How To Jdm Ej20X Swap - 06-14 WRX, 04-07 STI, 05-09 LGT, 04-14 FXT
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 เม.ย. 2022
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With cobb and ecutek having to conform with EPA regulations. You will either need to find an open source tuner or you will have to get the ej20y with air pump to comply. What does this mean for the swap? Nothing except if your car was air pump car and open source isnt an option from your tuner. Then you will need to use a ej20y with air pump.
The exact same formula is used in the single avcs plastic intake manifold cars. If any of this is beyond your understanding then seek a professional for the job.
Overall the ej20x is a reliable and capable high compression engine. With proper tuning they are great engines and a very cost effective solution to get your car back on the road. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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Really nice vid guys. Broke everything down working through the motor
Thank you for the information I’m on a tight budget and have no room for error here and your video helped me out! Thank you sir
yo so did it work for u or nah?
Just bought an 08 hatch wrx that needs a new engine in it. Plan on watching your video step by step to make sure everything is done correctly. Thank you so much brother. Out here doing gods work 😂
Your in luck, I have 08-14 wrx specific ej20x/ej20y how to swap vid coming out tomorrow! Same difference but visually it’s probably easier to follow.
Great video man thanks!
Great vid guys. Thumbs up
Thanks for the video, I needed this info! I just need to delay a tooth and that's it.
Great video!
Great job 👍
Thanks for telling me to add the tgvs and everything .. it runs amazing .. only code that’s coming up it’s the etg sensor .. how do I delete that?
This makes me feel at ease. I did this swap a few months ago blind and only had forums to reference. I ended up changing the timing by 2 teeth instead of one bc of conflict in the forums. Luckly i still am working the car and haven't driven it much. Ill change it back to one.
Also made peace of mind bc other than that i did the swap the same way. Thanks for the reassurance!
Dont feel bad, the first time we did it we changed it 3 teeth 😂 it was fine and eventually we changed it to 1 tooth.
@@TheSubieSanctuary ha ha all the different answers from forums 😅.
I'm glad someone finally did a video like this. Especially in high quality and easy to follow video. Thanks again!
@@NikaidouStep thanks! Glad it was helpful.
@TheSubieSanctuary how much hp/tq gain did you saw at the dyno?
@@TheSubieSanctuary what about two teeth? Having a hard time getting a solid answer from forums.. Vf52. Also, I keep hearing mention of plugging oil squirters or something? TIA
Very Helpful, I'm currently trying to swap my 2007 impreza 2.5i to a WRX and kept coming across EJ20X/Y Motors. I was skeptical at first because of the horror stories from friends of friends. Thank you for clearing most of it up. I plan on swapping the harness, fuel lines, subframe, etc. This winter while also trying to build (more like refresh) a motor for it to drop in. Once again thank you so much!
My pleasure! Ive done A LOT of these 20x/y they are incredible for the money. Very reliable up to 350whp no problem. Glad the vid helped!
@@TheSubieSanctuary I was talking to iWire USA the Subaru wiring company. And they said. The JDM Legacy GT ECU won't work for this project because it is CANbus equipped.
@@TheSubieSanctuary my builder said I would have to use a Standalone ECU by Haltech but that’s nearly 2500$ and I want to find a way to use DUAL AVCS without putting a hole in my wallet
@@marcuswade2974 a local friend, unlocked the 20x ecu himself and wired in the exh avcs. It’s possible, its not common to do but can certainly be done on the cheap using above method.
@Subie Sanctuary, If we use a JDM ECU, would that mean our AP won't work? If not, can we still use RomRaider? (Is it even worth the effort if we already have an AP?)
Thanks for the vid and clearing this up. I have actually done 2 of these swaps about 2 years ago, one was an '07 OXT Limited and the other an '05 LGT and both of them, aside from leaving the AVCS disconnected on the exhaust, I did nothing else aside from swapping what was necessary. I thought I was going crazy because it definitely felt like it lost bottom end punch, especially at initial throttle tip in from stop lights, stop signs, etc. It took it about 2 seconds to catch up and then start to gain some power in each car and I was unsure of how to cure it. After studying mode 6 data and watching AFR, etc I still could not see much other than the ST fuel trim was off at initial throttle but timing and trim both caught up at about 2500 rpm. The exhaust retard of 1 tooth makes so much sense!!!! Why did I not notice or think of that!?!?!?! Man, this video cleared that up 100% as I am currently doing my 3rd swap in my own Outback XT, so I'm very excited to notice the difference off the bottom end. Thanks again, great video brother!! Total thumbs up. :-) 😀👍👍🤟
Thats awesome! Ya out early 20x swaps were also with no timing mods done. The timing mod really does make a nice difference for the little effort!
Shoot I live in california and I've honestly been pretty scared about attempting this swap in my 08 wrx, thanks for the video I think I might have to go though with the swap then.
For California, you will need to get the ej20x/y with air pump. So that you get through emissions.
My wrx left the chat … I think I’m gonna attempt this
It is pretty straightforward and excellent economic solution with great results and reliability. Probably done 100+ of these swaps and over the last half decade. They have all done fantastic still to this day!
I just completed the same swap....Instead of clocking the exhaust cams back 1 tooth, I went a head and swapped the exhaust cams and cam gears from the USDM engine as well. Also replaced the cam seals and checked valve clearance.
Yes that would do just as well. Our method is the most common/cost/labour effective way. Leaves his 257 complete for his build.
How did you do on power/trq?
@@TheSubieSanctuary I didn't have to do any tuning, But it runs extremely well, Im assuming stock hp/torque numbers.
@@thebeardedgarage2 nice, they really are a great motor for the money. Rob here has one in his hawkeye and beats the shit out of it on the track. Its held up very well with extreme track abuse and 270whp
Adam, so when you did the cam swap, you left the timing to stock with the usdm heads correct?
I'm assuming Subie sanctuary didn't need to do that because the STI has dual avcs?
Does anybody know if you can just reclock the exhaust cams and still use it in a non-sti WRX?
@@carlniro4644 Correct Carl, I did not have to re clock the exhaust cams, because i used the exhaust cams from the usdm engine. My engine swap was a non-sti...wrx swap...so yes, if you wanted to just clock the exhaust gear one tooth back, it would work.
I just did the same to my JDM GDB chassis as well. But I kept the exhaust AVCS function by using Haltech ECU.
How do you set up the avcs on a stand alone or do you just have to go get a tune
im about to do this swap cause my ej255 blew up. im literally just going to mirror this. thank you!
Did yours work out ok? Did you do one tooth or two on the exhaust cams? Vf52 spooling ok or are you getting a lot of lag? My 255 is almost out, about to order a 20x/y for my swap. Thanks in advance for any info
@@jarltorque4855 honestly i havent finished it yet. i had to buy a truck to drive instead incase anything comes up. but its a super cheap swap so ill probably be finishing it all up by august. im going to do 1 tooth. but im also just getting it back on the road and selling. cause itll be worth more than a roller
@@MidoChan808 right on, thanks. If you remember, give us an update once you're back on the road!
Hey man, I’m just here to watch you smash your Cobb Accessport lmao
Heck ya! Its coming 🙌
By far the best video on this swap on TH-cam
I’m in the process of doing this swap and had one question do you use the coil packs that come with the 20x are they the same and also I use 1 step colder plugs do you know if this is good to use or dii or es the higher compression 20x require original plugs
Thanks
Thanks brother, you can use the 20x coil packs no problem. They are the same as 255/257 ones with the exception of the last 3? years of the GR sti/wrx they have an extra tab on the plug in.
One step colder plugs isnt a bad idea if you want to crank it up a bit. Wont be any harm in 1 step colder.
great how to video, I bought a hawkeye with a blown motor and I'm putting a used ej255, if that one is messed up I'm considering going ej20x
Ya i hear that, its tough to find a good used 255 these days. They all pretty tires at this point
Seems somewhat cost effective but I’d rather just start with a new block. At least the short block. Piece of mind and the motor is already out anyways.
Ya i get that. But thats double the money of this swap parts/labour just doing short block alone and down time.
While he rocks this he gets to take his time with saving/building the 257.
Not always piece of mind though, last freshly rebuilt motor we got (customer supplied) was instantly leaking coolant out of head gasket. Not common at all but this guy gets to pay twice now.
For him, he 1000% would have been better off just doing a 20X
Thanks for the video, it is super informative. I just bought a 2011 wrx with an exhaust valve leak and am looking at doing this swap. Do I need to purchase the cam lock tool that you used in the video to be able to turn the exhaust cam gears counterclockwise one tooth? Thanks for your help.
The company23 cam lock tool certainly does make it effortless. The cams are under heavy tension and very hard to turn by hand along with stay in place as they will spring back.
Love the vids, y'all. You guys are actual subaru wizards lol. I was just wondering, would a stock ej20x handle simple bolt ons? My 05 sti is a stock 257 with headstuds, also with a cobb 20g and running e85. It's making under 400ish crank. There's nothing wrong with it (yet lol) but I wouldn't mind spending the money if it's an overall more robust motor, just to have that peace of mind.
Thanks! Keep up the amazing work y'all do!
Thanks brother, much appreciate the love. Yes the 20x in stock long block form is reliably capable of 350whp all day long! I wish we had access to e85 in Canada. The 20x would thrive on that being a higher compression engine.
@@TheSubieSanctuary I did the same EJ20X swap and I just had it tuned on 91 to see what it makes before I go flex fuel. I made 271 hp and 273 ft/lbs tq.
@@shinobu3817 not too bad!
@@TheSubieSanctuary do u still have the car, if so have u done anything else ?
@@shinobu3817 this was a customer’s car. He still has it and has not done any mods since this and remains to be working great!
Excellent video my brother thank you, I have a question hope you still respond. I'm swapping a JDM EJ20x/y dual avcs into my 09 FXT RHD JDM single AVCS. Can you say if the exh avcs can work with my JDM ECU or should i turn back the gears? Also the turbo for the 20x is IHI rather than TD04 as FXT, can you recommend intercooler and exhaust system to unlock this power. Thank you for sharing
Hey buddy, so your jdm fxt is single avcs correct? And you want to install the 20x/y. You wont simply be able to get the exhaust avcs working without some serious effort on wiring/tuning and someone to unlock a duel avcs ecu to work with your fxt.
Turning back the exh gears closer mimic your original timing is definitely the easiest route.
As for turbo, is your jdm fxt already a twinscroll turbo or single scroll?
This is awesome! Thank you for the video. I did this swap on my 07 Outback XT a couple years ago. I know the video is old, but I hope you read this and can provide some advice. TIA!
A fairly knowledgable friend helped me out and he advised me that it was just plug and play (didnt do timing, or an open source tune, etc), but did everything else you showed in the video. I have only put about 4k miles on it (weekend dirt road car), so hopefully, I haven't messed the engine up too bad (by not doing the timing/tune).
I am planning on doing a timing belt job, water pump, and OEM Tstat and will fix the Exhaust Cam timing as shown (1 tooth).
Do you have any base maps for this swap? I am currently using the stock maps.
I picked up a Tacrix cable to look at some data and noticed my DAM is stuck at exactly 0.5 instead of 1.0. I am not a tuner and the person who tunes near me, will only work with Cobb Accessports. I'm running the stock turbo and a catless downpipe, but everything else is stock (no air pump). Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks again, this video and the information you are providing is invaluable and a lot easier to digest than digging through forum posts!
Hey buddy! No i do not have a base map. But your on the right track with tactrix cable.
@@TheSubieSanctuary Appreciate the reply, I'll poke around the forums some more to see if I can find something that matches my setup.
Car pulls nice, drives nice, but that IAM/DAM makes it seem like it isn't happy about something.
Great video. One question. Do you need to swap the crank timing gear with the USDM version?
Yes
WHERE ARE YOU GUYS OUT OF!? I need to know!
Hello, I loved the video, I was wondering what year EJ20x would I need to droped it into an 04 STI. I picked up a 04 sti with a knock just trying to get it back on the road.
You can use the early 20x in the 04 sti. It will be the one without air pump!
Hey nice video.. one question what are the best spark plugs to use on the ej20x ??
Use the oem ngk iridiums, they will be same as 255/257.
One step colder if your going over 300whp maybe.
Awesome video! Question… I saw another person on this platform say that the cam sprockets needed to be exchanged as well from the ej25 motor. Is that true? He also stated the dual AVCS needed to utilized for optimal performance. What do you think?
You could replace exh cams and shafts. Youll have the exh avcs solenoid channels to deal with as well.
This not a performance upgrade, rather an economical replacement as it is. As seen in video it did 300whp with mostly just stock sti stuff. No way replacing that exh cams is going to net anymore or be worth it. But too each their own. I wouldnt waste my time, if you dont want the ej20x there is a single avcs 32 bit (works in all the same cars as ej20x) typically about double the price but if your paying someone to swap exh cams and plug oil galleys then the single avcs will work out cheaper in the end. Hope that helps!
Cool video. Same process on 06 Outback xt? And no need for reprogramming the usdm ecm?
Same process for 06 obxt, it is best to get a tune.
Your obxt will have an air pump on engine and unless your getting a tune then you will need air pump version Ej20x
Thank you so much for the info!! I have a question! I already have an ej20x swap in my car, and currently my rev limiter is at 7.2k rpm, will turning back the exhaust cams one tooth affect how high my car can redline safely?? Thank you!!
Hey Andrew, is your car originally a single avcs car? If so, turning back the exh cams will not effect your redline and will definitely give you some more bottom end torque
How about a trip to California's original wine country, and why you are here (pre tasting), you can help me get my 06 Legacy GT back on the road :) Thanks for the videos. Now need to find a good one for removing the engine, guess there is some fun to remove the auto transmission from the block.
I wish 😂 The autos arnt too bad to remove, definitely want to keep torque converter on trans rather then come out with engine though!
Thanks man for watching out for those of us who have the subie bug 🐛 bad.
One question can I go the same route if I had an ej 257 usdm 2018 and up into an ej255 07 wrx? Same close concept? Would that also got for a VA V10 JDM 207? would a swap of either play in the same way you don't ej20x/y?
My pleasure buddy!
Yes actually if you wanted to put a duel avcs 257 into a 07 wrx, it would be the same process as this. Along with the V10 207 as well.
Curious, i know leaving the exhaust cams and original gears are the easiest way to get these going but is using the ej255 exhaust cams and or gears not an option to bet it closeser to usdm timing? I know there might be clearance issues with the buckets but is this even an option?
Ive never done it myself, i know people have. You need a 255 exh cam seal and id recommend using the shaft and gear from 255 so you dont get some oil path issue. Only reason that isnt our standard go to is that the 20x is typically just the budget swap to get back on the road. However, they are fantastic engines for the money.
Imma try this, I have a 02 wrx that was swapped with a Ej255, engine lost compression this seems like the cheapest/easiest option
Yes definitely the cheapest route. Just make sure you know what ecu your car has because this engine only runs on 32bit ecu types
It literally is a grenade pin I got scared when you pulled it😂 I tried doing my timing last year on my ej207 and bent every damn valve..
Ahh man 😭 we have had a couple friends diy their timing and did same thing. Did you get the valves replaced?
What's up guys 👍
Hi this was an amazing video I’m currently doing this swap. for the clutch and flywheel I can use the ones from my ej255?
Thanks glad it helped! Yes you always will use a clutch and flywheel that match your trans. Your good to go using the original clutch/flywheel from your previous engine
Okay thank you, another question I don’t want to install the oil cooler but the water pump from the timing kit has the outlet to the oil cooler what can I do I’ve heard people plug it with a rubber cap but wanted to get your opinion. Is there another water pump that I can use that doesn’t have that extra port?
@Thesubiesanctuary, does this particular swap have the twin scroll turbo or no? Would this same swap process apply to a 2010-2011 LGT EJ255 swap??
Not exactly, some more changes for the 10-11 lgt, ive never done one into them. But I do believe it is possible
where is the best place to get a ej20x ? im in the states so ? i have a 2007 wrx that has the 2.5 an wanna take it out an build it but need a spare to toss it
I have a 2005 legacy GT and did this swap.. my mechanic placed the 2.0 ej20x into my chassis and fully completed it .. I brought the engine from jdm engine zone and they told me to just plug in the one solenoid that I have for intake and the one exhaust and leave everything else unplugged .. I’m hearing I need to swap out my top part far as the tgv.. my tumbler valve and other intake harness is unplugged and my check engine light is on and it’s coding intake and misfire
You do need to swap your entire intake manifold on like how we did video. Harness, tgv’s, fuel system. It all comes off as 1 piece and just drop onto the 20x
I had a question iv done a lot of jdm swaps but never a ej20x im swapping one into my Hawkeye and was wondering if I have to swap the crankshaft sprocket as I know in the jdm ej205 you have to swap the crankshaft sproket and top right camshaft sproket because the markings on the back are different then the usdm motors so our ecu won’t read them correctly to run?
@@jjjuntunen8799 with swapping the 20x into a hawkeye you do not have to swap cam or crank gears. Ecu will read all just as it did originally
I recently swapped my 2013 wrx with an ej20×. I swapped over intake, intake manifold, tgv’s, fuel rails, exhaust manifold, turbo, up pipe, down pipe, moved the exhaust timing a degree, running on ej255 electronics, with the exhaust avcs unplugged. I got the vehicle to start but it idles very rough and runs really rich until about 2k rpm when it settles out. The only codes that come up are random misfire codes. I put in fresh spark plugs in before i popped the engine in and dont get any cylinder specific misfire codes.
Compression on the engine is good. For testing I ran direct grounds from the battery ground to each of the normal engine grounds and then some so i know grounding is not the issue. I smoke tested the intake system and solved all my vacuum leaks. Is there anything you have run into that would cause this issue?
I would first try go to the main engine plug, from engine harness to car harness. Check make sure its plugged in tight. Open it up make sure no pins bent just to be sure.
If its not that, id assume a ground is missing from engine to chassis.
Wanting to get my LGT back on the road and this was an option I was looking at since it's cheaper than usdm options. Your video makes this look pretty straightforward rather than all the info in forums haha. I'm assuming this would be the exact same process for a usdm 05 legacy gt? Also do you know what gaskets you can use if they would ever need to be replaced like the valve covers, headgaskets, cam seal etc?
Last question is do you guys deal with any tuners that can tune these through an open-source etune like romraider for someone in the states? Having a hell of time finding a tuner in my area before I even attempt the swap that will tune a ej20x and without a cobb AP.
Yes we do deal with a few tuners who will open source tune them no problem.
Yes exact same process for install with the LGT, ive done a few LGT’s.
The cool part about the lgt is if you get the twinscroll intercooler with your jdm motor you can use the twinscroll set up! Super fun, like a supercharger. Just instant power. We have also used the twinscroll stuff on a few plastic intake manifold cars.
As for gaskets, they use all the same gaskets as 255 engine. With exception on exh cam solenoids they would be 08+ sti if you needed a seal or oring for them.
Hope that helps!
Headgasket would be for ej205* everything else including spark plugs is 255
That's awesome, thanks for the reply, the info is very helpful.
Any chance I can get the email info or something for the tuners you use that can open-source tune for this engine, so I can get in contact with them? If you have an email I can send you an email rather than posted on here.
what kind of exhaust setup works well for ej20x in a 2010 hatch. i got a tomei twin scroll(headers/downpipe) and thinking about getting vf38 turbo.
The tomei TS stuff will be great to use
Hey there, I'm assuming the EJ20X in this video is post facelift... are there any major differences between these and the 04-06 EJ20X models? I currently have just swapped in an '04 EJ20X into my 06 sti but have yet to swap over the IM and engine harness, and because of this I believe, the motor is not wanting to idle or even stay on upon starting. I've seen some things about 2 vs 3 cam sensor wires, and I am getting a few codes p0600 p0245 and p0031. Any thoughts?
Is your 06 sti a duel avcs? Like jdm?
Or single avcs
I don’t know what to do .. can’t find anyone to help me with this out in Boston and I’m stuck with this situation trying to get the engine running right
I have an ej20x in my 03 wrx, I have done acvs delete on it, it definitely feels sluggish... Your video clarifies what to do with the exhaust cam timing, was wondering about intake cam timing, I found 1 video for a signal acvs JDM engine that advanced the intake cams 1 tooth. What do you think?
We have never messed with intake cam. Is your 03 wrx drive by wire throttle?
If I were to get a Killer B oil pickup tube, I'm getting it for an EJ20 right? Or does the lower end count as a 255 too and I should order the EJ255 oil pickup? Since you mentioned it still uses 255 spark plugs what else is compatible?
You would get a pick up to match your oil pan. Ideally the best oem pan to use is the 08-14 wrx and sti so order a pick up tube for 2.5
Would the iag pick up and pan work?
I have an 06 LGT and no air pump needing an engine, with this swap and doing the timing correction is the tune necessary? or will it work with factory rom and have no check engine lights
It wont have a check engine light, but a tune is recommended
do you need to retune the engine if you have a current tune on ecm for the ej255 going to the 20x? i heard the compression is more and needs a retune thank you
It is best to get a tune, not immediately imperative but i would tread lightly until you do get a tune.
could i swap all my sensors and stuff from my ej205 to the ej20x? I dont know if the avs needs to be plugged in or how that would work or if the intake manifolds would be compatible
The ej205 ecu wont be able to run a ej20x.
The reason is the way the 205 picks up its cam angle vs the way the 20x picks up. 20x/y can only replace 255’s and 257’s
I hope you still check these message. I have a 2008 wrx impreza. Non stil. Doesnt have the dual sensors on each head. Did you reuse the original harness or used the one that came with the ej20x? By turning the exhaust cam am i able to bypass the exhaust cam sensors completely
Here is a vid I made specifically for your car!
th-cam.com/video/N7cGo9U9qAs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_vNw-rK_IvdlwjTR
This was fantastic, im a little worried though because I am getting a ej20y not an ej20x is there any differences i should be worried about?
Ej20y actually a little better and exact same swap process! The 20y will have an air pump so if your using cobb ap then youll still be emissions compliant with the cobb or ecutek.
@@TheSubieSanctuary alright thank you so much im going to have to rewatch the video about 1 thousand times to figure this out haha. do you know where i could get new o-rings for the coolant crossover?
Does the wiring harness swap right over aswell and am I still able to use my 04 forester xt ecu
Yes! Exact same process as seen here!
Can i use the JDM turbo too, assuming the original ej25 turbo was damaged when the engine failed?
You can only use the original jdm turbo if you car is a plastic intake manifold car. Like legacy gt or 08-14 wrx. The reason you cant use the original jdm turbo on the cast intake manifold cars is because the way the intercooler bolts onto the turbo
Is their a difference in the ej20x and ej20y when using in an automatic transmission. I read you can use either in a manual.
Yes either engine can be used with auto or manual!
Hello,
I am considering swapping this into my 2013 wrx but had some questions. I see most of the motors have a secondary air pump on ebay and my car also has a secondary air pump. Would I be able to delete it and if so, im assuming I would have to go open source? Also do the motors come with a TGV delete stock due to emissions not being as strict?
Hey buddy, you can delete air pump and go with an open source tune. I don’t believe the 20y(air pump version) has tgvs but they are side feed injector and your 13 is top feed so the tgv’s wouldnt work in your car. Here is a vid on a simple tgv delete for your original 13 wrx tgv’s. Its a good time to get rid of them while in there
th-cam.com/video/YK0YJR1FoQI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=h2CaGtToGyFP8EHY
This video just had me scared for my life, as I did the swap but never rolled back the cams 😂😢 I have the original wiring harness of the ej20x I even bought the ecu that I believe uses the dual avcs but we never put those on. I haven't had a single problem at all.
However I dont drive it hard because I read somewhere that without being able to use the dual avcs the high compression ratio would cause problems specially if you exceed 10 psi of boost which is why I never go over 8~9 ish.
By rolling them back, would this necessarily solve this problem? Or should I just use the jdm wiring harness and ecu to get them working?
Either way, I will be doing some work on the car so my engine will definitely come off, I would appreciate the tip! Im not too experienced with this, and though my father is a mechanic he also does not have much experience with the avcs
Btw I have a 05 fxt that is single avcs
Again, thank you for this very informative video!
Hey there! Hopefully this will clear some things up for you.
Turning back the exh cams is optional, it does get the timing closer to the stock 255/257. This helps a bit with bottom end torque.
The high comp ratio should be of no concern if the car has been tuned.
As for wiring up the dual avcs, yes its possible. It is however incredibly difficult due to most duel avcs ecu’s being immobilized. You either need matching ignition and immobilizer or You would need someone who is able to unlock and reprogram the ecu.
@TheSubieSanctuary thanks for the reply!
Thanks for clearing up about the Ecu issues that might come up Ill keep it in mind when we take out the engine and will decide what to do then, appreciate it!!
Ej20x has dual acvs . Usdm wrx has single acvs. Did you get it both to run with this install ? I didnt see you wiring it or talked about it. I know iwire sells a kit to make it run . I have a 2006 obxt with 179k an she's still healthy but im considering a ej20x with the iwire kit. Scared the turbo might blow on me .
As seen/discussed in video. Ive physically altered the exh cam timing to match the original 255/257 and the vehicle is runs the intake avcs via stock ecu. Leaving exh avcs stationary (non functioning)
Its a big undertaking to get exh avcs to work in a single avcs car. Youd need ecu, someone to code break the immobilizer on said duel avcs ecu, then the wiring from a to b.
Do you need a tuner who is familiar with the EJ207 or can any tuner that tunes 255/257 tune a 207? Will off the shelf tunes for a 255/257 work? Thanks for the video; i love 207's and had no idea they are this easy to swap.
Any tuner should be able to handle the tune. The OTS tunes are not ideal but people have ran them for long durations without issue. But I wouldnt recommend running OTS vs getting a proper tune for the engine.
@@TheSubieSanctuary Thanks for the reply. Subaru's with the good STI's getting so old it's either you have a big bank account or you learn how to DIY.
What should I do with all of the original parts off of the Ej20x? Would anyone buy them or just trash them?
If you got the intercooler, turbo, header and up pipe. They can be used on any plastic mani ej’s. Can probably get 300-500 for the setup. The twinscroll stuff is fun
Just completed the swap in an 09 forester xt. Went very smoothly. Engine started right up. Followed all your steps. I do, however, have an aftermarket header and downpipe. I at times smell it being a tad rich. Could this be due to these aftermarket parts? Do you think it would be necessary to have it tuned?
It would definitely benefit from a tune having some modified parts on it. Ideally they need a tune even if all stock. The benefits will pay for themselves over a while. Once tuned they can be very fuel efficient
@The Subie Sanctuary drove the car probably 50 miles now. No problems thus far until this morning. Cel came on. Along with traction control light and cruise control light blinking. Have yet to pull codes to verify. What platform would be the best method to tune? Is there something different than cobb?
Hey brotha love your content I have a 2006 Subaru wrx I just put in the Ej205, I’ve been driving it for a few weeks no check engine light everything runs smooth but I feel like it’s lacking power in the high end would this modification apply to my swap aswell ?
Few questions first to see what exactly you working with, Is the 205 jdm? Did It originally have a plastic intake manifold?
@@TheSubieSanctuaryyes the 205 is JDM it had the plastic intake originally
@@davidreyes9711 ok and its single avcs correct?
Have you had it tuned since swap?
@@TheSubieSanctuaryyes it’s a single avcs I have not tuned it yet, to be honest I’m okay with the power loss I just wanted to make sure I didn’t mess up by not adjusting the timing
@@davidreyes9711 ok, ya on yours. Do not adjust the timing physically.
A tune will do it wonders and is recommended normally
So I have a 13. If I swap the jdm 2.0 and swap all the stuff can I still run my Cobb stage two tune?? Or do I have to go open source
For your 13. To run the cobb you will need to get the ej20y so that you have the air pump.
I have low compression on Cylinder 4. So I’m going to be doing this swap and just rebuilding my 255. My question is I’m currently tuned on my Accessport for all my current mods. I’m also tuned on Cobb before they did the “Green Update” for Air pump delete. So technically I can just do this swap and use the current tune I’m using with my 255 right?
If you were just going to run this 20x for a bit while you rebuild your 255, ya you could get away with using the old tune if needed. Not ideal but people do it all the time anyway
Great video! Got a 2013 WRX can I do this swap and use the factory tune?
Technically yes, with exception of air pump. Do you need to retain air pump for emissions where you live? If so, you can get a air pump version ej20x and the install is the exact same as this.
@@TheSubieSanctuary so if the ej20x version that I get has the air pump im good? So basically my ECU without the air pump would throw a code. Correct? And your saying if the exhaust cams are retarded 1 tooth it has the same power?
@@John-px2ki correct on the air pump, with respect to power. Even with the exh cam set back 1 tooth each. You will loose a little bit of torque. Main reason is going from 2.5 to 2.0. Likely not noticeable
Awesome video! I just picked up a 2006 Baja Turbo auto. Low compression on one cylinder. Any reason an EJ20X swap would be difficult for this vehicle?
It would be the exact same process for your turbo baja!
Only thing to factor in, is how you will tune the car after. I believe the 2006 baja has an air pump on engine. If so, then when using the ej20x (they do not have airpump) you will have to have the air pump codes turned off with your tune. This is now only possible via an opensource tune.
Otherwise, you will have to use the jdm ej20y engine (has airpump) then you will just get a tune via cobb ap, ecutek or opensource. Depends what is available around you.
Both engines, will be exact same process regarding the swap.
@@TheSubieSanctuary thank you for the quick reply! I'm going to start the project soon. Thanks for the great video!
About 6 years ago i bought my Bugeye WRX and recently swapped in a 07 jdm legacy gt trans with the matching 4.44 rear diff. Went to go pick the car up from the shop and found out an EJ20X. From what i know already the usdm stuff was already. Im having a hard time figuring out exactly what was done and what i can really do with this motor. Finding info on this motor has been a little hard.
My main thing now after watching this videos is what should i be doing maintenance wise? I've been buying things like sparkplugs as if it were a stock ej20 out of an 02 wrx.
@@shawnesmailzadeh6279 spark plugs and valve cover gaskets should be bought for an ej255!
Those ej205 spark plugs will be too short in the ej20x, id definitely swap them out.
@@TheSubieSanctuary what kind of issues could that cause? She’s been running fine at idle but at wot it does have this sort of stutter.
@@shawnesmailzadeh6279 with the wrong length spark plugs the spark isnt even making it into the combustion chamber.
This seems more simpler than how people explained it on the forums a long time ago from what I'm seeing. Seems pretty straight forward but I have one question. Since the wrx with the EJ255 is drive by wire and the a V7 EJ207 was a drive by cable how would I get around that? Or would it just be better to get a later version one?
Yes this ej20x swap is simpler then people make it out to be.
As for a a v7 207 into hawkeye.
You would simply swap over your intake manifold to run the 207. But there is a catch to overcome with that exact swap. V7 207 is 16bit ecu engine and the 255 is a 32bit ecu engine.
You will have to install 255 intake cam shafts and cam angle sensors, along with the slightest notching of the 207 cyl head cam sensor holes so they line up with the cam teeth/sensor.
@The Subie Sanctuary And this way I should be able to use my USDM ECU or would I need a retune? I've heard that in japan they have a higher rating gasoline like 103 or something and we only go up to 93. Not sure if that's true or not but that's another thing on my mind
@@projecthawkeye547 fuel difference isnt a huge issue.
Yes, youd use your original ecu and highly recommend a tune after your running
@The Subie Sanctuary Gotcha that's all I needed to know, definitely will be using this when I get to that point with my project!
Would I be capable of doing this swap on an 05 sti? What year of the ej20x can I use to replace my current motor?
Yes it would work on 05 sti! I dont believe 05 sti has an air pump, so you could use the same 20x as we used in video without issue.
Typically year range can be inaccurate when shopping for the engine. Basically youll be looking for Ej20x without air pump. Ones with air pump are typically more money and you’ll physically see the difference of air pump vs non air pump when you begin to shop for one.
Your welcome to link a listing once youve found one and i can confirm that its good to go for 05 sti. Cheers!
Hey i was wondering if a ej20x would fit into my 2005 impreza wrx? Im looking to buy one with low miles from a seller nearby but i keep seeing mixed answers about it.
No it wont work for 02-05 wrx, youd need a jdm ej205, also typically cheap to get. Also have a how to swap vid for them as well on channel
I’m a little confused, did you not plug the exhaust cam with screws? That’s what is required isn’t it?
No and that is not recommended, that would be stopping the oil flow path
Hello friend, I have an ej20x that I am putting on my 2004 wrx but I don't understand how to do it with the camshaft sensor and the valve that are in the lower part, those go without connection to anything
The 20x will not simply work in 2004 wrx. Only works in 2006+ wrx
As for the lower avcs sensor and oil control valve they are just left as is (unplugged)
For the 2004 wrx, you need a jdm ej205, i also have a how to swap video for them into your car if needed
How. About the fa20dit
The intake from the EJ255 fits the EJ20x with the TGV valves?
It sure does!
If I went from stock motor in a 2004 wrx witch was ej205 non avcs and swapped it to ej20 avcs motor. what exactly do I need to do to it with hoses and wiring harness? Also I’m blocking out avcs but I gotten completely lost after putting the motor in.
This should help brother, basically youd use the jdm pcv piping to cover all the extra vents. If you dont have the jdm pcv piping any more you could just run hose from extra crank vent with a “T” over to each extra valve cover vent
th-cam.com/video/0sSuzHPUH8g/w-d-xo.html
I need help what spark plugs did you use on ej20x engines i need to know the right answer pls help
The use the exact same plugs as original ej255 (06-10 wrx) and ej257 (04-20 sti)
This video is quit some time old but do you need to adjust timing to mimic closer to a 255 or no ?
Yes it is recommended
Thank you
Can you tell me if there is a usdm intercooler I can use on my EJ20y. I’m using the JDM one but it’s not in great shape. Thanks!
Only other ones that will work other then the jdm tmic, is the grimmspeed for 08-14 wrx and lgt
When swapping engines do you have to change out the ecu.
for all models listed the original ecu remains in the car
I still haven't replaced the motor in my 2012 na 2.0. 360,000k and getting weak. Should just bring it up to you guys 🙃
That sounds like an F series engine rather then EJ engine. The jdm F/FA engines are just starting to trickle in into north america. We have no experience with them as of yet, but im sure we will.
Hello! You said you can use a V7 STI SPEC C engine with a 32BIT ECU by notching of the 207 cyl head cam sensor holes so they line up with the cam teeth/sensor. Do you do this work or can you recommend someone who does? I want to use the V7 in a 2005 LGT if possible. (JDM Big Port heads with SAVCS)
And this would be with using the USDM intake cams and sensor. RCM makes a cam conversion kit as well for the 16BIT SAVCS heads on the 32BIT ECU cars but you still would need the proper 32BIT cam sensor?
Yes you can use the 207. Notch the sensor hole, use your 255 or 257 intake cams and your whole intake manifold
I have a 2014 WRX Plastic Intake Manifold looking to do a 2.0JDM Swap. What else should I look out for, other than clocking the exhaust cams One Tooth?
Thats pretty much it brother!
If you are tuning with cobb ap, then you will need ej20y (comes with air pump)
If you are tuning open source then then you can use ej20x without air pump.
I also have a how to swap vid specifically for the 08-14 wrx
th-cam.com/video/N7cGo9U9qAs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qVXOPXWG5wfNutZ2
@@TheSubieSanctuary Can it be done without any tuning? Or needs tuning for fueling, etc?
About to do this swap this summer i’m just looking for a tuner in California. Scared to run it on a stock tune lol
If your in Cali and your car originally is an air pump car. Make sure you get an air pump jdm 20x/y. From there it can be tuned via cobb or opensource or ecutek and still be compliant
@@TheSubieSanctuary my car is a 2005 manual outback xt but it doesn’t have an air pump. I’m pretty sure it’s from out of state
@@Kooltan ah yes, the 2005 outback xt would not be an air pump car. Ya you’d be fine and without codes if you follow this long block swap procedure
@@TheSubieSanctuary do you know where I can get a tune, I have a cobb already.
@@Kooltan any place that will tune with cobb will be able to tune it. Or if your looking for a map just to load onto yours. May have to look through some forums. Im not much of a cobb user myself. If i had a map id send it to ya
How does the 20X compare in performance/ driving to the 255/257?
They do have less bottom end power and less torque over entire power band. But they will make the HP pretty easily as their original 255/257.
In most stock scenarios, people hardly notice a difference in the bottom end power
Im doing this swap right now and I've seen that i need to replace a bunch of sensors to get it to work but you say i don't need to swap any sensors, i just want to make sure i don't need to before i go to put it back together
Only potential sensor you may have to swap is knock sensor.
To be sure, what year and model is your car?
I have been having an issue where i have to press the pedel to start the car or it will crank 4 or 5 times or so before starting if i dont
That wont be related to the engine swap. Something else is going on
Would u be able to tell me why there is gas in my oil, car runs fine ? Purge valve ?
Could be a leaking injector, or could be bad piston ring. Wouldnt be the purge valve.
My approach would be a leak down test to make sure all cyls are sealing properly. Next would be take injectors out and send to get tested
Doing an ej20x into an 08 wrx, can I use the tgv’s from the ej20x?
You could, but youd have to use the jdm injectors, fuel rails and then you would have to add in a fuel pressure regulator.
Thanks for the info on the ej20x but I do have a question about swapping in a jdm ej205 with single acvs into a 13 wrx which already has single acvs like would I run into any problems doing the swap besides the pcv hoses, turbo, manifolds, and maybe the oil pressure sensor needing to be exchanged and do I still need to go back a tooth on the exhaust cams if it doesn’t have acvs?
Does jdm 205 have a cast aluminum intake manifold or a plastic manifold?
The plastic manifold jdm single avcs engine works without any major swapping.
The cast aluminum intake manifold jdm 205 is A LOT of work however
It has a plastic intake manifold so I’d thought it be a lot less to swap over
@@deadpoolspiderman9179 you are correct. Just need to swap your intake manifold onto the jdm engine. No need to mess with timing on the 32bit single avcs engine.
Reason you need to swap whole intake manifold is the harness comes out the wrong side
Okay cool thank you very much
@@deadpoolspiderman9179 here is vid, using the jdm single avcs 205 with plastic intake manifold, being installed into plastic intake manifold car
How To Jdm Engine Swap Any Single Avcs Subaru! WRX, STI, FXT, ETC
th-cam.com/video/bUXVWc9yxyE/w-d-xo.html
followed this video step by step and have p0016, p0340, and p2092. timing is correct double checked. car has a long crank but will start. car runs fine once started. any idea?
Hmm, those all relate to cam shaft sensor. Id say start with the basics. Check cam shaft sensor plug connections/pins etc make sure they good. Then next undo your engine harness to body connection, make sure no pins pushed back or that none are damaged or corroded. Then if good plug them back in and see if any difference. I feel you will have got the swap done right but probably just dealing with a connection issue somewhere now.
Let me know how you make out and i can maybe give ya some more pointers if none of the above helps
Are you suppose to use the original 25 engine harness or the 20?
You need to use The original harness from your cars engine.
I’m a little lost and have little knowledge. I’m looking to do a EJ20x swap in my 2010 WRX. My EJ255 seized up and I just wanna know what’s needed to properly do the swap regarding the AVCS since it’s a Single AVCS Wrx. Please help 🙏🏽
Hey brother, the 20x swap into your 2010 will be the exact same process as this video.
One thing id recommend, since yours seized up. Is that you should have your original turbo rebuilt.
Any other questions just shoot.
This vid to a capable person who has some knowledge of subaru’s will make the swap a thoughtless breeze.
One thing to note! If your using a cobb ap and want to continue using a cobb ap. You will have to get a ej20x with air pump. Cobb has removed the ability to disable codes such as air pump.
However if your going to get it open source tuned then the ability to turn off air pump code is still an option.
Thank you!
This is so old I don’t know if I’ll get a response but I hope I do. Does tuning with Cobb still work?
Cobb tuning will still work with the green speed update except you will have to get the ej20y if your car originally came with an airpump (ej20y has air pump)
If your car didnt come with an air pump then your still good to use the ej20x, subarus 2005 and older had no air pump
@@TheSubieSanctuary you are incredibly underrated with the detailed information you provide. I have an Outback XT with a bad 2.5 2009 I’m wanting to swap it but also modify it as well.
Starting this on my 09 255 monday. This will be referenced alot.
Would a clutch kit for a 255 usdm fit the 20x? Would the 255 timing kit fit as well?
Glad you found the video!
The clutch kit and timing kit will be the exact same on the 20x as your original 255
Dude i had to come back to this video so i could thank you.
I finally got the 20x in and fired it up for the first time today and it ran beautifully. Thank you so much for making this video. Its been 3 years since my wrx has ran last and this video helped me finally get it back on the road. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much man!!!
@@slackin_2423 my pleasure, thats what its all about my friend. I much rather spread the knowledge in hopes that it gets subarus out from sitting on a driveway and back onto the road to enjoy.
Could i use the ej255 turbo cams instead of the ej20x cams/cam gears to bypass the dual avcs?
You could use the 255 exhaust cam shafts and gears. Youll need to use a 255 exh cam seal as well. Then do not alter the timing after
@@TheSubieSanctuary thanks for the quick response! Another quick question, any ej20 piston and rods will bolt up to it right? Are the head gaskets the same too? I plan on building it up so I want to make sure I get the right parts the first time
@@marcellusmiller3660 yes that is correct brother for piston and rods. Some people have found that at least the ej20y’s have had a slightly unique headgasket however most aftermarket 2.0 headgaskets will work.
great video I had a question how much power did the legacy with twin scroll make and are the injectors able to be upgraded
The original 20x with twinscroll may have put down 220-240whp all stock.
But with the twinscroll stuff its instant power on demand so they definitely feel faster.
Yes the injectors can be upgraded. This car in the video had the stock injectors same CC as what would come on the 20X at 565cc and it made 307whp when turned up with stock sti turbo
@@TheSubieSanctuary I currently have a legacy that the timing belt tensioner bolt snapped it has a vf 52 turbo with I believe 700 injectors upgraded fuel pump , top mount intercooler ,up pipe downpipe it made 330whp and 350 torque on a mustang dyno and I was very happy with it. Do you recommend keeping a twin scroll or the vf52. with the current mods I have and do you think the 20x is a more reliable engine. thank you for the reply
@@carsconsruction8029 20x is typically a much more reliable engine under 350whp vs the 2.5’s.
The twinscroll setup is really fun, youd need to make sure you get the top mount intercooler with the 20x as they are different then your original LGT top mount. I personally love the twinscroll but they typically peak in boost and fall back pretty quick in power band vs the single scrolls.
There are aftermarket twinscroll wasgtegate actuators you can use to just peg the psi at 20,22, or 24 then youll make some nice power on the twinscroll
@@TheSubieSanctuary I have the grimspeed top mount so your saying that won't work on the 20x
@@carsconsruction8029 does it mount directly to turbo or is it the style that has an elbow off of turbo and into a silicone pipe?
Thanks for this video! I did the swap on my 06 OBXT and I want to retime my exhaust cams. What is your opinion about retarding the exhaust cam 2 teeth versus 1 tooth?
Like prefect is 1.5 teeth which impossible without adjustable exh cam gears. 2 teeth will make it a weird idle and not ideal for powerband. 1 has been the best it gets with stock exh cams gears
@@TheSubieSanctuary I just did this swap and went over everything including all vac lines and gaskets. 07 lgt and did the 2 teeth retarding of the exhaust cams. It drives great but has a rough idle and shows some roughness throughout all cylinders, it also throws p0016 (crank/cam correlation) and all cylinder misfire codes. Swapped cam, crank, and ocvs around with the extras to see if any differences and unfortunately had the same result. Checked and blew out oil passages, all good as suspected because avcs phasers seem to be pretty in sync. Will be pulling back timing cover tomorrow to check the timing and put it to one tooth retarded instead of two. Any thoughts?
@@JaysentU start with getting it to 1 tooth. However i doubt that will be your issue completely but will help. Sounds like a avcs issue though. Like a gear is stuck in wrong position. Change the timing and see how goes. Report back and i can give you some pointers
Will a 2005-2006 ej20x fit on my 2007 legacy GT or would I need to order the 2007-2012 ej20x?
Does your 2007 LGT have air pump? If it does and you plan on continuing to use air pump, then you would need the 07+ ej20x with air pump