Subaru's EJ20: Engineering Behind this Iconic Engine

Jun 9, 2023

Subaru's EJ20: Engineering Behind this Iconic Engine



Subaru engineers are known for creating some of the most iconic engines in the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car world. The Subaru EJ20 engine is one of their most celebrated works of genius. This engine has been a street racer's best friend, and an enthusiast's dream for decades. The EJ20 is a favorite amongst car enthusiasts for various reasons, including its reliability, power, and high-performance capabilities. In this blog post, we will unpack the engineering behind this iconic engine.



Subaru debuted the EJ20 engine in 1989, and it was an instant hit. Its unique design and performance capabilities made it stand out from other engines of the time. The powertrain of the EJ20 focused on a combination of factors that made it successful, including a low center of gravity, a high-compression ratio, and a turbocharger. These elements introduced the car world to the beauty of boxer engines.



The engine design of the EJ20 is compact and lightweight. Subaru designed the engine to be less complicated and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice in the JDM car scene. Similar to other engine designs, the EJ20 features a horizontally opposed engine layout, resulting in a more stable and balanced drive. This design element has made the EJ20 engine a top pick for drift and rally car enthusiasts.



One unique feature of the EJ20 engine is its forged piston. The use of these pistons allows the engine to handle high power outputs reliably. The EJ20 is the perfect example of a balanced engine, employing various engineering techniques that enable it to be a powerhouse on the road. One engineering technique involved in creating the EJ20 was the use of Sodium-Filled Exhaust Valves. The substances create extra engine cooling, resulting in a higher RPM capability. The EJ20 engine is a prime example of excellent engineering and effective application.



The EJ20 engine comes in many forms, including non-turbo and turbo variants. The most commonly known form is the turbocharged version, which has gained popularity in the car modification scene. This version of the engine offers enthusiasts high-performance capabilities, thanks to its ample power and quick acceleration. However, the non-turbo version of the engine still packs a punch, featuring high-compression pistons, dual overhead cams, and four valves per cylinder.



The EJ20 engine is a masterpiece of engineering, combining various design elements that work together to create a high-performance engine. The iconic engine has inspired many other engine designs in the car world, cementing its place in history. Its unique design and innovative features have made the EJ20 a favorite amongst JDM enthusiasts. It's no doubt that Subaru engineers must have had some serious brainstorming sessions to come up with the incredible engine. The Subaru EJ20 is an embodiment of excellence in engineering and a symbol of what can happen when ingenuity meets precision. Check out our stock of JDM EJ20 engines to enhance your Subaru today!