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Old 08-20-2017, 09:32 AM   #1
BarryServiceTek
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Subaru Banner Motor Swap For Impreza 2.5i

My motor needs to be replaced. It has too many issues and will cost more to fix than replace.

My question is about the motor itself.

I need to find one with around 60,000-80,000 miles.

What is this VIN 7, 7th Digit or VIN 6, 7th Digit and so on?

How can I determine what engines I can put into my 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i?

What years will fit it and what other models like Forester and Legacy motors will fit?

Also the EJ Numbers for motor selection. Such as EJ253 or EJ205?

What is that all about?

I cannot find anything on the internet explaining any of this.

Please Help!!
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Old 08-20-2017, 10:12 AM   #2
Charlie-III
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Your 4th line down refers to a digit in the VIN number, basically the serial number of the car.
It's on your insurance card, vehicle registration and a small plate at the base of the windshield on the drivers side.

EJ25 is the "EJ" series engines, the "25" is 2.5 liters of displacement (internal engine size), the EJ20 is a 2.0 liter EJ engine, thus smaller than a 25.

Easy is to get another EJ engine of the same size, different year may need you to swap the intake over so wiring remains the same. Going to a Legacy or Forester engine may also require swapping the intake.

What year is yours?
You doing the work or a shop?
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Old 08-20-2017, 10:15 AM   #3
Charlie-III
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Never mind, you have the year in it, got distracted during the post and didn't reread your info.

Where in Tri-state? Some good Subaru specific shops around that can help out.
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Old 08-20-2017, 11:04 AM   #4
BarryServiceTek
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Charlie-III

I will be having a shop change the motor.

I just wanted to know what motors fit my 2006 Impreza 2.5i and how to specify.

Like I saw some on JDM sites that are

2.5L SOHC ENGINE JDM EJ253
2.0L 4-CAM AVCS ENGINE JDM EJ205 REPLACES EJ255

So as you see there are other numbers like 253, 255, 205.

And again when I go to sites to look up engines i need to specify VIN5, 6, 7, and what digit either 5, 6, 7,

For example:
2006 Subaru Impreza Used Engine - (2.5L) Model VIN 7 (7th digit, without turbo)

or

2006 Subaru Impreza Used Engine -(2.5L), model VIN 8 (7th digit, without turbo)

What is this VIN 7 7th Digit?

Sorry I am just very confused.

is it true that these models below and years at 2.5l will fit interchangeably with each other if they are all 5 speed SOHC?

OUTBACK, IMPREZA, LEGACY, FORESTER 2.5L ENGINE 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
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Old 08-20-2017, 11:04 AM   #5
BarryServiceTek
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I am located in The Hudson River Valley in NY
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Old 08-25-2017, 09:42 PM   #6
BarryServiceTek
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Question Subie Motor Questions

Hello.

I need a motor for my 2006 Subaru Impreza.

It is a 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i non turbo SOHC Naturally Aspirated 2.5 Liter.

Is there a list or a way to know what motors will fir my car?

Like what years would fit in it with little or no modifications?

Also if I swap it with a WRX Motor either turbo or non Turbo what motors would fit?

Would a 2.0 liter motor fit to replace a 2.5? What issues would that cause if any?

I'm new to Subaru stuff so any bit of help would be amazing.

Also what is up with this EJ stuff? EJ20 EJ25 EJ250 EJ253 EJ254 like what is this representing? Seems very important when determining what motor to buy?
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Old 08-25-2017, 11:54 PM   #7
Charlie-III
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If you're sticking to NA, do NOT buy a turbo engine, it will be a gutless wonder without a turbo on it.

AT or MT makes no difference.

When they state, "VIN 8, 7th digit", that means the 7th digit has a number "8" in that spot. IIRC they count from the right.
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Old 08-26-2017, 09:01 AM   #8
reddawn85
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You count from the left.

http://researchmaniacs.com/VIN/VIN-Decoder.html

So a VIN (shortened a bit as it should be seventeen characters): JH1234567890

Position 1: J
Position 2: H
Position 3: 1
Position 4: 2
Position 5: 3
Position 6: 4
Position 7: 5
Position 8: 6
Position 9: 7
Position 10: 8
Position 11: 9
Position 12: 0

As far as the engine number goes, positions 1 and 2 are the engine series - EJ in this case. Positions 3 and 4 are displacement. 20 = 2.0L, 25 = 2.5L. The 5th position (Ej205) is the particular version of the engine. Subaru has had a variety of EJ series 2.0L and 2.5L engines, and the 5th digit helps identify which version of the engine it is. Here's a list of 2.0 engines down to the 5th digit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_EJ_engine#EJ20.

I'll let the experts cover the details, but generically speaking: The closer to identical the engine is (i.e. from the same year, from the same car, with the same engine trim option), the less work you'll have to do to make the different engine work.

For example: If you were to switch to a turbo engine, you would need to add all of the turbo accessories that aren't present on a non-turbo engine. You would also have to verify that the wiring harnesses are the same, and determine if you can reflash your engine computer (ECU) or just replace it with a turbo ECU (provided the harness is compatible). If any of these things aren't direct drop-in replacement, you have a whole mess of hassle on your hands.

Good information here: https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=386462

Last edited by reddawn85; 08-26-2017 at 09:14 AM.
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Old 08-26-2017, 10:15 AM   #9
Charlie-III
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reddawn85, thanks for clarifying which way to count.
Good info links as well.

OT, Charlottesville huh? I have family there. They were at farmers market (2nd and Water) 2hrs before the "fun" the other week.
I have a kid at JMU as well.
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Old 08-26-2017, 11:03 AM   #10
reddawn85
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Technically a bit outside the city, but close enough. I work on 4th street. I definitely stayed as far from the City as possible for both 'fun' days. Too much anger and stupidity in too confined a space for anything good to happen.
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Old 08-26-2017, 12:05 PM   #11
left footed whooten
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You need to start hanging out here, and read the stickies, theyll help you gather more info more quickly. https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=87

IIRC theres a frankenstien formula for a better block with other heads that can bump up your power NA based without having to get into wiring or harnesses. Go diggin and asking in the conversions forum. Somebody has done what youre after before, and Im sure theyll spill the beans.
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Old 08-26-2017, 03:11 PM   #12
2slofouru
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Thread I made to help others with the 06-07 cars-----> https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2815577


I have a 2012 legacy 2.5i longblock in my 07 2.5i. You can use that block with a tiny bit of modding, due to the legacy having the cast pan with integrated oil pickup and the spark plug wire type valve covers on the 06-07 being different than the legacy coil pack type.

-I had four aluminum washers made to glue to the valve cover plug holes with engine sealant (toyota black fipg, but could have used hondabond)
-You have to use a normal impreza oil pan and buy an oil pickup, also need to place the pan on the block and mark, drill and tap a couple of holes where the legacy block doesn't have them. One larger 8mm bole hole will need a plug screwed in, another 8mm bolt hole can be used on the pan, need to drill one of the pan's 6mm holes to 8.

-The rubber pcv contraption on the legacy has a hose where you need a nipple, I just plugged a double nipple fitting into the hose.

It may seem like a lot, but it's really a miniscule amount of labor and money. All I needed was a couple of 8mm metric plugs, to have someone make the four aluminum washers/spacers, and the oem steel oil pan and pickup.

The legacy motor only had 7k miles on it, slightly better deal to do a little modding than to get some worn out 06/07 2.5i block.

I originally bought the block not knowing the oil pans and valve covers were different, would have sold it but the effort to sell it and find something to fit would have taken a good while. Finding a 06-whatever direct bolt in version with reasonable miles is very unlikely. Having only 7k I was confident the block hadn't been abused.

Last edited by 2slofouru; 08-26-2017 at 03:26 PM.
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Old 08-27-2017, 06:05 PM   #13
BarryServiceTek
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reddawn85 View Post
You count from the left.

http://researchmaniacs.com/VIN/VIN-Decoder.html

So a VIN (shortened a bit as it should be seventeen characters): JH1234567890

Position 1: J
Position 2: H
Position 3: 1
Position 4: 2
Position 5: 3
Position 6: 4
Position 7: 5
Position 8: 6
Position 9: 7
Position 10: 8
Position 11: 9
Position 12: 0

As far as the engine number goes, positions 1 and 2 are the engine series - EJ in this case. Positions 3 and 4 are displacement. 20 = 2.0L, 25 = 2.5L. The 5th position (Ej205) is the particular version of the engine. Subaru has had a variety of EJ series 2.0L and 2.5L engines, and the 5th digit helps identify which version of the engine it is. Here's a list of 2.0 engines down to the 5th digit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_EJ_engine#EJ20.

I'll let the experts cover the details, but generically speaking: The closer to identical the engine is (i.e. from the same year, from the same car, with the same engine trim option), the less work you'll have to do to make the different engine work.

For example: If you were to switch to a turbo engine, you would need to add all of the turbo accessories that aren't present on a non-turbo engine. You would also have to verify that the wiring harnesses are the same, and determine if you can reflash your engine computer (ECU) or just replace it with a turbo ECU (provided the harness is compatible). If any of these things aren't direct drop-in replacement, you have a whole mess of hassle on your hands.

Good information here: https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=386462
reddawn85 Thank you so much for the help man
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Old 11-07-2017, 07:26 PM   #14
062.5i ImprezamoreHP
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Default My 2.5l not enough Hp

Quote:
Originally Posted by BarryServiceTek View Post
My motor needs to be replaced. It has too many issues and will cost more to fix than replace.

My question is about the motor itself.

I need to find one with around 60,000-80,000 miles.

What is this VIN 7, 7th Digit or VIN 6, 7th Digit and so on?

How can I determine what engines I can put into my 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i?

What years will fit it and what other models like Forester and Legacy motors will fit?

Also the EJ Numbers for motor selection. Such as EJ253 or EJ205?

What is that all about?

I cannot find anything on the internet explaining any of this.

Please Help!!
I have a 06 Impreza wagon 2.5i manual. I bought it a few months back but it needs more power bad!! I'm looking into 2.5 turbo or h6
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Old 11-07-2017, 07:36 PM   #15
062.5i ImprezamoreHP
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Default More hp

My 06 2.5i Impreza needs more power I'm looking to swap 2.5 turbo or h6 just want more power with the least money and work. Where I live we don't have emissions so I don't need all the bs I want to know what will fit my 5 speed manual with the least amount of wiring pretty sure most will fit my trans. I would love a wrx or sti swap but it's a lot of money . I love my wagon but needs power
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Old 09-10-2020, 11:54 PM   #16
Suby51891
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie-III View Post
If you're sticking to NA, do NOT buy a turbo engine, it will be a gutless wonder without a turbo on it.

AT or MT makes no difference.

When they state, "VIN 8, 7th digit", that means the 7th digit has a number "8" in that spot. IIRC they count from the right.
Ok so I'm new to this forum, and to the subie life. I just bought a 2009 Subaru impreza 2.5i 4 door 5 speed manual. It has a rod knock. So my options are, from what I've found this far, get the original 2.5i(EJ25) $1799or the 2.0L(EJ20) $750 because it's a direct fit and $1k cheaper.<not sure how true this is.
So what I need to know, because I'll be swapping this weekend, is if the EJ20 is actually a direct fit? And since I'm taking the motor out if changing the clutch kit would be a good idea and would I only have to remove the engine to do so?
I need help guys, I'm very mechanically inclined but never worked on a Subaru. PLEASE HELP! ASAP message me
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Old 09-11-2020, 12:20 AM   #17
GalaxyWide
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Depends on which exact EJ20 you're trying to fit...but I very strongly suspect that your typical JDM EJ20 is going to be a far cry from a direct swap. If it HAS to go together this weekend, and you're just now looking into what to put in...my advice is put the correct motor in and call it a day.

Yes this would be a good time to do the clutch, because the motor is already out.
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Old 09-13-2020, 11:07 PM   #18
Suby51891
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GalaxyWide View Post
Depends on which exact EJ20 you're trying to fit...but I very strongly suspect that your typical JDM EJ20 is going to be a far cry from a direct swap. If it HAS to go together this weekend, and you're just now looking into what to put in...my advice is put the correct motor in and call it a day.
Yes this would be a good time to do the clutch, because the motor is already out.


Ok so I didn't see this message till now but I went and bought the 2.0l motor. I swapped it in and it started right up. The only plugs in the engine bay that didn't get plugged to anything was the vvti(can't remember what its abbreviation is). It does however idle at 2k and redlines at 4k. Will a 2.0l non vvti ecu plug up to my 2009 impreza 2.5i harness?? If not does anyone know how to merge this swap?
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Old 09-18-2020, 09:44 PM   #19
spank
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BarryServiceTek View Post
I am located in The Hudson River Valley in NY
Where are you located in the Hudson Valley? My 2007 2.5i just started to knock at 203k (I had oil in it don’t roast me), and I’m considering putting another engine in instead of getting a new car.
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Old 09-18-2020, 09:54 PM   #20
spank
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Suby51891 View Post
Ok so I didn't see this message till now but I went and bought the 2.0l motor. I swapped it in and it started right up. The only plugs in the engine bay that didn't get plugged to anything was the vvti(can't remember what its abbreviation is). It does however idle at 2k and redlines at 4k. Will a 2.0l non vvti ecu plug up to my 2009 impreza 2.5i harness?? If not does anyone know how to merge this swap?
lmk how this goes for you, my engine started to knock as welL and I’ve been considering the 2.0l swap with the price being much lower
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