Subaru 2.5L Turbo Engine Build - EJ255 Long Block & Engine Reassembly

The heads go back on, then everything else!

Build specs:
-JE forged pistons (2618 alloy 99.75mm)
-ARP2000 11mm head studs
-King rod & crank bearings
-Cometic 1.2mm head gaskets
Everything else is reconditioned/rebuilt.

It was quite the process getting it all back together. I wound up assembling the heads and cams about 4 times total. The shop I brought them to made a potentially fatal (but fixable) mistake.

I actually thought I messed up my valves when first doing the timing- I rotated the sprockets incorrectly and thought I might have bent a valve. I did a leakdown and it showed terrible results, which is the actual reason I pulled the heads off, which then led me to finding the grit in the oil passages. The actual reason for the leakage was some crud that found its way into the valve seats when I was wire brushing something else. This was too confusing to include in the video so I left it out for the sake of simplicity. It was actually a blessing in disguise I did this, because otherwise I wouldn't have found the grit, or the sticking valve. The shop owned up to their mistake and re-cleaned them and fixed the valve.

[MrLuis]

2years later....fantastic video on actually explaining the valve clearancing issues. I just went through the same issues where the machine shop didnt blow out 1 head very well so I dismantled the entire valvetrain to properly blow every out and found a bunch of aluminum shavings. I then checked clearances and the exhaust side was at .010" so i had to play the bucket game. I really appreciate the explanation on valve tipping and essentially your problem solving.

[pavplays]

one of the best videos ive watched when it comes to reassembling the EJ engine. No one ever actually takes you through the steps without cutting the video. Good job Sir and thank you!

[Mike_]

At 10:19, when turning the pulleys to align the marks, you actually mentioned to turn them the wrong way. Per the FSM ME(H4DOTC)-46- the Left Intake pulley must be rotated to the right (clockwise), while the Left Exhaust Pulley must be rotated to the left (counterclockwise) to avoid the intake/exhaust valves from lifting simultaneously. I’m not chastising you, just letting others know the correct way just in case.

[Goofygoober-gx]

Bro i just want to say i really needed your videos. I am still in process of doing my rebuild and i definitely messed up by not organizing bolts and such while taking apart. Plus i dont have a garage so have the engine in my kitchen. I really need to get this job done. Roflao i also went and bought a new oil cooler actually 2 one from japan and one from amazon they both have different part numbers but look identical. i would love to be able to get some pointers. But through youtube comments is the worst.

[edgardorantes]

Can this engine fit my 2007 Subaru forester

[jesseherrick]

Does the fsm tell you a step by step sequence of what to install? When I’m reading thru it seems like it just shows the how but not when

[anakincapazo]

Hey man amazing video I got a question this motor is the same for a 2007 wrx turbo hatchback

[shackels]

Don't the valve buckets have a shim that can be removed?

[ryancousins]

Hey! I am just wondering what sealant you used for the cams and the oil pan. Thank you for this great video!