Subaru JDM Engine Swaps: All your questions answered!

Are you thinking of swapping in a Subaru JDM WRX or STI engine? In this video, I go over if it’s the right option, what options you have, where to buy them and what all you need besides the motor to get it running.

PDF install doc for AVCS wiring =

Link to AVCS wiring for 2.0L jdm engines =

Link to hoses/seals/oem parts for 2.0L jdm engines =

0:33 USDM or JDM?
2:37 Which Subaru JDM engine to go with?
5:25 Where to buy one?
8:43 What to look out for before buying?
10:13 What else is needed besides the engine?
14:32 Are they worth it?

[fredastaire]

Hey Travis!

Seriously, you are the only guy on YouTube that spoke about the significance and beneficial advantage of the AVCS system on the EJs.

I specifically got some JDM 20x dual AVS heads for my build just so I could tune the timing on intake and exhaust.

Ported the heads and slapped them on a 22T short block! I assembled the engine with an 8.5:1 compression. Tuned with a Link!

I absolutely love it!! 😍

[michaelfreeman]

The 207 reminds me of the b16 in my honda days. So smooth

[Mathuzela]

Surprised you didn't mention the EJ20x! Got mine for $1300 which is extremely cheap where I live. All I had to do was strip both engines down to long blocks and put everything that was on my 2.5 onto the 20x and retune the car. Also I dont have avcs wired in but thats a project for another day lol. Boost kicks in pretty late especially with a cobb 20g but it makes up for it with the higher redline. My gas mileage went way up too! For a 400hp (pump gas) daily driven forester its been perfect for me.

[pimpdog]

Lovin the content.

Im trying to keep the old ones alive with my 4 2nd gen legacys and 1st gen obs lol.

[jamiem]

Hi Travis. Recent subscriber after watching your turbo upgrade video. I’m an Aussie with a 200k mile blobeye wrx and about to upgrade to new v7 ej207 short block that I paid $3700 AUD. In Australia we have 2 new short blocks available. For a few hundred less you can get the thicker wall non forged type ra motor used in models up to 2014 I believe.

[leegen_leech_]

So I currently have a 2000 Impreza outback sport that I plan on putting a 02’ ej207 paired with an 02’ manual 6 speed, would a universal ecu be better than a jdm ecu? And what do you think my budget should be? I’ve been planning around 20k for it. Also should other parts be replaced as well? Differentials cv axle wheel bearing etc?

[MigQ-zj]

Hey Travis do we have to get the heads milled when doing head gaskets? Did you have to? Or can we get alway without that

[devonswindell]

Id say 9:1 is pretty low these days. My new wrx is 10.6:1