve spent a whole lot of time researching and testing to get where I’m able to share what I know!

[@3xkillsonYU]

Nice! For the intercooler though I wouldn't use the early forester xt since the stock bpv just comes straight out hits part of the throttle body. The 06-07 wrx or later models forester xt intercoolers would be a better choice/ more options for bov. And bpv comes out in an angle.

[@neonnerd1364]

I have a 99 legacy 2.5gt and I plan to do scca rallycross with it. I've had the csr for 10 years and it's been flooded up to the mirrors in a bad storm and she still runs great. I'm gonna be putting a turbo on it after I change the valve seals amd head gaskets. I'll probably make my own up pipe so I don't have to notch the crossmember and if anything the car will be getting raised a little.

[@ianernsberger4162]

dude thanks im about to do this to my 02 outback soon

[@paisa1990]

This series has motivated me to boost my 97 impr3za. Thank you.

[@SaintHC39]

How’d did u go dude, I’ve got a 97 wagon and really want to do it

[@paisa1990]

@@SaintHC39 i tried it and had to just give up. I still have wrx headers, turbo and custom down pipe. I ran out of time, it can be done. You jus need another car to use while u do it.

[@magnumllama400]

@@paisa1990 just get a dirt bike to run while you get the car up

[@mrsial05]

@@paisa1990 you tryna sell that stuff?

[@paisa1990ac]

@@mrsial05 yes. If ur interested

[@jessem.rodriguez5507]

Great video man!

[@titusclancy1839]

Thanks for Sharing this video. It is very helpful. I just bought a turbo set up off a 2008 wrx to put on my 1992 legacy. I am going to start the project tonight, so I may have a few questions when I get started. I am hoping to use the 08 wrx intercooler, but we will see. I have a lot more room than most Subaru's, due to my 6 inch body lift.

[@robertstaff]

Great vid. Thx

[@fachinimichael]

I may do this to my 02 forester overland build. Not sure it'll help much wheeling but hey, love that pshhh sound. I have an 08 wrx so I don't need big powa

[@feminazislayer]

This was pretty cool, informative and funny. 👍👍

[@JustRockRC]

Nice video; thanks !

[@JTmoto]

You're literally teasing me to boost my GF8 which is just waiting on the yard

[@ChVovan]

wow, its a huge job! nice!

[@chaboi-matty]

Awesome! Thank you for this informative and cool headed, unbiased video! I have an 04 RS 2.5 NA with 200k miles - Gonna turbo it tomorrow

[@mile--higherboyz548]

Hey bro did you try your turbo on the subi yet I also got a 2.5.

[@joaquinmatos6758]

Info please I got the same

[@joaquinmatos6758]

MILE- -HIGHERBOYZ info please I got the same car

[@DeadVibe_]

Love the video man so much good info for us. Keep it up. This might be a project for me next summer on my 98 legacy outback. I'm excited, but I also have a Miata I was wondering what video you clipped that fuel regulator clip from because I'm boosting my Miata this year and it looks like it had some good info as well. :)

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

That’s from TheCarPassionChannel. He has a couple really good series on boosting miatas

[@madscientistlife]

Good work bro

[@daltongriffis]

Ayyy notification squad!

[@SV867]

awesome, i might just do a super cheap turbo setup for my NA forester... when she blows maybe i'll swap in an ez36 or built 2.5

[@drewchakana6938]

I have found that the Subaru community has been very friendly and helpful. I just finished paying of my ‘01 subi Impreza obs. Far too slow, and I know, just go Sti or even wrx but this is my baby. Can y’all help?

[@07Hawkeye]

ive been waiting on a video just like this for so long. definitely doing this. have no other subaru rn other than my daily driver and i just got rid of my beater last weekend... time to find another one, honestly thinking about trying the exact same budget setup you're running whether its on an impreza, legacy, outback sport or forester. ive never driven a 6cyl subaru either so that might just be my next buy. i just want something fun, and something to continually build so i have something to do when im bored

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

If that’s the boat you’re in, I’d say find a cheap legacy LL bean. 01-04. Sedan if you can. They all have the h6 and they’re a ton of fun! The transmissions go out before the engine will

[@That_fella_named_J]

@@Dirtcheapdaily was this also done with the factory clutch ? And anything new with the supercharged h6 ?

[@14_DigitCode]

That answered a bunch of my questions i'm running a jdm ej203 in place of the old ej253 and it is gutless at 138hp mistakes were made lol

[@briskalliance3219]

Thank you

[@GoldGuyRides]

Hey Aaron, did you have a rough idle after put the turbo on? I have my turbo set up the same way that you do but I have a front mount intercooler installed and after the engine is warmed up the idle is so rough that the car shakes and sometimes the engine stalls at stoplights, I need help!!

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

Mine ran just fine after the turbo. Sounds like you have a vacuum leak somewhere.

[@Rezzinage]

i have a ej251 in my coupe ill be boosting soon!

[@oscarp9336]

04 to 07 WRX intercooler is the same as the forester xt. The intake you created is pretty interesting lol.

[@mariopic]

add devcon to mske diy closed deck block drill coolent holes to match gaskets and u can do wrx numbers outfront use to do this back in day on there buggy motors

[@alexoboyle9339]

Just got the engine rebuilt on my 99 foz, thinking about doing this

[@iamyummy15]

Excellent info, would love to see a rear LSD conversion!

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

Check out my videos. I did one back in the summer of 2016

[@Crazyfireball111]

Damn! thanks in the middle of na?t of my car, gave me the solid feeling i lost when i dove into it!

[@alexs7665]

I have a 98 legacy ob with same engine. Time for a trip to the junkyard 😂

[@kentonmiles]

Fantastico

[@mhhm-mq3ct]

Lovely channel and great content. Could you roughly estimate cost of doing this upgrade?

[@thedumbapple2339]

I love how ratchet this build is! It's nice to find someone who is doing things the way I would do it, down and dirty and cheap!

[@DenverRailfanHD]

Could I do this (turbo) for a 2003 Subaru Legacy L SE?

[@soconoha8495]

Fwiw, I've never had an issue with NA water pumps and turbo manifolds. Some of mine have been touching, albeit with heart wrap on both parts.

[@duraunpierre8872]

Just bought an 02 Forester and damn I wanna boost it. I fear I won't pass smog in California anymore tho

[@tolonmalabekov2684]

Thank you for your video, quick question: is it possible to turbo on SOHC 2.0 subaru engine (ej202) and what turbo using will be the best optimal solution not crack the engine? td04 or any suggestion?

[@360lateflip]

You should make an instagram version of this that's a minute long and only says do not over boost your stock open deck ej25 and expect it to live long

[@brothersbrooksbyfilms4814]

Killer!

[@TheSlyhound]

Do you have the link for the bolts you got? Great video btw

[@gaminggyro8408]

How many miles have you put on the motor with the turbo installed? and have you gotten the chance to dyno this at all? I am very interested in doing this

[@Trasher_Garage]

So as far as fuel management your just running a Wally 255 on stock injectors? And thats it? Not fmu pr was that just a recommendation for more boost

[@TimberWulfIsHere]

Could you do this with a FWD 1.6L 1999 Impreza?? the engine is in good condition but i judt dont know if this is a good idea...

[@chrismoore5436]

Do you think I could do this to my 99 Subaru Impreza 2.2 wagon L?

[@takiraparker925]

Awesome video! I will be starting my turbo install very soon. I just need to get a few hoses. I intend to document the build. So I will show you my car when I'm done. Thank you so much. You are one of the main reasons I had the courage to start modding my car. My car is totally different now ,in a good way! Your videos have helped me out so much. Quick question,? I have a areomotive style adjustable rising rate fuel pressure regulator (ARRFPR) 1:1. I am only going 4-5psi., Until I get some type of engine management. ( Probably emanage blue/ultimate or project lambda ecu reflash. Until then do you think that this style FPR will do anything good for me? Thank you again! Craig & Takira.

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

The stock fpr has a 1:1 rise rate, so you’re probably set with just it. I don’t run any aftermarket fuel regulator on my legacy with 4-5psi and it handles it fine.

[@takiraparker925]

Thank you

[@culturedredneckgarage3784]

This is a fantastic project and post...Thanks for your diligent work in compiling these videos and informing us all on the details of your journey! I've got an EJ25D (96 version), stock ECU/wiring harness/MAF, and a TD04L sitting in my garage for an upcoming project. Mine however will be on a super light-weight sandrail, so the fabrication and fitment will be a piece of cake compared to what you've had to work around. I too am planning on playing with the 5-7 psi NA/turbo set-up as well and sticking with a stock ecu on 110 octane gas for now during this 1st phase of experimentation. With that said, I've got a question...how does the torque fill to you throughout your acceleration, especially in the upper rpms? Is it all down low or does it still pull nicely up top? I may want to race mine, so torque placement mid to up-top would be a plus. Just wondering if I might need to step up the turbo size or if the TD04L would be sufficient with the compression ratio that these EJ25d's have.

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

It pulls pretty good the whole way. It’s only at 4psi, so it’s not got a whole ton of oomph, but for what it is I’d say a td04 is a good start. It comes into boost pretty quickly, by 2800rpm I’m at full boost. So there’s that balance too.

[@tolonmalabekov2684]

Hi, Dirtcheapdaily. I am your big fan. Quick question please advice me on turboing my non turbo 2004 subaru legacy 2.0i 138hp. So weak car i have and need more power. What do you think on installing td04, or my engine and 4AT transmission wont handle?

[@midnightdrives5112]

I have a 02 forester block and 25d heads. 251/25d. I was told doing this lowers compression. I was also told I can run 4-6 psi of boost. With w255 and stock injectors. Would that be a safe build?

[@PlasmaJunkie]

Awesome guide, man. Did you get to dyno it at 4 psi?

[@CuttinChris]

Hey brotha, I just finished up getting my turbo installed on my 02 legacy, put my uppipe an inch too long to clear an 06-07 intercooler. Are you still running without one? I am gonna be pushing 5psi it would be a huge headache saver if I can get away with just running a charge pipe straight to throttle body. Lmk

[@crazyDIYguy]

Do I absolutely need a bigger fuel pump? Forester xt aftermarket turbo on 03 2.5 outback

[@jesuscordero2956]

Should I turbo a 2005 Impreza? Would this be a good idea?

[@rammithorn2654]

What’s the difference on boosting manual vs auto? I want to boost my 2.2 swapped legacy sus to get som more power off road. But it’s got an auto transmission. Any advice aside from manual swapping?

[@catatonic_wrenching]

Hey man do you know of any potential problems from doing this with 2.5i heads on a 257 block?. It's an automatic as well. I plan on keeping boost low. Like 4 psi like yours. Thanks.

[@MrBirdman78]

What do you mean by a open source ecu? I already bought a aem fuel ignition controller for my 04 ts. But I know a guy who “says” he tunes Subaru’s. Would it not work for me if I didn’t hook up the aem fic?

[@BubaruDelete]

I’ve been considering building my Impreza (08 wagon body style, ej255 n/a) and was losing hope of ever building it into a more powerful car because everyone was telling me to just “buy an wrx/sti because it’s easier “ 🙄 which I feel defeats the purpose of building. This video was awesome. Seeing it now, I’m probably gonna have to commit to rebuilding/purchasing an engine.

[@ehh.97]

Similar story here mate, 2.0L 2008 Impreza and about to supercharge it with an m62 out of a Mercedes slk200. Best of luck and here’s to slightly faster 08 wagons!

[@BubaruDelete]

@@ehh.97 sick bro. I’m trying to have the first twin charged EJ25 because as far as I know it’s never been done. I think it can handle it with rebuilt internals. Thanks for mentioning the m62, I’ll consider that option. I don’t want any laggin in the wagon lol

[@ehh.97]

@@BubaruDelete that’s gonna be awesome! It’s a toss up between the m45 and m62, but I’d rather run the 62 with a larger pulley than wind out the m45. Best of luck with yours though, that’s gonna be so cool!

[@BubaruDelete]

@@ehh.97 I’ll remember this comment and come back when it’s done 💯

[@ehh.97]

@@BubaruDelete sounds good! Do you have Insta or anything where you’re posting your build? Can’t wait to see it!

[@chappie_3611]

what’s the estimate total cost of all the parts you used. ik that you can reuse some stuff and it also depends where or how much/ what condition you get used parts from other cars

[@LeavEyeDDrum]

I’m at work can anyone show me the time stamp for the wastegate? He does use one to manage his psi to the turbo correct?

[@JOCO1911]

Hey man I have a 03 baja I'm thinking it's the same parts and principle could I get a list of exact things I need

[@theshadowowl4196]

so i own a 99 L coupe with the ej22, but its an automatic, should i turbo it or try to engine swap?

[@gabriela.7939]

Where I can find a exhaust header 2.5 to 3" Header for Subaru Baja Sport 2005?

[@user-kh2jw1ex8g]

Is the process fairly similar with a 2003 outback?

[@NORMAND021]

id love to do this to my 07 wagon, what would be the best setup to grab from ? can someone give me a list lol

[@SuperRios83]

Can you help me install turbo on my N/A 2.5 L 03 Subaru Baja 🙏 please and thank you

[@coldie5445]

I have a 94 legacy with the EJ22. I bought it with a ebay turbo on it and the boost gauge reads near 10 psi at about 4k rpm. Itll go high but I let out before that happens. There's an internal wastegate with the threaded rod part but no BOV. The turbo doesn't surge at all or really make any turbo sounds. Do you know the reasoning for this?

[@paisa1990]

Also used wrx turbos go for 250$+ around here if your lucky. Idk where you live that there free or 50$🤣😂

[@brick8253]

So what if you have a 2.5 gt can you just put a sti ecu with a turbo... And call it good is it pretty much plug and play?

[@lynettemarlene8371]

Bought a Subaru Impreza wagon non turbo and I kinda want to build an engine for it but I might just sell it for a wrx wagon 😩

[@427ve36tte]

I have a serious question i have been reading that putting a turbo on a 4eat auto car will throw the tcm off in the transmission and it wont work right is this true? I want to turbo mine i have all the parts then i ran into a thread about this

[@mtotheizatt]

Dude incredibly quality content. Thank you 🙏 how long did it take you to make this video?

[@user-kn8ge1kn3g]

So did u actually do anything to the ecu or just add boost and send it

[@michaelcunningham5907]

Trying to get this 5 speed non turbo ej20h 2.2l h4 1996. Any thoughts boss.

[@commanderstatix]

I’m super hesitant about buying car stuff online. Do you have any advice on avoiding scams?

[@sultaneisa3532]

How can i tune the stock ECU 2007 N/A i turbocharged the car but i cant find a tuner that can tune it for me

[@procrastinator1842]

Why doesn't anyone use the oil feed at the back of the block, right near the turbo? Yes!! Another person using the TB water line, so much nicer than the crappy heater tap method!

[@justaregularguy3827]

whats your max wheel hp with this build,before or after

[@anonimo120797]

how much power?

[@ghosty500r]

what did you do for timing ?

[@isaaclove6819]

i really hope you see this because this is all way over my head but i want to attempt to turbo my 2011 subaru legacy, but it’s a CVT transmission, and i have absolutely no clue what to do even after watching this and no clue how much it would cost, please help someone

[@wendigoval]

which model of ej is this car? i have an ej25 was wondering if this would be fine

[@meyawabdulaziz3863]

timing ....was anything done to timing at that boost level ?