Forester: ExPo Subaru Project
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
Applejack
Explorer
Yeah turbos can be finicky that way but there are solutions to reducing turbo lag if one were desiring to go the turbo'd route.
As someone who is on his second EJ25 at 137,000 miles in a '99 Forester... I'm inclined to (somewhat) agree. That said:
An EJ25 can be made into a reliable engine, but it has to be done right and they don't respond well to thrashing. I started out with EA81 Subarus (Brats), and the longevity differences between the two are night and day. Subaru pretty much lost the plot when they went to timing belts, and again when they dropped low-range transmission for the US market.
Disagreed. I've seen an overall-better survival and longevity rate on EZ30 engines than EJ25Ts, though there are fewer of them out there and fitting one to a Forester is non-trivial. If you want both power and torque, the EZ30 is a good choice provided the donor has been looked after. Just don't use any 4EAT or 5EAT with it that has VDC; VDC is a giant heap of crap, and most EZ30-equipped vehicles had it.
Agreed. Peak power miles up in the rev range really sucks on the trail, as well as the vulnerability issues associated with a turbo. To make my bigotry clear, the only way I like turbos in trail rigs is on diesels.
Just my $0.02, but the H6 (at least in 3.0-litre form) is a pretty decent lump.
it's not the end yet....I think Chazz/Scott are working on a solution for this engine.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Unfortunately this EJ25 story is pretty common.
They simply are not reliable motors. And there are many reasons that a lot of people yank the EJ25 in favor of a EJ22
The EJ22 is the most reliable OHC motor subaru has produced yet. The EJ25, probably the least reliable.
Me? Im sticking to the last pushrod motor Subaru ever built. And arguably the most reliable motor Subaru ever built. EA81, built like tanks, and run forever even while being flogged. Though, fairly underpowered.
They simply are not reliable motors. And there are many reasons that a lot of people yank the EJ25 in favor of a EJ22
The EJ22 is the most reliable OHC motor subaru has produced yet. The EJ25, probably the least reliable.
Me? Im sticking to the last pushrod motor Subaru ever built. And arguably the most reliable motor Subaru ever built. EA81, built like tanks, and run forever even while being flogged. Though, fairly underpowered.
life_w_vagabonds
Explorer
Wow, I must have the only good EJ25 on the planet according to you guys. Drove it off the lot new, currently has 190k. With the original head gaskets.
Pedro
Capitan rally fluffer
No, you just bought one that had the upgraded HG. Most people just throw a new HG on the motor when they overheat the hell out of it. But no one ever checks the blocks for true and then they have the problem all over again. I have a 2.5l turbo with 166k on it and it isn't babied. I wouldn't hesitate to drive it across the country tomorrow. While a 99 forester with questionable history, yeah.. but that goes with most things.
Been following this thread.
Understand the concern on the EJ engine. I just bought a 2011 Forester (non-turbo); it has the new FB25 engine w/timing chain (vs timing belt):http://drive2.subaru.com/Win11/itsWhatMakes.htm
To early to tell I suppose re: reliability better/worse as the EJ; anyone have any experience or comments on this engine. Thanks!
Understand the concern on the EJ engine. I just bought a 2011 Forester (non-turbo); it has the new FB25 engine w/timing chain (vs timing belt):http://drive2.subaru.com/Win11/itsWhatMakes.htm
To early to tell I suppose re: reliability better/worse as the EJ; anyone have any experience or comments on this engine. Thanks!
bloodycape
Observer
What is the update on this. This thread actually has me a bit sold on looking at a Forester(maybe Outback if better) as an outlanding rig.
Warn Industries
Supporting Vendor
I actually just bought a '12 Forester 2.5X. Just installed fog lamps, Rally Armor mud flaps, and need to put my BajaRack on the top. This should be a great exploring rig.
- Andy
- Andy
Project is a bit on hold right now. I know Chazz has ordered parts to rebuild the engine but there has been too much going on at the OJ/Expo headquarters. Hopefully after Overland Expo work can restart as I am hoping Chazz can take the Forester to the Maya Rally!
