How To Remove & Disassemble a Subaru WRX/STI Engine (EJ20/EJ25) (Full Step by Step Guide)

For all the DIYers out there who want to fix their own broken Subarus just like me but have no idea where to start, I hope this video helps. I wanted to make a step-by-step video showing as much as possible. There will be a follow-up video with this one to show the reassembly, installation, and start-up of a fresh new setup. Remember there are always some smaller issues and things that can come up when doing this. But this should get you to the home stretch. When Part 2 of reassembly goes up I will add it here.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:10 Engine Failures
2:33 New Parts Required
7:18 Battery Removal
7:42 Drain Fluids
8:55 Radiator Removal
10:17 Intake/Airbox Removal
10:30 Intercooler Removal
12:17 Disconnect & Remove Expansion Tank
12:47 Serpentine Belt Removal
13:30 remove Alternator
16:46 Intake Manifold Removal
23:01 Power Steering Pump
23:20 AC Compressor
24:47 Heater Core Hoses
25:13 Coolant Crossover
26:05 PCV Valve
26:37 Starter
27:46 Intercooler Bracket
29:05 Downpipe & Turbo
30:41 Release Clutch Fork
32:26 Remove Pitch Stop
32:36 Under Car Stuff (Motor Mounts, Downpipe, Trans mount)
34:25 Remove Turbo
35:30 Bell Housing Bolts
36:23 Engine Hoist Locations
36:52 Remove Engine
37:42 Separate Engine from Trans
38:35 Remove Clutch
39:02 Remove Flywheel
39:23 Engine Teardown
40:03 Coil Packs & Spark Plugs
40:34 Crank Pulley
40:52 Timing Covers
41:38 Remove Timing
44:45 Cam Gears
47:09 Crank sprocket
47:16 Inner Timing Covers
47:56 Coolant Lines + Dipstick
48:45 Stripping Block
49:55 Motor Mounts
50:34 Exhaust Manifold
51:46 Oil Pan
53:22 Oil Cooler
54:29 Up pipe + Turbo
56:32 Head Removal
Recommended Tools:
AVCS Intake Cam Gear Holder: amzn.to/3PAMgdM
Non-AVCS Exhaust Cam Gear Holder: amzn.to/456i2oP
AVCS Exhaust Cam Gear Tool: amzn.to/3PwpP9S
Quick Fuel Line Disconnect Tool: amzn.to/3PAK3Py
Crank Sprocket Tool: amzn.to/3Zzl6IN
22MM Socket: amzn.to/454r45H
24mm Socket: amzn.to/3ESwPJ1
Parts List (These are some of the OEM parts, different years may vary)
Rad Hose Clamp: 091748014
VVT Solenoid: amzn.to/3LyJp48
Plug Timing Hole: amzn.to/3ZA78GA
RH Non-AVCS Exhaust Sprocket: amzn.to/3ZusuFz
LH Non-AVCS Exhaust Sprocket: amzn.to/3ZBywUL
AVCS Intake RH Sprocket: amzn.to/3EUUvNa
AVCS Intake LH Cam Sprocket: amzn.to/3EWPiEt
Timing Belt Kit: amzn.to/3ZzlhDX
OEM Turbo Inlet: amzn.to/3rmcUPN
OEM STI Oil Cooler: amzn.to/4682phR
OEM STI Flywheel: amzn.to/469DdI6
OEM Clutch Kit: amzn.to/3t9dy3t
OEM 11mm Oil Pump: amzn.to/464qzK9
Group N Engine Mounts: amzn.to/3PSE6ip
IAG Valve Springs: amzn.to/457sbBx
OEM Oil Filters (Tall Boys): amzn.to/3PyGx8z
OEM STI Thermostat: amzn.to/3PylJOj
Fuji 3 Bond: amzn.to/467FdR5
IAG Oil Pan Kit: amzn.to/469t0eA
IAG AOS: amzn.to/3rtwIRb

[@cslammon]

Did I just sit through an hour long video showing things I already know how to do? Yes. Did I love every minute of it? Yes. Do I want more? Yes.

[@camerongreenaway1570]

This is the best thing I’ve ever needed

[@Smeedia]

Here to help where I can 🫡

[@StreetRacingR34]

Same here. I need to pull my engine out. Lol 😅

[@SethLantz]

Thanks for this Tanner! This is helpful is so many ways!

[@daviddin8863]

My guy doing the long form content the people need.

[@Smeedia]

🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@davidbarber2010]

Don’t buy a. Subaru. .buy a better car thats peace of shiit. Of car. Save your money buy a. Better car. A tip from. A.friend That’s if you like fix motors. Car shit

[@daviddin8863]

@@davidbarber2010 tell me you've never built race cars without telling me you've never built race cars. Anytime you do power mods outside of factory spec on any car you lose reliability until you beef up all supporting components. I managed a open class Volvo 740 rally car; the motor has more money than the car, the cage, suspension, and the dog box combined.

[@kjones7270]

Absolute props to you man, this will help sooo many people all around the world 🤙 Alot of work which you didn't really have to do for everyone, your an awesome dude!

[@Smeedia]

Trying to help others where I can 🙌🫡

[@clifflevi]

All the way to Kenya😁

[@Andre-ohigho]

gotta let you know youre the main reason why im not paying someone 2k to replace my clutch, these videos are the most detailed and in depth, its hard not to have the upmost confidence in working on my subie. truly is so easy to follow

[@jtschnering8652]

I don’t own an EJ but I’m glad I watched it JUST in case haha

[@Smeedia]

Never know of you might need it 😅

[@fishneck7366]

People need to like the hell out of this because there aren't enough walk throughs on KZbin. Thank you for this video.

[@Smeedia]

Trying to get back to getting some more DIY Videos out there for everyone!

[@thesavage4552]

Your videos have given me so much more confidence to tackle stuff. This is a play book that I am pumped to use! Thank you!🎉🎉🎉

[@Smeedia]

Glad that the videos have helped 🥳🥳

[@daviddin8863]

Half the fun is working on your own car, and tanner does great as a car tuber helping noobs.

[@deybi1]

Done this a bunch of times while working at Subaru and on my own still enjoy watching the content

[@tehpik3y]

I'll just add this to my EJ Engine work playlist, which is mostly populated with your videos anyway. Can't tell you how much this is appreciated. And the Chapters! My man, great work.

[@Smeedia]

Thank you🙌 tri3d to make just one comprehensive tear down video 🫡 should be another coming in a couple weeks for re assembly 🙌

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

70 retired lineman diyer. Waiting patiently for engine install. May need to remove engine

[@aarohavukainen6573]

As a teenager who bought sti swapped forester xt from his father, I can’t thank you enough

[@Smeedia]

🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@johnlexus1]

Watched the entire thing and I can say this seems so easy to you now, the most that I’ve done about a year ago before starting my engine teardown was a timechain cover. I can say this was a big undertaking to rebuild an engine from scratch . My STI is very rusted so I broke many fasteners, it was a pain. I estimate I worked on my car about 18hrs a week for a year almost so almost 1,000hrs!!! Today is the third day I drive it and le me say this is the smoothest STI I’ve ever driven, no CEL fully stock with all emission control, the rpm is at a solid standstill at idle. After all this work this is so rewarding and I love it. Thank you for the help friend!! Jon

[@matthewladd3427]

As someone whos been wanting to rebuild my FXT once i get the funds for all the parts, i really appreciate having such an in depth video ill be able to reference from a source i trust. Keep up the great content!

[@bradleycarpenter623]

Bruh you are a hero.I Just pulled the engine out of my sti and now im praying your build video is out by the time my new block comes in 😂

[@Smeedia]

Should be about 2 weeks until the next one 🫡

[@bradleycarpenter623]

Hey is there a specific kit you get for all of the hose replacements or do you just go through and buy all the individual ones off of a list?

[@eliasnava4851]

You’re a fucking G for this video. I work at Subaru and tear down motors frequently. This was a lot of fun to watch. This is pure gold content 🤝

[@Smeedia]

Eyyy, thank you 🙌

[@RaulFlores-gr5qd]

I’m going to automotive school and this video got me excited af

[@XD3blaze]

You're an absolute legend. As much as I love channels like ChrisFix and Donut for "How to X" car videos, they don't hold a CANDLE to the wealth of knowledge in just this one hour video.

[@OZBIE]

I always put a board between the front of the engine and the A/C condenser just as a precaution, well documented procedure as always.

[@frotheweeb1646]

The most helpful video I’ve seen. Been wanting to tear apart my WRX engine to clean and check for parts that are messed up

[@uknterror508]

I know you had reserves about doing a video like this, I hope the likes and views reflect how much most of us actually like this stuff. Its sometimes nice to break up the really big progression or main stars of the channel with some of the customers cars. Youve pointed out a few things here but if you see some extra nonsense/random parts installed on these cars its fun to hear about them too

[@markelliott7917]

Normal KZbin watching position, tilted back, feet up. This video, sitting up arms on desk paying attention. Great video. Thanks

[@Aquagenesis]

I may no longer have a WRX but damn I keep coming back for your build vids

[@Smeedia]

Always appreciate the support my man's 🫡🫶

[@chriso1373]

Thanks for posting this! Im on the side of the road right now with a blown motor and need something to watch while waiting for the tow

[@CHASEtheDRIVE.]

These step by step vids are my favorite. The wrx did great at the track!

[@Rephyc]

You and MrSubaru are the two that give people like us more confidence to tackle jobs on these cars we adore so much. that and to show to rest of the people that subarus arent what the memes made them seem like. thank you for putting in the work you do.

[@Smeedia]

These are the types of videos I wish I had when I was doing this stuff for the first time. So hoping it helps people out when tackling their own projects 🙌

[@Rephyc]

@@Smeedia that reminds me of a quote I’ve always kept in mind since I was a kid, “Wisdom is a Circle. What you receive, you must give back”

[@zacharyrodriguez3329]

Dude my STI has a blown engine thanks to dealer negligence. This video is gonna save me a ton of money and do and engine swap for the first time myself. You're a god send dude.

[@loekfelten548]

Very informative for those who (will) own a Subaru 💪🏼. For me as a non-Subaru owner it is also very entertaining 👍🏻

[@Smeedia]

Tried to make it fairly informative for those who may need it 🙌🙌

[@mynamisis]

I'm plotting to put a built ej and a 6mt into a 00-04 outback and this video is like motivation for me. Thanks man you are awesome

[@seanmatkosky8368]

Been rebuilding mine and watching everything you've made on the process. Thanks a ton

[@Smeedia]

Anytime 🥳 try to help where I can 🙌

[@johnlexus1]

Its very rewarding at the end

[@_Machine631_]

i have no plans to ever do this to a subaru, but i thoroughly enjoy these types of vids. between you and devin doing build video's like this, it's really fun to watch.

[@Smeedia]

Always nice to be able to see how they work on tear down 🙌🫡

[@c.j.cameron1820]

SO Much useful information. Probably the most informative video that I've watched in a while. Unfortunately I think my grocery list just got a lot bigger but better to prepare now than deal with it later.

[@juliancontreras3064]

I don’t need this tutorial at all. But the amount of work going into this video deserves as much support

[@RazzleFrazzle]

I wont be using this right now but i know in the future i will be spending many many hours re-watching this, thank you for this!

[@adamjohnson6701]

Effin brilliant, sharing knowledge like this makes the world a better place!!

[@thegreek5672]

Exactly what I was looking for. Can't wait to see the build.

[@123agatep]

Literally needed this... just got my lower block in and boom you come out with this!

[@cramdangle]

I love how easy it is to work on Subarus. Sometimes.

[@kolinze4408]

HUGE PROPS to you! the time and effort put into this video is INSANE!! You deserve every second of watch time for this video. Keeping this in my list of important videos to use once i work on my own EJ255!

[@Smeedia]

Hopefully comes on handy when it comes time for the 255 🙌🫡

[@user-rn8xw7zk2d]

I just feel that a comment, a like and share are not enough appreciation for all the help you give us in this community man, Thank you so much TAN-MAN. 💯🔥

[@lqqkout8214]

Excited to sit down for a long watch-through! I’m excited for your definitive guide 🥳

[@Smeedia]

🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@3ricFtp]

Don’t even own an sti YET, but I’ll still watch it 😈

[@devonanderson2112]

This video makes me miss working for subaru. awesome video. definitely will help a lot of people out.

[@joshuagoodnight763]

Thank you thank you thank you! I’ve been wanting to do mine myself and have been scared cause there’s no videos on it. What perfect timing!! Can’t waiting for the rebuild vid so I can get started.

[@Wolfwood0011]

wow!!!👀 with this video in my back pocket ready to try it on my own😁

[@ShocksBocks]

This is perfect. Since my wrx went, I've been looking at getting almost this exact spec of STI minus the blown engine and this couldn't be better timing. Finally will have some clue as to what I'm doing lol

[@Smeedia]

I'll have the assembly portion coming up soon to give more insight 🙌

[@5thAve_Ricky]

This video has been so helpful. I got an invoice for labor to have a motor assembled and I feel like I’m getting robbed with the prices.

[@FoundAGarage]

This is amazing man! Appreciate pulling this together. I have an ‘04 so this is unreal helpful for engine work on it down the road

[@Smeedia]

Eyyy perfect 🙌🙌 trying to make all info readily available for everyone 🔥

[@magicka000]

Really appreciate this vid. As an owner of a 20+ year old Impreza, I'm aware that more and more things are starting to need attention. Videos like this, that are systematic and properly narrated/explained go a long way to reduce the level of intimidation I feel when I pop the hood lol. Thank you!

[@Spakicey]

I just got my motor back from Outfront, definitely looking forward to the reassembly video!

[@AccessDEANied]

back in 2018 i had to replace the engine in my bugeye. my budget limited me to buying a used jdm ej205. ever since then i always enjoy watching engine pull videos. knowing more now than i did back then, i wish i had built a 205/257 hybrid. just waiting for this used engine to die off now lol.

[@glorrior3036]

I swear this was perfect timing. I just picked up my first WRX a few months ago and was lost on how I should go about bringing it up to snuff. You’ve answered all of my questions and I can’t wait to save up and collect everything I need.

[@Smeedia]

Glad to hear, hope the wrx treats ya well! Have some more videos coming out on this stuff soon 🙌

[@shiloh5199]

This is one of your best videos of all time!! Love it bro!!

[@Smeedia]

Thanks dude 🙌 trying to get some more helpful videos out there 🔥

[@richiehuff6612]

Omg I needed this so bad 🙌🏻 Reassembly video pleaseeeee

[@ImHClikeSnowbound]

What an absolute almanac of automotive knowledge. Youre a king for this one man!

[@Smeedia]

Try to help where I can 🙌🙌🙌

[@COG4TOGUE]

what a awesome video man cheers for the help and being a genuine guy stuffs hard to come by in this day in age, cant wait to do this on my twin turbo rs legacy sedan, peace from new zealand

[@TheMCGamer2001]

Thanks this saves me a lot of hiccups because I'll be getting my blobeye wrx on the road in 4 months

[@ncfitton]

This has been so helpful. Thank you! Is the follow-up video out yet? I’m about to put my new motor back in and just looking for gotchas and all your great tips. 😊

[@Smeedia]

uploading today!

[@ncfitton]

@@Smeedia hey! Thanks mate! By coincidence, I just finished my install tonight!!! 😂 but I decided to sleep on it before I start it with fuel connected, so I’ll watch your upload first for sure!!! So funny.

[@ManimeMatt]

This is fantastic man. Love this video.

[@JuKEz1904]

Thank u for this video.Im doing this for the first time and it was very helpful.

[@Ultraman___]

I’m getting ready to a full engine build and this video has me hyped now!

[@Smeedia]

Eyyyyy I'll have the assembly portion up In a week or two 🙌

[@ryandrews9612]

For all the first timers def use fender guards because you will drop shit and jack up your paint! Sick vid def one of the best step by steps you'll find out there!

[@Smeedia]

Fender gaurds are definitely a good idea for someone's first time! Hopefully helps some people out 🙌

[@stefanvanbraam4378]

Thanks for all the time you spent making this video. Sooo appreciated it!!!

[@Smeedia]

Anytime 🙌🫡🔥

[@night_fox6378]

Thank you so much for posting this video I been wanted to try to pull my engine myself!!!!

[@dennis3285]

Tanner I just wanted to give you a huge shoutout. I’ve been subscribed, watching and following the builds for awhile now. Love your enthusiasm and motivation with all the different projects from the gd chassis, to blue and even the rx7. Having a 02’ wrb bugeye (I regretted selling after developing rod knock) to my most recent dream car find in TX of a running wrb one owner all stock clean 04’ sti I got for $16k and drove home, I’m looking forward to taking things apart and refreshing the car as it needs it and one day maybe be at 400 whp. I’m stoked to see the progress on the customers 05’ sti (btw I enjoyed the longer step by step tare down) and what you end up doing with your new 07’ sti. Keep it up man I love the content on all the cars and congrats on the new shop it’s looking pretty sweet. Cheers bud from south FL. Ps- Any particular reason why you’d want to go with a stock turbo inlet vs say a Perrin silicone one? Also curious if you got the new RA short block from flatirons?

[@kennyc7635]

Thank you so much for your contribution and sharing of your knowledge with the Subaru society 👍🏻

[@Smeedia]

Trying to help where I can 🫡🫡🫡

[@Anonymoose0913]

Thank you so much this is EXACTLY what I need, please do a very thorough on the installation and rebuild you do! The old ones are good but you have really stepped your game up since then.

[@Smeedia]

I got you 🙌 should be a week or two until that one comes out 🔥

[@Anonymoose0913]

@Smeedia Your the man bro 🤙🏼

[@hatefunwrx]

Hey its okay if it's a long video we don't mind. Definitely love learning new things or different ways to do things from you. You Sir are a true G

[@Smeedia]

Figured a full teardown video would help someone out 🙌🫡

[@hatefunwrx]

@@Smeedia very nicely done, thank you

[@Syde_Project]

This might be a hassle for you as I'm not sure how it works, but one idea I had was that you could make a playlist and put all of your videos on how to DIY maintenance together. Not sure if it'd be worth the effort or night, but I personally would love that playlist so I know exactly where to go to find the references. Love the videos and guides man!

[@fluffy2004wrb]

Thanks to you and videos like this I have learned so much about my car, and become confident enough to take on a transmission swap. Thank you for everything, and I hope you keep making these ridiculous walkthroughs once in a while.

[@Smeedia]

I'll always make these videos 🙌 trans swap?! 6 speed? 👀

[@Nrhuth1]

This is an amazing video. Thank you so much for all the work this took.

[@Smeedia]

Hoping it helps some people put 🥳

[@user-wb7jo8ol8t]

Great work. Really helpfull, makes the job seem a lot less daunting.

[@micahsamples3019]

Subaru god himself just taught me his ways

[@Smeedia]

🫶🫶🫶

[@mrchilled]

Absolutely outstanding technical knowledge. Awesome vid.

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🙌 hopefully helps some people out 🔥🫡

[@carbon9652]

Love the content definetly cant wait for the next vid very informative I have a VB but honestly contemplating in also getting a hawkeye or bugeye project.

[@brandoncheel]

Excited for the upcoming content bro, much love!

[@Smeedia]

🫶🫶🫶🫶

[@Panzerlang]

Absolutely monumentally so superb. This is content-creation of the highest order. Nice one Smeebie. :)

[@Smeedia]

🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@ozej2043]

Very informative video,thanks for boosting my knowledge once again on these engines

[@Smeedia]

Anytime my dude 🙌🙌🙌

[@acidfrogs10]

Thank you for posting this, one day Ill use this information for my STI im still a lowly non STI wrx driver ;)

[@brianconnolly7075]

Maaaaaannnnnnn, and it’s not even Christmas yet 🥲 really appreciate this video!! 🙌

[@Smeedia]

Christmas came early 🙌

[@peterose4650]

Can you tell how awesome this video is. It's very timely giving I'm rebuilding a 2012 hatch. You're the best Tanner! Keep up everything you're doing.🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Smeedia]

Thanks Pete! 🙌

[@robertmillwood9826]

Outstanding, Bro!!!! Thanks, waiting for re-assembly!

[@Smeedia]

Should be out in a week or two 🥳🥳🥳

[@cassiejvance7496]

Thank you so much for the video T.

[@seanjr7913]

I'm very glad you put this video out. My motor recently spun a bearing. So I want to do the rebuild myself lol. Most likely will or just get an IAG bottom end and go from there

[@rockxiong8264]

No longer have my ej but this is fun to watch!

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

I'm troubleshooting a po302 on my 2006 stock sti with just spt add ons. Excellent video on how to remove ej257 engine

[@omialmanza1900]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Full coverage movie! You're hard work is appreciated T!

[@Smeedia]

Try to help where I can 🙌

[@raswrasw6174]

Finally got my first WRX a month ago. I have been trying to soak up as much information as I could since. This video is just what I was looking for! Thanks brother!

[@Smeedia]

Glad that I can help my man 🥳🥳🥳

[@V8Spitfire]

The Subaru good has blessed us again 🙏

[@V8Spitfire]

God*

[@joelrodriguez6539]

He needs to repost this video because ik there’s so many ppl that needs this rn I’ve needed it like 2 months ago 😂

[@Smeedia]

Lmao 😅😅😅

[@Saabaru]

Hey Smeedia, love the video it's gonna help me soooooo much! I was wondering could you also do a video similar to this for manual swapping a 4EAT with a 6 speed STI? I know you made some videos about manual swapping but the're no where near as in depth as this video so if you could I would greatly appreciate it! Keep up the amazing content

[@followtheornghat]

With this video out noe, i feel like it would actually be possible for me to not break a bunch of stuff in removak 😅 awesome help as always

[@jonanderson6467]

These are the videos I’ve been waiting for!!!

[@Smeedia]

Eyyy glad you like it 🥳

[@foxunfocused]

So much amazing info packed into one video! Almost wish I wasn't heavily invested in my VW project right now. I still have a Bugeye STI swap (or STI bugeye front clip swap) on my wishlist

[@Smeedia]

I'm waiting for the day that you do this swap 👀🔥🙌

[@Subiego]

Bro best video you have made! I have a 2001 JDM sti and I know there different but some what the same and helps a huge amount for when I do this can’t wait for next video add as much as you can in the next video imma watch all of it!

[@Smeedia]

Re assembly video should be out in a week or two 🙌🙌🙌

[@Subiego]

@@Smeedia looking forward to it man!

[@KoryBrooks]

I scored a good set of case halves from a replacement I did recently where the rod bearings decided to leave the chat. Had to toss the D25 heads, cams and crank. Tossed the rods and pistons too since I plan to get forged. I'm keeping this video in my liked, faves, list, and all the right places, thank you for the time and effort you give to the community 🙌

[@KoryBrooks]

Failed oil pump, and the customer replaced it and only got so far before falling in my lap, it kinda ran 😂

[@Smeedia]

Tbh I'm impressed it kept going after a failed oil pump 😅

[@KoryBrooks]

He was not a car guy, neither was the previous mechanic who just slapped an oil pump and let it go like that😅 hes good now, short block and heads are new

[@yulianruiz119]

You are the best. Incredible video. You making history.

[@Smeedia]

Trying to help where I can 🙌🙌

[@westonmickey3890]

TOP NOTCH!!! Excellent video brother!

[@Smeedia]

Thanks Wes 🙌🙌🙌

[@noahtaylor7155]

You are a beautiful man. This will save so many projects

[@Smeedia]

Hoping it helps some people 🙌

[@longfello1000]

DUDE my new Bible !!!! thanks so much .my son a i got a 06 sti because of you 430 whp .wish you could go over it before we drive it.... lots of work done to it i would like to verify from ya ...have a good day bro we love the videos .....

[@Smeedia]

Hopefully everything. Checks out on it 🙌 definitely keep me posted on how it is!

[@junma40]

Amazing dude, thanks for the info!