How to Build a Subaru EJ Engine that won't BLOW UP!

Time to dust off Project Bugeye WRX and start putting its new engine together. We'll show you all the parts that will be going into our EJ20 build, along with some of the tricks and processes we use to ensure its reliability. Many will say that a rebuilt EJ is never as good as one from the factory. We don't agree, so let's us show you how we do it.

0:00 EJ Build Intro
1:25 Cylinder Heads
3:23 Supertech Valves
5:45 Camshafts and Valve Springs
11:02 Engine Block Machining & Improvements
17:25 Eagle Long Rods
23:18 JE Pistons & Rings
28:05 Cryogenics
31:06 Eagle Stroker Crank
35:20 Fluidampr Crank Pulley
38:38 King Engine Bearings
43:43 Oiling Improvements

We have more content around our Bugeye project for all the Subie fans:

LINKS:

[Joshua]

Do I have an EJ engine? No
Do I plan on building an EJ? No
Did I enjoy watching the whole video? Yes

[mtraven]

dude just casually dropping MOUNTAINS of knowledge. respect

[grantschooling]

imagine Mike telling you, your motor blew up with a smile then goes on to explain for 45mins how he's going to rebuild it

[adiceak]

My Sti engine blew up and I am happy because Mike has that mischievous smile

[obxurv]

I think he's smiling because he's literally explaining probably 20 plus years of experience and all the expertise and knowledge he's acquired that its literally a joy to pass on the knowledge. It's like a teacher that actually enjoyed the subject they taught, all of us has had atleast 1.

[PennerFab]

As an owner of multiple subarus and having rebuilt a few motors, this was the most informative, no bs ej video I've ever seen 👏

[hksoundpro]

So refreshing to hear someone who understands what he's talking about, explain things so clearly.

[nickderen]

This guy is a straight up genius. I've never heard someone put so much detail and care into a block build. Kudos

[davidfrt]

I loved every second of this almost 46min video, even not being a Subaru guy

[Kawaii_Life.]

Mike is basically a walking automotive-related encyclopedia. Another great advice to add is having a great tune and always addressing any issues that the car has, immediately!!

[anochieugochuku]

He must be the easiest person to deliver bad news to.
He always looks like he's about to crack up after hearing the funniest joke.

[LOL-dkxi]

I want him to build my engine just because he is always smiling lol

[ghostnic]

Mike, I've spent years building engines and it took that long to dig around and build up the core knowledge you outline in this video. This is without a doubt the most comprehensive and concise run down of building and modification details I've ever seen. Obviously there is some esoteric detail that is Subaru specific but from beehive springs to rod ratio to hone plates to valve shape and porting. This stuff applies to really any performance engine build. Thanks so much for this, man.

I'd encourage anyone interested in engine building to go through this outline and dig deeper into each section Mike has covered here. There are ways to do some of what he's outlining in this engine build that are not as expensive. CNC porting is the best but even a little care and skill with a die grinder will yield good results. Blending the valve seats, getting the block prepped well, deburring, matching the water jacket ports with the head, finding the best parts you can afford and parts that work well together. What the running characteristics are that don't translate to dyno numbers but do offer a better, smoother performance. Good stuff.

[fizzle]

Almost lost it when he pulled out that finger on stick. Was already close with his contagious smile.

[MichaelCoolGuy]

As someone who studied automotive engineering, and who has taken material science classes along the way, I absolutely love the technical detail he mentions in this video.

[JAM]

I hope this is a series. I’d love to see it being assembled and then tuned etc..

[fehlrock]

Ya got to love a man that smiles continuously during a discussion of his work. Genus

[DownToTheFrame]

This is the type of content YouTube needs! The amount of performance improving techniques that are shown AND explained is pure gold! Well done!

[liamsparling]

I’m addicted to this guy. He’s so smart and genuine. Reminds me of my grandpa and his car shop. Super awesome I’m glad I have the opportunity to watch and learn from these videos

[aAverageGuy]

I love how indepth you go into the how and why of the build, instead of just slappin on parts. Makes me wish I learned more during FSAE before i graduated