The Subaru EJ207 Engine Reliability – Specs and Issues. Four-stroke Subaru EJ207 engines were first offered on the automobile market in 1991. The Subaru EJ207 is one of numerous variations produced under the EJ brand. In order to replace the previous Subaru EA engine series, Subaru began producing the EJ series engines in 1989. The Japanese Subaru WRX is most often linked to this turbo engine because of its tremendous power. Up until the current series of Subaru FB engines replaced it, the EJ207 was only made available to the automobile markets in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia. However, due to its performance and power, the EJ207 is being bought by many American Subaru enthusiasts for engine swap projects.
Comparing the EJ207 to other Subaru engines like the EJ257, the EJ207 is believed to be more dependable and long-lasting. But the 207 does have its share of issues, just like any other engine. Whatever the case, the Subaru EJ207 engine deserves praise for its strength and superior functionality.
In this post, we’ll look more closely at the EJ207’s specs, dependability, and power. But first, let’s go over the EJ207’s fundamental specifications in greater depth below.
Specs of the Subaru EJ207 engine
The Subaru EJ207 engine’s specifications are as follows:
Both the EJ207 and the 257 have a distinctive design that is emblematic of Subaru’s manufacturing approach. The EJ207’s design gives drivers an experience that is unmistakably Subaru in terms of performance and sound. Given its overall weight and size, Subaru uses a turbo to increase the engine’s output at an astounding rate. Regardless of its horsepower capacity, the EJ207 nonetheless offers the necessities for the work. In other words, the 207 is praised by many in the automobile industry since it gives the Subaru WRX both speed and handling abilities that are above average.
With the right support mods, this Subaru EJ207 engine responds to upgrades and changes incredibly well. With up to 328 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque, the EJ207 has exceptional acceleration and braking capabilities.
EJ207 Subaru Reliability
The first thing that comes to mind when consumers think of overall reliability in cars is not often Subaru. This is particularly true in light of the fact that other well-known models from the same company have frequently experienced problems with oil consumption and other different electrical applications. Three lawsuits were filed against Subaru beginning in 2012, all of which were related to alleged EJ25 engine issues. In terms of toughness and longevity, the EJ207 does seem to have a stronger track record than the EJ257. The Subaru EJ207, however, is not without its flaws and problems. High oil consumption problems and numerous oil leaks appear to be the main difficulties. Fortunately, compared to Subaru’s 2.5-liter turbo engines, the 207 does have thicker block cylinder sleeves to protect the engine’s bore and a superior ability to cool off the cylinder block.
When compared to comparable Subaru models of the same vintage and size, the EJ207 grades above average to good in terms of dependability. When compared to similar models from different manufacturers at the time, the EJ207 would be ranked above mediocre at best. Many drivers claim that their EJ207 engine is invincible; however, we discovered that too many important repairs were required after only 60K miles to concur with that classification.
It is crucial to remember that the Subaru EJ207 is frequently changed and driven hard, both of which contribute to the shortening of any engine’s lifespan. With that said, let’s look at some of the issues that have a negative impact on the overall reliability of the EJ207.
Subaru EJ207 Problems
Some of the most prevalent Subaru EJ207 engine problems include:
- Excessive oil usage
- Oil spills
- Engine squeaking
Although these difficulties made our list of typical EJ207 faults, it’s crucial to remember that they won’t affect all engines. However, high oil consumption and oil leaks appear to be a common problem with Subaru EJ20 series engines. Especially when the majority of Subaru EJ20 engines on the road today are up to 20 years old and show significant wear.
There are various causes of high oil consumption and oil leaks in the Subaru EJ207 engine. The camshaft seals and valve cover gaskets are the most prevalent source of oil leaks in EJ20 engines. It is critical to inspect those two places on a regular basis because they are the most likely sources of oil leaks. Oil leaks can cause high oil consumption and additional engine damage, reducing the overall power and longevity of the EJ20 engines. Piston ring failure is also a very prevalent cause for excessive oil consumption issues in the EJ207. To get the most out of their EJ207, drivers should execute routine oil changes using high-quality oil. High-quality engine oil and premium fuel are essential for both turbo and normally aspirated EJ20 engines. These difficulties serve as a reminder that adequate maintenance and repairs are critical.
Symptoms and Repairs for EJ207 High Oil Consumption and Oil Leaks
The following difficulties could be signs of oil consumption issues with the Subaru EJ207 engine:
- Oil puddles form beneath the car.
- Overheating of the engine
- The odor of burning oil
- Smoke coming from the engine compartment
Despite the lack of a turbo, naturally aspirated engines can have high oil consumption. However, we are aware that turbo engines are prone to excessive oil use and oil leaks. Aside from a newly lighted dashboard light, the most evident indicator of oil leaks is dark oil pools accumulating beneath your automobile. Drivers may also notice a lack of power or acceleration if their Subaru EJ207 has major oil leaks. The smell of burnt oil and visible smoke coming from the engine bay are also clear indicators that your engine is having oil consumption issues. Camshaft seals, sparkplug tube seals, and piston access plugs could all be problematic.
Repair costs are difficult to estimate due to the large range of potential causes for high oil consumption in the Subaru EJ207. Repairs for oil leaks on the Subaru EJ207, on the other hand, can range from $75 to $2000 or more, depending on the parts required and labor costs.
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Causes and Solutions for EJ207 Engine Knocking
This problem is especially common on extremely worn Subaru EJ20 engines or engines that have been significantly changed. A knocking sound and possible shaking are most often caused by issues with the 4th cylinder. Because the fourth cylinder is the hottest in the engine, it is the most difficult to cool. The cylinder then knocks due to the increased heat. Drivers will most likely encounter engine knocking on cold starts until the problem becomes more frequent even after warming up the engine. Again, because there are so many distinct reasons of engine banging, repair costs might vary substantially. A single spark plug replacement, for example, can cost $5, while cleaning the engine heads can cost up to $800.
Tuning and Modifications for the Subaru EJ207
Subaru EJ207 engines are well-liked in the modding community. The stock EJ20 engines respond well to changes, but they are stressed when power is increased. When significantly modified, appropriate tuning of the EJ207 is critical. Power improvements will be severely diminished if not properly tuned. However, when combined with a handful of the usual tweaks described below, the EJ207 can significantly improve its overall speed and performance.
Proper modifications can transform the Subaru EJ207 into a much more responsive and quick engine. They can also provide a more sporty driving experience with faster acceleration, louder induction sounds, and increased exhaust loudness. However, it’s vital to realize that without the correct balance of supporting mods, the EJ207 and most other engines will become more vulnerable. Excessive engine stress caused by enhanced power changes can cause engine damage and drastically degrade engine reliability. The EJ207, however, becomes an intriguing undertaking for any hobbyist with a solid balance of tweaks and a proper understanding of automotive mechanics.
The Most Popular EJ207 Modifications and Upgrades
Because of its capacity to respond readily to changes, the EJ207 is particularly popular among Subaru enthusiasts. This engine has been linked to numerous engine swap projects on YouTube and various automotive forums. Any modded engine or engine swap project necessitates meticulous attention to detail in terms of fitment, appropriate installation, and the balance of supporting mods. A decent set of changes plus a good tune can result in a significant gain in horsepower and torque, as well as a longer engine lifespan. The most common modifications are:
- Tune
- new arrivals
- Downpipe/exhaust
- Upgraded intercooler
Some of the mods we listed can be used independently, but the majority of them require a suitable tune. A new intake, for example, can be put independently without causing any damage to the EJ207 engine. However, when calibrated, the power and performance gains from a fresh intake can be significant. Certain modifications, such as a new downpipe or exhaust, are far more reliant on a tune to perform effectively. Because the Subaru EJ207 was not manufactured in the United States, it is more difficult to acquire properly fitted parts for the engine in the United States. The early WRX versions are well regarded for their ability to respond to upgrades and modifications, with several drivers boasting over 100 horsepower gains on their projects. However, the Subaru EJ207, like any other engine, requires knowledge and patience to see a significant gain in power without compromising reliability.
Summary of the Subaru EJ207 Engine Guide
From 1991 to 2001, the Subaru EJ207 was used in Japanese WRX versions until it was replaced by the EJ205. The engine is noted for its performance potential and is still used by Subaru fans today. The EJ207 is preferred over the EJ257 for many engine swap jobs due to its reputable performance and dependability. In terms of reliability and longevity, we evaluate the Subaru EJ207 engine as ordinary to above average. Oil leaks, engine banging, and other needed maintenance appear to be typical for the EJ207 before 60-80,000 miles. This engine’s unusual design has few obvious problems; nonetheless, it lacks the dependability required to make it bulletproof.
Many Subaru drivers, however, report that the EJ207 engine is reliable enough to be their daily driver. The 207 is one of the most well-known engines in the company’s history, particularly among the EJ20 family. Although the EJ207 reacts well to alterations, it demands high-quality oil and regular maintenance. As you increase the engine’s horsepower, more supporting mods will be required. For those looking for the greatest boost in power and overall performance, the EJ207 engine must be properly tuned. When all of these upgrades are combined, the EJ207 can be an interesting and remarkable engine build for any enthusiast.
