Junkyard Subaru WRX Engine Restoration | Redline Rebuild Time-Lapse

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We took a clapped-out Subaru WRX EJ205 turbo-charged engine with almost 300,000 miles on it and COMPLETELY rebuilt it. And as always, we recorded time-lapse video of every single step of the process. The rusty body of our well-loved 2002 Subaru WRX hatchback was beyond saving, but its turbo-charged flat-four 2.0L engine will live on as we meticulously disassemble, clean, machine, and reassemble it to better-than-new condition. Make sure you watch until the end to see if it fires up for the first time on a custom-built (out of 2x4's, plywood and a pallet rack) engine stand. If it starts, the only question left is: What should we put this in?
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
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#redlinerebuild #neverstopdriving #enginerebuild #timelapse #subaru

[@Hagerty]

Check out our latest Redline Rebuild video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2XMm41sbZKbnJo

[@310_Latchkey_kid]

Sir!! You are truly a Master Technician!!

[@csl750]

So what did the engine go into ?😊

[@carlosayala3675]

Lets see it go in an impreza coupe. A replica 22b if you will. Incredible job sir!

[@Superbee2023purpleone]

Put it on a motorcycle

[@hahaha12345678993]

the amount of time that goes into editing this must take the same as the rebuilt time, its crazy good

[@vyrus24]

the stop motion on the cam assembly was pretty cool.

[@richt247]

Its always been mint from day 1.. i think i was these more for the editing than the cars to be honest.

[@paulmurphy5964]

I agree wholeheartedly Awesome video.

[@briansierzega]

@@vyrus24 Agreed! I first noticed the wrench moving at like 1:04 and thought…oh, this is gonna be a cool vid

[@blandflatland8915]

This was my first thought. Probably the best montage video I’ve ever seen the way it was filmed and edited.

[@ChrisHill-vr7tg]

These time-lapse are always so cool to see.

[@glowingdeathclaw3560]

That stop motion part at 3:30 was AMAZING!!! I know how incredibly time consuming that is to do but it was totally worth it if you ask me! Would love to see more of that in the future

[@JD-rt6vc]

That exact moment earned my sub!

[@nach0vidal]

Here was me thinking Davin ONLY worked on muscle car engines....There clearly is no limit to this mans talent!

[@renatomedeiros1476]

why not be eclectic? try different types of beers, listen to other genres of music and girls too 😁

[@igordeocosta]

I like to think he has a special place in his heart for boxer engines since he worked in that VW Beetle.

[@TheChube25]

Agreed 👍

[@rwboa22]

​@@igordeocosta thing is that the Subaru's boxer engine is far more complicated than VW's.

[@sschevmale24]

Engine is an engine man

[@improvisewitme]

I'd like to see you guys rebuild a rotary engine like what they used to have in the old RX7s

[@shadowopsairman1583]

RX8 was the last to have it, but were scrapped for being oil and emissions pigs. There are custom rotaries

[@BaseSRKI]

+1

[@Drmcclung]

Terrible on fuel, torqueless wonder, burns as much oil as fuel out of necessity, not good for much of anything other than low torque static loads

[@lifted_above]

But a 4-rotor nitrous and turbo in a Lexus race car do sound pretty cool. Hahaha /watch?v=momaslk2Dts

[@Drmcclung]

@@lifted_above But a 6 cylinder 2jz nitrous and turbo in a Lexus in a race car

[@Trapper50cal]

As openly hostile towards this platform as you were at times, you followed through with precision and patience and it shows...looks great, runs great. Now put it in something and get on the road with it...then the love will start peeking through.

[@flyonbyya]

‘hostile’ is denotes great distain, like ‘hate’ and ‘don’t care’. When ever such terms are used, it’s critical to articulate such terms with supporting language and reason why such strong language is required. I don’t think Davin showed such outright distain, nor used such direct language. Words Matter !

[@moparedtn]

@@flyonbyya Agree totally. At best, Davin may have been accused of being bluntly honest at the onset of this project, stating that he had little knowledge of the engine (or the cars themselves) and as such, he had natural concerns for doing one - but also stated he was more than willing to learn as he went.... .,...which he obviously did, quite successfully as Davin always does.

[@jamesondewitt1076]

It's always awesome to try something new and learn different techniques....... Quick tip when it come to the old Subaru rebuild is to Understand that when the block is only two Cylinders thick, the crankshaft is sandwiched between two halves of the case, and the engine block and bottom end is multi-peice. Not as per your normal cast 4-6 piston block. When the head sighted down to speck, the block and multipeice assembly warps. And without a fixture tightened to speck, Pre-warping the engine while machining. If a pre-tourked fixture isn't used, When the engine finally gets assembled it burns oil like hell and never lasts long. Sorry to say

[@no_lft_shft]

Remember when this was what this channel was? These videos. Now it's grown into something so much bigger. An entire network of automotive coverage. It's insane how much it has grown

[@Valerii2303]

Восхищаюсь такими людьми... Людьми, которые так превосходно творят своими собственными руками! 💪

[@user-yf7mp6qz3o]

Вообще 😯

[@delup2008]

The engine in my friend's Subaru was repaired for almost a year and you managed to do it in less than 7 minutes. Well done!!!

[@rhuttrho88]

You friend took waaaaaay too long!🫨

[@rhuttrho88]

He should of used these guys instead!🫨🫡

[@michaelsuarez2300]

J me

[@nassernsimbe7849]

We did mine in three days 😅

[@martint1699]

A fascinating rebuild! From the huge amounts of work, to the insane attention to detail and editing and to the inhuman patience to put all things listed above together, this video is a step above perfection!

[@MH-ev3wr]

This would go GREAT in a VW Transporter bus, like a Westfalia camper.

[@SonicCure]

Agree with you MH.

[@alexthegreat0234]

I love these rebuild videos! I swear I must have rewatched the first one I ever saw at least ten times! You guys rock.

[@Axr24have]

Well done Davin! The build looked complicated. Love the sound of those boxer engines. Maybe you can find a later model VW beetle (sp?) you can put it in. 😄

[@JTLowry]

I feel like a boxer swap is the best choice, an air cooled porsche would be sacrilegious. so what's the next best thing. that or a micro bus.

[@brentmickey9774]

They are a common swap into the water cooled Vanagons.

[@van84agon]

@@brentmickey9774 not the ej205 - 99% of Subaru conversions are non-turbos in the Vanagon like the 2.2L or 2.5L

[@Darksurfr]

Funny enough...That boxer sound is not actually the sound of the engine but a sound as a result of the unequal length exhaust manifolds. You put equal length on it and it sounds just like every other 4-cylinder of its size. VW beetle is pretty common. Not a bad option at all. I think It would be cool to put it into something OLD that people don't typically rebuild. Like a Plymouth Cricket or Chevy Covaire? Or maybe find an old BRAT? first gen supra? First gen MR2? Porsche 944? Something like that

[@Emily-lk1mf]

@@Darksurfr a corvair would be wicked cool. My dad had a '66 until a few years ago, sadly the rot got to it and he junked it against my wishes, i had subaru rat rod plans for it lol. Would love to see a boxer engine swapped one

[@SmartMass]

I'd love to see you install this in an Impreza 1st Gen GF, keeping old Subbie Wagons going is a win in my book.

[@rturner4205]

It definitely needs to be put in one of these older Legacy Wagons.

[@remissiveslave]

Not worth 5 seconds of labor. Will fall apart very quickly no matter what.

[@SacrumImperiumRomanum517]

@@remissiveslave nah it won’t. The engines don’t do Star Trek miles but they are pretty good. Plus who cares , loads of cool cars are incredibly unreliable .

[@TheJines123]

@remissive slave 1871 You do realize how many miles were on this engine when he got it right?

[@remissiveslave]

@@TheJines123 no

[@YohanesAriez]

Despite of the beautiful works on the rebuilt, your cinematic shoot is absolutely amazing. Especially those timelapse, always fascinating. Great job, Hagerty!

[@basleeuwens4986]

I'm amazed at the knowledge you have on engines... I wish i could do mine right now. What a beautiful job

[@keithkeller6509]

How about swapping it into an old VW Microbus? That would be a great project for the channel.

[@s2krazy03]

Factory Five 818! I feel like that kit needs more attention than it’s gotten. Great build!

[@st7cengo819]

Brought a smile to my face. There are so many memories that rumble and that whistle. Just golden, great job.

[@7binus9]

Amazing video through and through. The rebuild, the videography, the funky edits, the presentation, every single part was awesome! Thank you for this content!

[@Paulster2]

Out of all the "first" engine startups on Redline Rebuild, this has got to be the quickest starting one ever. Just turn the key and fire up. NOICE and well done, Davin! :o)

[@szymon6207]

Mechanical project. Good Work !

[@FanatikBuilds]

Has been fun watching this one come together, thanks Davin and crew! ✌️ would love to see it put in a Factory Five 818!

[@hybrid281]

Oh man that was so awesome seeing the process. That was satisfying seeing all the old dirt and buildup get removed along the way. Great job fellas 👍

[@imprezahouse]

What a great 10 minute video! So cool! The EJ05 is such a fun, simple, reliable little engine. Love them!

[@Mike.Macmyazka]

Either an old Beetle or Dune Buggy. I’ve got a Dune Buggy that I need to get fixed up. It was my dad’s and it’s been parked for almost 40 years (since before I was born). I’m debating on doing what he wanted which was 1600cc engine and 12V conversion (as it sits, it is 1200cc and 6V) or I do an EJ20 and modernize it a little. I’ve spent 16 years undecided and it’s time to start working on it.

[@ChasePhilport]

It will run much smoother with a proper crank pulley that can dampen the vibrations. That pulley thats on it will make it feel much rougher when moving through the RPM range because the AC, power steering, and alternator are all locked together. Also, very interesting choice painting the timing cover, never seen that done and shocked you got paint to stick to it!

[@MrJeffboygtr]

definitely the best rebuild videos ive seen. so much effort are made into this. well done 👏

[@lostinwi]

Absolutely love the slow motion, parts jumping in to place totally PBS moments. Put it in a side-by-side

[@bhumiriady]

Once again, Hagerty always delivers when it comes to Redline Rebuild videos! Keep up the awesome work, team.^^

[@Will_JJHP]

From the teardown to the rebuild and the timelapse & stop motion editing and the overall pacing, this is an exquisite video. Well done everyone involved 👏👏👏

[@DanielConstantinoS]

This is one if the coolest engine video I ever seen! A real piece of art!

[@naminazakii]

very good memory, when taking apart and putting back the components on the machine. you are really amazing sir. respect us in Indonesia.

[@billhart9832]

This is probably the most satisfying Time-lapse I've ever watched! The editing is phenomenal and the sound track fit like an aftermarket exhaust! Bravo! All the more remarkable from a "skeptic".

[@user-os7xg7nu4v]

I drive a Subaru WRX wagon just like this one. I replaced the radiator this year and will be replacing the timing belt soon. I hope to drive it for a long time to come. The repairs in this video are great.

[@acoffeeaday]

The amount of time spent to create this masterpiece is amazing!!!!

[@jwe001yt]

Always impressive to see rebuilds like this, RESPECT!

[@JEgkt]

Factory 5 is known for building kit cars espcially for Subaru's. 818 is the racing Shell/chassis spec for wrx/STI's.

[@1mpur1ty]

818 would be epic!

[@JEgkt]

@@1mpur1ty You basically buying a budget racecar in the end. And its still rare

[@igorschannel]

I love what the power of money can do combined with the right professionals for the job. Love this series.

[@shofarsogood7504]

Wow the engine work alone is great but the editing is awesome too. Even the detail to mimic him giving a closer ear in the audio to listen to idle. Just awesome.

[@jobspeedmms]

the tools are all sophisticated. the work feels fast, the results are also satisfying. the machine is pretelled to the final stage and everything is restored. the result is really amazing...👍🏿

[@Rigdon259]

I enjoyed watching a Subie boxer engine being rebuilt. Great job! The amount of work and detail was amazing.

[@archipiphanyworkshop860]

I became an avid follower of Hagerty ever since that Timelapse of the Volkswagen beetle rebuild. Truly Davin’s work is pure genius and art. Especially considering that he’s not a fan of Subarus and not much experience. I watch these videos with pure delight in the incalculable power of art and skill. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@BruceLethal]

This is impressive 👏🏼

[@haidermnati5655]

Your work is amazing and worth watching

[@xxwrathchild]

One of the nicest running ejs I’ve ever heard. Barely any fuel injector tick.

[@wayupnorth1973]

I think it should go in an old vw bug, like mighty car mods did. Those things rip! Good stuff

[@AverageCitizen333]

AWD front engine classic 70's beatle would be a sick build for that. A small footprint motor would make that possible

[@Gimblevalve]

A man who can!! Great stop motion....thanks for posting. Just replaced cam belt on my Focus today...white belt to your black 🀄

[@panagiotis1519]

Davin & crew, there is no Hagerty without you all! Pretty much the only show I care to watch. Love it!

[@Timingchain]

Ох. Как же я люблю то, чем эти ребята занимаются. И то, как они это снимают. Так красиво и чисто в моторах не копался, пожалуй, ещё никто.

[@stevegleixner3982]

love the engine run stand!!

[@nickc1121]

These stop motion videos are fantastic! Also, that truly is a fully hand built motor!!

[@gedavids84]

Build a Factory 5 818. Also, tell the insurance people to think about insuring kit cars. I'm building an Exocet and I need insurance eventually.

[@1mpur1ty]

I second this!! 818 would be an awesome build series to put this engine in.

[@jimmynix7901]

Can appreciate the time and effort that goes into building something left field like this. I think this would suit getting slotted into something cool like a 60's beetle or combi! Hats off to the camera dude also, cool time lapse!

[@creativereasons7588]

That smile at the end - a man who knows his skills. Top job!

[@jassoporherencia4523]

A Master at work👍🏼

[@jeremyfraser67]

I think this should go in a 80s gl wagon, love the videos.

[@wrenchinontheroo5632]

what he said ^ ^ ^

[@No0bzs]

Hagerty... easily the best motorsport content maker!!!! Thanks again for this beauty!!!

[@remissiveslave]

Motors don't run on gas engines do.

[@13zoreck]

The editor in me always gets a little pumped watching your videos! Amazing work, both behind and in front of the camera! 😁🔥

[@josuesolares8239]

I can watch this video everyday. It amazes me the skills this guys have.

[@jonnywrongturn.4143]

This was really cool to watch. David didn’t like doing it but he made it way better than it ever was.

[@73Zein]

I always love your timelapse video! a masterpiece!

[@erwinb3412]

Thanks for the video . What a job . How can one remember what one disassembled , to put it back where it should be . Amazing . It is like memorizing how to play all the music notes of an hour long symphony .

[@sponsored_hobbies8233]

Awesome work, great video guys. Keep up the good work.

[@revlimiter1199]

Would love to see this in the beetle you have in the shop! Great work as always.

[@revelationcars976]

Crazy amount of effort. Good job!

[@jazzinmyhand1504]

Big fan of rebuild engines. Especially in a time-lapse vid. Awesome job

[@harrypits7824]

I'm a sbc guy and I bought a subaru two years ago and I've become a fan. Simple smooth cheap

[@dannyfowler7055]

Absolute poetry in motion Davin! After starting with 2 years of auto shop in high school and working on cars off and on my whole life, this was so much fun to watch! Well done Davin and Jeff, or as we said in the Navy, BZ! (Bravo Zulu). Not gifted or imaginative enough to tell you what to put her in, but I’ll be watching, I know you will nail it. PS - How much HP does it develop?

[@intraxx88]

This one in stock does around 170-190 as a 2.0 liter single turbo. But can be easily tuned up to twice more power with just turbo, fuel system, intercooler and ECU. Plenty of tuning from Japan and USA, and fun to drive cars, definitely worth to try one

[@rawbeejay]

I think it would go perfect in my 2000 Impreza 😂

[@danielbutton3198]

And I think your 2000 Impreza would look perfect in my garage 😉🤣

[@streetballplayer100]

Great job, Hagerty!!! Always great to see Davin's joyful face when another engine runs🚜

[@concernedcitizen2868]

Paused at 3:42 this is a hit. Do more of these! Please, on all types of motors.

[@totalyep]

Seems like a pretty tricky engine to get back together correctly. Fascinating how it is designed.

[@jeffplant3]

That’s ALOT of work…..on both sides of the camera. You guys keep doin and growin. Great project! Great results!

[@IvanTutto]

Amazing job, perfect restauration a real engine reparation, all the details as always with Hagerty, love all the dedication and details!!!

[@Jim007baker]

You are the fastest mechanic I have ever seen. lol Man I think you could build any engine you are the best there is!

[@stevemartegani]

Put it in a Factory Five 818, or a Porsche 914. Maybe a 70's Subaru if you want to go hardcore.

[@1mpur1ty]

I second this!! 818 would be an awesome build series to put this engine in.

[@ivtec4fun55]

I noticed the "head bolted on simulation" jig wasn't used for honing the cylinders, I'm not curious how well the rings seat. From my research, putting torque pressure on the block like the heads were torqued down, will actually distort the cylinder roundness. So you should torque down the head jig, then hone the cylinders. Edit: this is due to the fact that the block is so short and square, which doesn't hold it's shape under pressure as well as a inline engine.

[@ivtec4fun55]

@@supermotos Thanks, I'm terrible with names :P

[@Chase_AM]

Yeah, this things a ticking time bomb with the lack of torque plate

[@johndelta00]

@@Chase_AM Some would say all subaru's are a ticking time bomb.

[@mattyswanepoel]

Effort in worksmanship and production value!

[@zinaitawfik6894]

well done mate you toke me 15 years back and you made me thinking of getting this car back

[@edwardneal4819]

Exceptional work as always. I'd like to see this thing put into a Manx Dune Buggy! How cool would that be?

[@rscottalex]

I mentioned this on the first video,but you should throw this in an Factory 5 818 kit car and keep the series going (along with your next project). Kit car builds are entertaining. Otherwise, my vote is for a old boxter with a blown motor, but that would be another interesting flat 6 build in itself

[@AndersonSouza-jg2qe]

What a wonderful service! Watching here from Brazil!

[@deem6077]

This was ridiculous....ly AMAZING!!! I'm blown away!! 🤯🤯🤯 If there was ever a skill I envy, it's this. So effin awesome!!! 😩😩

[@ProductofNZ]

Put it in a Beck Spyder (Kit car resembling a classic Porsche 550 spider) They can take an EJ25, so this should fit right?? :D

[@ezequielsilva2709]

simplesmente incrível 👏👏

[@andreysto1202]

Absolutely insane!!! Overwhelmingly impressed!!!

[@nanobiaful]

Beatifull sound...perfect power

[@1mpur1ty]

Hey Hagerty, this would be pretty epic in a Factory Five 818 ... Maybe it's time for a Kit Car build series?

[@hbirtic146]

I love it how he uses a pic of the engine to know how to put timing belt correctly without fucking something up

[@dannyaustin84]

Subscribed! The most entertaining 10minutes of my entire week. The camera work was mega. Thanks for the effort there. Inspirational work. Thanks.

[@Jeyslayer_]

That was quite satisfying. Always loved the EJ series engine. Legendary.

[@mrzack4964]

It would look great in my 2005 Subaru wrx that the motor just went out in. Haven’t had the time to rebuild it.

[@GMM_munkey55]

Funny! I have a 2005 sti roller that it would fit in perfectly also! Lol

[@user-iu4kh6em9g]

Наглядный пример каким должен быть ремонт! Ребят 👍👍👍

[@JapJucheist]

только стоить такой ремонт будет почти как новый мотор. по сути экономишь только на доставке, и растаможке

[@haenahaesung]

Great video... I enjoyed it as much as you build it....great work!

[@Phantom-ty3vf]

That pop got me grinning eat to ear, great work love it

[@hippynurd]

Wow, that was a lot of effort to build that little motor. Its nice that there was enough that was salvageable,but was the squeeze worth the juice?

[@alexsanchez757]

Put that EJ into a Miata! That would be a sweet driving machine!

[@sameuljones5496]

Nah Miatas are girls cars

[@bocaks]

Doesnt fit between the suspension

[@mahcheeksajiglin6540]

Lol the engine is wider than the strut towers. Good luck

[@alexsanchez757]

@MahCheeksaJiglin A company in Utah managed to do it a few years ago. They notched the frame to get it to fit and it was really tight but it ran and drove. Too bad the business went under.

[@G0RD0NL1M35]

Video is amazing as always. Thank you for this! Put it in a miata or a bug eye!