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Old 12-07-2013, 03:37 PM   #1
elijah.botez
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Default Jdm Ej205 Into Usdm 03 Wrx?

Hi everyone! I have put a good amount of time in research about my issue here but still didn't find a solid answer.

I have 2003 WRX with all stock ej205. What happened was my turbo decided to go kaboom in the middle of a freeway. After I realized that it might of took out my internals I took the engine apart to see.
Sure enough I had a hole in piston 4. Also looked like it had a cracked camshaft. Basically a full rebuild is needed, which would cost me no less than 2k. On the other hand I've seen some good JDM ej205 engines for about $1k.

Let's say a JDM engine will have AVCS - will I need extra wiring or JDM Ecu to work properly?Or will it work with my USDM Ecu? I've seen people say yes and no so I am kind of confused. I am not considering any big power upgrades, so far I just want to go stock and make sure everything will work like it should. And yes I want to be able to pass emissions. I am a student so my budget for this project is minimal. Please help!
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Old 12-07-2013, 03:45 PM   #2
AlexWRXbruh
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To the best of my knowledge, you dont have to hook up avcs, but it certainly wouldnt hurt. Other than that theres only some subtle differences (?), but dont quote me on that.

Im curious about this as well since my 02 wrx jumped timing n hurt my motor prettttyyy badly. Any other thoughts on this??
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Old 12-10-2013, 06:50 PM   #3
boostfreak305
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all i could say is i got a ej207 and im having a hell of a time to get it to run.. so go with usdm instead of a jdm cause u might find a cheaper motor around and wont have the issues im running with now
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Old 12-13-2013, 09:49 AM   #4
D-Rodman
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boostfreak305 View Post
all i could say is i got a ej207 and im having a hell of a time to get it to run.. so go with usdm instead of a jdm cause u might find a cheaper motor around and wont have the issues im running with now
Yeh, you went to a v5 engine on an 02 wrx, completely different electronics platform. No wonder you can't make it work.

Op, a Jdm ej205 with avcs will run with your usdm ecu but you will not have functional avcs. You will need the correct Jdm ecu and additional wiring to make the avcs functional.
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Old 01-01-2014, 06:47 PM   #5
JoshP
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Where are these JDM EJ205s for 1k?? Just rebuild yours and you will have a better engine. Or just rebuild the heads and get a low mile shortblock.
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Old 01-02-2014, 04:41 PM   #6
snake32
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never heard that is hard to have a V5 ej207 run on the 02-05wrx, from what i can see is just matter of switch cam gears, cam and cranck sensor, reuse the whole intake manifold from the wrx and it should be ready to go. isn't this all it needs?
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Old 01-16-2014, 06:11 PM   #7
johnnieski
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Default 2003 WRX USDM engine blown, replace with JDM EJ205?

Bump! And adding my questions. I've read a lot of the JDM swap threads, and there is tons of contradicting information even when discussing this somewhat "like-for-like" replacement.

PROBLEM: I have Stock 2003 WRX USDM with a blown motor (no compression in #4) and several other lesser concerns. So I'm considering all options, but in this thread I hope folks can provide straightforward information on an engine replacement to an EJ205 JDM motor. I'm hoping there are folks out there that have completed the swap that can provide insight. I'll return the favor with a clean write up of my experience, once it is all done!

A Subaru tech will do most of the work. He has a bug eye himself but has not done a JDM swap yet.

JDM ENGINE DEALER INSTRUCTIONS/ASSUMPTIONS:
1) It's a fairly straight forward bolt on replacement - (Sure it is )
2) Use USDM wiring harness and ECU
3) Use USDM cam pulley and sprocket (ensures USDM timing is maintained)
4) Use USDM intake manifold (for US emissions) and exhaust manifold.
5) Use USDM accessories (A/C comp, Alternator, P/S pump). Some JDM accessories "may" fit, but best to have your originals on hand.
6) Japanese and US octane levels are NOT different, so no gas difference concerns or tuning concerns.
7) Tune is a good idea, but not required
8) JDM and USDM compression ratios are both 8:1, so no issue (Some NASIOC/WRXtuner folks claim JDM is 9:1)
9) Good idea to replace gaskets/seals (OEM complete kit ~$200)

MY QUESTIONS:

1) Are any of these assumptions misleading?

2) I'm not interested in AVCS b/c of the added complexity and possible issues, do I need a to ensure I have a non-AVCS EJ205 for simplest installation, or will an AVCS EJ205 be okay?

3)Are there any other major problems that we will come across?

4) Are there any other customization or USDM parts that I will need from my car?

5)Are there any defining characteristics on the JDM motor that will help ensure the simplest replacement. (non-AVCS, parts to make sure come with motor, etc)

Essentially, I'm looking for a clean-ish engine replacement experience with the end result being a reliable daily driver for 2-3 years (hopefully longer). I want to avoid getting bogged down with fabrications or hunting down hard to find (JDM) parts with no warning.

Thanks for any insight you can provide through your experience! Again, I'll post a clean/detailed write up once we are done with the project for folks that are looking to do the same in the future. I haven't been able to find one yet, and will all the aging EJ205 motors out there, this may become an increasingly relevant topic.

Eat, Sleep, Turbo!
2003 WRX mostly stock with Perrin uppipe, Mishimoto radiator

Last edited by johnnieski; 01-16-2014 at 06:22 PM. Reason: incomplete info
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Old 01-16-2014, 06:32 PM   #8
ToneWrx02
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If its the right ej205 then all you need is to swap it in.

I didnt even change my cams or intake manifold.

I was told the engine harness but after looking at it. They are both the same. Only dofference is avcs wires added.

Just get a tune.

People say if u dont change the cams you will lose abit of power but my tune says other wise.
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Old 01-16-2014, 06:48 PM   #9
johnnieski
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Default Thanks Tone!!!!

Thanks so much for the reply Tone, and glad to hear! Hope your car is still running strong! I hope I can PM you with follow ups, but if it is as straightforward as advertised I'll just send you the "Done!" message!
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Old 01-16-2014, 10:04 PM   #10
ToneWrx02
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnieski View Post
Thanks so much for the reply Tone, and glad to hear! Hope your car is still running strong! I hope I can PM you with follow ups, but if it is as straightforward as advertised I'll just send you the "Done!" message!
Yep! Il can email you my airboy if you like.

It really is straight forward. The ej205 v7 has small differences. For example some vac lines are missing near the turbo inlet. Thw intake manifold on us vwrsion has a little plug sticking out from it. The jdm version jusy plugged it. I like it as it looks cleaner.

The turbo is a different version. Td04 hl 15t.

Heads flow abit more.

Just unpluged the clips to the avcs it will leave values at 0.

If you ever want to run avcs you just need the jdm ecu and iac bulk kit.

Like i said before avcs cames will work.
Supposebly if you dont plug them you lose abit of power but im making more power then a usdm version is making with my mods so eh.
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Old 01-17-2014, 09:37 AM   #11
johnnieski
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Default Bump - JDM EJ205 replacement into a stock 2003 USDM WRX

Bump, Any other folks with tales of caution or words of wisdom before I start ordering parts and the engine? Anyone have a preferred JDM engine vendor? Thanks again to all that have helped!!!
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Old 02-21-2014, 06:23 PM   #12
03slowrx
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I'd also like to know any words of advice on this... I'm getting ready to swap mine over.
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Old 03-01-2014, 12:14 AM   #13
Nudnik
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Bump. I'm in the need for a good write up on a JDM ej205 swap into a bugeye too. Johnnieski, I'll be looking for your write up.

I've heard a 2005 ej205 will be a plug n play as long as you switch over the cam stuff. You can still use the USDM harness & ECU. I'm hoping its that easy.
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Old 03-09-2014, 08:51 AM   #14
Ballz2dwallz
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Bump looking for any updates
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Old 03-09-2014, 11:10 AM   #15
JoshP
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Swap the cam and crank gears, and intake manifold with all electronics on it and that's it. Your ecu can run AVCS with different roms but you would have to do some wiring. There's your good write up.
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Old 03-09-2014, 12:12 PM   #16
ToneWrx02
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nudnik View Post
Bump. I'm in the need for a good write up on a JDM ej205 swap into a bugeye too. Johnnieski, I'll be looking for your write up.

I've heard a 2005 ej205 will be a plug n play as long as you switch over the cam stuff. You can still use the USDM harness & ECU. I'm hoping its that easy.
Dependinh on which jdm ej205 you have you might not even need to swap parts.

My ej205 i got has avc but evrything was exactly the same. Sure i dont have avc wired in but i will soon. Am i losing power because i left the avcs cams in there. Yes quite abit. Do i notice it? No i dont
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Old 05-01-2014, 12:11 PM   #17
grindian
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I picked up a jdm 03 ej205 from an IMPREZA wagon to swap into my 02' USDM WRX... clips were all the same, and used the JDM harness to harvest the AVCS wires... went to start it up...and it turns over, but isnt starting.... throwing only TGV code... anyone experience anything like this before?
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Old 06-02-2014, 04:25 PM   #18
stus03
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Just got a JDM engine for my 03 wrx. I checked the timing pulleys, and as far as I can tell, they are the same... Same tooth count and diameter. Is there any chance I won't have to swap pulleys?
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Old 06-28-2014, 03:45 PM   #19
silver70lt1
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I have a 2002 wrx that has a spun rod bearing. I am ordering a 2004 jdm engine with ecu, and I will either use the i wire harness extension or I will make an extension to activate the AVCS. I will post my experience.
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Old 07-16-2014, 06:50 PM   #20
SpecR1081
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Hey all,
I just finished a VF39 setup on my 03 wrx and motor starting knocking after 5 pulls on the dyno during tuning.
Now looking for a cheaper fix than going with a V7 ej207, there is a shop in Montreal that sells jdm ej205's (non-avcs for $1650, with avcs for $1800) so this looks like the route that Ill take.
Have any of you guys finished your swaps and have good results? Works pretty much the same as usdm ej205?
Thanks!
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Old 07-20-2014, 09:55 AM   #21
samir please
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im looking at a v5v6 ej207 280hp
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Old 07-29-2014, 06:06 PM   #22
saab-story
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Default 02-03 wrx jdm ej20 swaps

How did the swaps go? people are waiting your saab stories lol.

Last edited by saab-story; 07-29-2014 at 06:08 PM. Reason: grammer
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Old 08-04-2014, 01:26 AM   #23
option5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SpecR1081 View Post
Hey all,
I just finished a VF39 setup on my 03 wrx and motor starting knocking after 5 pulls on the dyno during tuning.
Now looking for a cheaper fix than going with a V7 ej207, there is a shop in Montreal that sells jdm ej205's (non-avcs for $1650, with avcs for $1800) so this looks like the route that Ill take.
Have any of you guys finished your swaps and have good results? Works pretty much the same as usdm ej205?
Thanks!
What is the name of the shop? I'm looking to possibly do this swap soon.
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Old 08-13-2014, 05:16 PM   #24
snoicyellow03wrx
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Default 03 wrx jdm swap

hello im am looking for help to see if some one has came completed this swap
I have a 03 non avcs impreza wrx I bought the car with a rod knock.
I recently swapped in a jdm ej20 block used all usdm sensors and intake extc. only thing jdm is motor. everything is plugged in all coil packs are receiving 12volts but two cylinders one on each side are not giving a spark and I have used multiple coil pack and plugs.

please if some one would know what is causing this I was told it coud be the ecu but If I used my usdm harness and senors shouldn't I still get a spark? idk please share the knowledge
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Old 09-15-2014, 08:36 PM   #25
Dag Yo
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Default JDM EJ205 into '04 USDM WRX

Hey guys,

I recently got a used JDM motor and ECU to swap into my '04 WRX. I was told it was essentially "plug and play," though that never seems to be the case. Got everything hooked up (except for the AVCS wiring because that's a headache for another day), the engine runs, but I am getting low compression in cylinder 3. The company I bought the motor from did a compression test at their warehouse and showed 150psi on all 4 cylinders.

Right now I have very little power, and my mechanic and I are kinda stuck. I really don't want to have to pull the motor out and ship it back, so I'm hoping someone has some sage advice, perhaps something I've missed or overlooked that could be causing my compression woes.

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