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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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??

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@chrismoore5436]

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

[@markusgingles4887]

Great video, but I wouldn't recommend turboing certain models of EJ253 & 254. The cylinder bore for the rings is 99.5mm on some and 103.5mm on others. Mine is 103.5mm and that cylinder wall is just razor thin. The shortblocks are as good as boat anchors once they blow. No rebore or sleeving capable as well. Some people have rebuilt the 99.5's but not every single EJ25 is running the same bore. Edit: Great video for just about anyone with a legacy, impreza, Forester XT or turbo outback. But sadly, SOME of the NA Forester's & Outbacks with the older 253's & 254's would just self destruct even faster than they normally do. If I'm not mistaken, Subaru made this change in 2007 or 2008 for the last model years of the second generation foresters in my case have 103.5mm pistons instead of 99.5mm.

[@daubinks]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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 ?

[@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?

[@nathanielfacchini8096]

VERY HELPFUL VIDEO CANT WAIT TO TURBO MY 93 IMPREZA

[@toothpickfilms3970]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@dredre9484]

Sick car mate I had the same(in Australia they are called liberty did yours come with the Momo interior loved that car

[@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!

[@JTmoto]

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

[@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

[@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

[@ianernsberger4162]

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

[@soconoha]

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.

[@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

[@oscarp9336]

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

[@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?

[@DenverRailfanHD]

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

[@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

[@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

[@guadalupegaminom3831]

Very good vid. Keep them coming

[@joelyboyblue]

Holy Crap this is Brilliant! Great Episode

[@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

[@billsafreed9982]

I want to turbo my '10 Forester at some point but it already has 213,000 miles on it. Would I just be better off getting a turbo engine from a junkyard Forester rather than put the time and money in this one?

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

It depends. It’s worth the experience turboing it. And really 210k isn’t that much. But it’s up to you

[@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

[@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?

[@SuperRios83]

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

[@dylanjao4568]

I just installed a turbo on my 2.0 rs impreza its a TD04L turbo and im running it without an intercooler since the forester intercooler does not fit because it hits the firewall and doesn't connect to the throttle body how much PSI can i run and how can i adjust it?

[@whoknows1631]

hows it going?

[@TheSlyhound]

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

[@Darkipod]

Where you been! Hope this means we will get more videos soon!

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

Winter weather is not conducive to driveway projects. Lol. Tons of cool stuff coming this summer! I should have the first episode/reveal uploaded before the end of April!

[@Darkipod]

Nice! You owe me a build break down on the subie swapped Mustang!

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

Lol! It’s been buried in snow all winter. But it’s thawing so I’ll get on it

[@jessem.rodriguez5507]

Great video man!

[@tjordan4436]

So, needless to say, my 2003 Impreza with some piston slap in #3 cylinder, would not be a good motor to turbo due to it not being a healthy motor? I'm just tired of the lack of power (literally, slight grades I have to downshift into 2nd gear) and I don't have the money for a wrx right now.

[@Dirtcheapdaily]

It’s probably not ideal. Lol. And honestly, if you’re not in a position to deal with a blown engine, it’s probably worth waiting a little bit. Have you done an intake and exhaust on yours yet? Freeing up those restrictions goes a long way on a tired NA

[@tjordan4436]

Dirtcheapdaily I have done an exhaust on it, and slightly modified my intake a bit. That's why I wanted to go straight to a turbo, since there is really no other option for me to go to. I mean, it's my first car, so there is sentimental value, but I'm getting really tired of being embarrassed by my wagon. Thought about ej255 swapping all of the components, and even a 5 speed swap, but what's the gain? I'm probably going to sell it.

[@gabriela.7939]

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

[@alexoboyle9339]

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

[@Benny-dv7xm]

are you near baltimore area?

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@madscientistlife]

Good work bro

[@mhhm-mq3ct]

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

[@duraunpierre8872]

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

[@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?

[@PlasmaJunkie]

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

[@anonimo120797]

how much power?

[@feminazislayer]

This was pretty cool, informative and funny. 👍👍

[@JonothenHuggett]

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

[@wendigoval]

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

[@Rezzinage]

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

[@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?

[@michaelcunningham5907]

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

[@mostlikelyalexsmith]

What’s the cost someone should expect to pay to have it done?

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@HARaZAC]

1997 impreza outback sport (wagon) owner here, how much is this kinda of build take to make real. Also I probably can't do this as I have no welding equipment to do the fabrications you have done

[@MrShloker]

Just swap the engine. No point in turboing a non turbo subie when you can just drop in a better engine

[@user-kh2jw1ex8g]

Is the process fairly similar with a 2003 outback?

[@daltongriffis]

Ayyy notification squad!

[@ohioretailexploration4339]

Can you just put the forester xt turbo on a na 2002 forester

[@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?

[@mattposey6764]

So what abt doing this on a 13 legacy 2.5

[@jesuscordero2956]

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

[@G6Emaniac]

Worth turbocharging a auto subie?

[@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?

[@NaaaahBo]

Would this video remotely apply to gen 4 legacies? P s shoutouts from new zealand!

[@mile--higherboyz548]

Your awesome dude much respect!

[@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

[@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?

[@meyawabdulaziz3863]

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

[@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

[@Tougesti]

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

[@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...

[@commanderstatix]

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

[@daisykiller6]

Mate, nice job! I'm doing the same on my 2008 Impreza and I was wondering, how did you get that bspt oil sensor to fit your npt tee? Mate that's the last thing I need to buy and I need to know! Like what should I buy?

[@ColeWill]

Well did you turbo it?

[@Marc-gm5cm]

great videos man, how is that legacy going? I hope is still pushing strong I am planning to turbo a 2.0 N/A impreza, I have lots of parts already, forester turbo, fuel pump, TMIC, and 440cc injectors but I would rather do not add an aftermarket ECU with a setup like these what would be the boost limit in an EJ20 non-turbo engine?

[@hellzbellz1234]

highest boost ive seen on a stock ECU is 8lbs

[@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

[@chrishixon7975]

Any issues turbocharging a SOHC engine?

[@Thatguy-vu5iu]

Got any power numbers?

[@stephenhall2806]

I want to do my 95 legacy wagon but im so broke