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In today’s automotive engine industry there are many terms used to describe Subaru engine repair techniques and consumers are often unsure about exactly what they are getting. Terms like “repaired”, “overhauled” or “reconditioned” or “re-manufactured” can be misleading because they mean different things in different workshops and there is no governing body to set and maintain standards. Sometimes this means consumers are worse off than before, because they might have purchased something that either exceeded their needs, or failed to meet them. Consumers have differing needs, in terms of application and budget. They might need a repair for an older car that won’t exceed the value of the car, or they may want a high quality replacement engine for a late model vehicle that will give long life and high reliability.
At All Drive Subaroo we have worked over many years and invested heavily in designing clearly defined levels of engine construction for differing purposes and budgets. Our different engine builds cater for all consumers, from those who need to keep an older car going inexpensively, to motorsport enthusiasts who need an engine strong enough to develop high power with high reliability.
Apart from the confusion in the industry as to engine construction methods, consumers have to also be mindful of the different engine configurations. Engines are marketed in four configurations: short block, long bare engine, long dressed engine, and fully assembled crate engine. Which one is best for you will depend on the mileage of your vehicle, and on the condition of the cylinder heads and peripheral components such as the turbo, the coolant and air hoses, and the water pump.
The complexity of choice has been made worse by the evolution of Subaru engines into different types for different applications, as well as incremental changes to adjust for new laws and standards,. Subaru engines have developed into several types and capacities, in part to meet consumer demand for style and performance, but mainly for fuel efficiency and emissions control. Subaru face challenges ranging from designing efficient normally aspirated four and six cylinder engines to high performance turbo charged models. Subaru have also worked hard to compete with engine designs from other manufacturers, in terms of servicing and general running costs.
Engine purchase cost is another factor that makes choice more difficult. Australian prices are high, compared with Europe and and North American prices, and it is tempting to buy an imported engine for considerably less money than one that has been built in Australia. However, there are traps and complexities when considering imported engines. Subaru engines are designed to meet specific local requirements and an engine designed for the European or US market is not likely to be interchangeable with an Australian complied vehicle. Consumers have often been caught out with a bad investment in an engine they are unable to use in an Australian complied vehicle.
Short or long, bare or dressed
As if sifting though the different engine types to find the right one for your car wasn’t confusing enough, you also have to decide just how much of your old engine you need to replace. Do you just need a new block, crank and pistons? Or do you also need cylinder heads? What can you re-use from your old engine assembly, and what should be replaced? Some items it is good practice to replace as a matter or routine; things like coolant hoses, timing belt, water pump. Other more expensive components, such as cylinder heads, will depend on the mileage of your vehicle, and the condition of the components. All Drive Subaroo have expert consultants standing by to help you make the right choice. See below for details of each choice.
This option consists of an assembled engine block with no cylinder heads, timing belt or any other engine auxiliaries. It is often bought for a low mileage vehicle that has had a premature engine failure. This is suitable for a workshop mechanic or knowledgeable owner who can fit their own cylinder heads, timing belt and other engine components, provided that the other engine components are in good order and is usually purchased with an engine gasket and seal kit.
All short blocks built by Subaru Engines Australia are professionally assembled by specialist trained technicians and come in four build levels: rebuilt, reconditioned, remanufactured, and for turbo models, Cosworth. All levels include revised pistons, rings, and bearings to correct inherent weaknesses in the OEM originals. Short block engines are in stock for all models on an exchange basis.
The short block assembly may be purchased and installed at ADS, or shipped to your choice of workshop for third part installation. We recommend installation by All Drive Subaru as this simplifies and strengthens your warranty coverage as one provider is responsible for parts and labour warranty.
The reliability of our short block engine, and the warranty coverage, depends on two factors beyond our control: the quality of the installation (if done by a third party), and the condition of the other components used, especially cylinder heads.
This option consists of a short block, with attached cylinder heads but no front-end engine auxiliary components such as camshaft gears, timing covers, water pump and timing belt. Again, this option is suitable for a workshop mechanic or knowledgeable owner who is in possession of all other components in good order. This is sometimes a better option partly because it more convenient and because there is less risk of failure or errors in assembly. This option is viable if all other peripheral components are in good order and is less expensive than a long dressed assembly. Please note that the early EJ engines use timing belts and the renewal of these is quick and easy , while later FB, FA and EE engines use a timing chain, which does not usually need replacing and is more difficult to swap from your old engine. A third party installer will usually charge more for installing new engines for these models, but we do the work for the same price as the timing belt models. If your timing belt needs replacing you might want to consider the long dressed engine option.
All long bare engines built by Subaru Engines Australia are professionally assembled by specialist trained technicians and come in four build levels: rebuilt, reconditioned, remanufactured, and for turbo models, Cosworth. All levels include revised pistons, rings, and bearings to correct inherent weaknesses in the OEM originals. Long bare engines are in stock for all models on an exchange basis.
The long bare assembly may be purchased and installed at ADS, or shipped to your choice of workshop for third part installation. We recommend installation by All Drive Subaru as this simplifies and strengthens your warranty coverage. One provider is responsible for parts and labour warranty.
The reliability of our long bare engines, and the extent of warranty coverage, depends on two factors beyond our control: the quality of the installation (if done by a third party), and the condition of the other components used.
Level 1 engines come with 8 months or 15,000 KM, whichever comes first.
Level 2 engines come with 12 months of 25,000 KM, whichever comes first.
Level 3 engines comes with 24 months or 50,000 KM, whichever comes first, if installed by ADS, or 12 months or 25,000 kilometres if installed by a third party.
Performance Cosworth Engines warranty depends on application, and may vary from 24 months to no warranty on extreme use applications. Please enquire for details.
This is our most highly recommended option. It consists of a complete assembled engine with cylinder heads, and all engine auxiliary accessories including timing belt, water pump and front covers but not alternator or manifolds. These components are not normally required, but are available at additional cost (see crate engine). It is good practice to use existing components where possible, for several reasons: it makes the installation a little quicker and easier, and the existing components are “tuned in” to the vehicle’s engine management system. Warranty is also simplified, with one provider responsible for all parts and labour. The engine is more reliable than the long bare option because all components have been tested or renewed, and there is nothing to go wrong. For reliability and longevity, this is the way to go.
All long dressed engines built by Subaru Engines Australia are professionally assembled by specialist trained technicians and come in four build levels: rebuilt, reconditioned, remanufactured, and for turbo models, Cosworth. All levels include revised pistons, rings, and bearings to correct inherent weaknesses in the OEM originals. Long dressed engines are in stock for all models on an exchange basis.
The long dressed assembly may be purchased and installed at ADS, or shipped to your choice of workshop for third part installation. We recommend installation by All Drive Subaru as this simplifies and strengthens your warranty coverage. One provider is responsible for parts and labour warranty.
The reliability of our long dressed engines, and the extent of warranty coverage, depends on the quality of the installation (if done by a third party), and the condition of the other components used.
Level 1 engines come with 8 months or 15,000 KM, whichever comes first.
Level 2 engines come with 12 months of 25,000 KM, whichever comes first.
Level 3 engines comes with 24 months or 50,000 KM, whichever comes first, if installed by ADS, or 12 months or 25,000 kilometres if installed by a third party.
Performance Cosworth Engines warranty depends on application, and may vary from 24 months to no warranty on extreme use applications. Please enquire for details.
This is a fully assembled Subaru engine with all standard external components including intake and exhaust manifolds and choice of turbocharger. Crate engines can be bought for high performance or standard applications at different build levels. You may also opt for different additional components, such as starter motor, alternator, AC compressor, engine mounts, clutch kits and ECU and wiring harness. This is a turnkey engine ready to drop in without any further preparation.
This configuration is very convenient, being quick and easy to install, saving on labour costs. It also reduces the chances of problems and defects with peripheral components. Applications for turnkey engines include conversions such as Volkswagen beetles, and special vehicles, such as dune buggies or club racers. It is also a handy option for the performance enthusiast who might want to build a high power engine with all the appropriate peripherals, ready to drop in and race. ADS can build a crate engine to your specifications, with optional upgraded water pump, intercooler, fuel pump, fuel injectors and tuned ECU.
All crate/turnkey engines built by Subaru Engines Australia are professionally assembled by specialist trained technicians and come in four build levels: rebuilt, reconditioned, remanufactured, and for turbo models, Cosworth. All levels include revised pistons, rings, and bearings to correct inherent weaknesses in the OEM originals. Long bare engines are in stock for all models on an exchange basis.
The crate engine assembly may be purchased and installed at ADS, or shipped to your choice of workshop for third part installation. We recommend installation by All Drive Subaru as this simplifies and strengthens your warranty coverage. One provider is responsible for parts and labour warranty.
The reliability of our crate engines, and the warranty coverage, depends on the quality of the installation (if done by a third party). The length of ADS warranties vary with the build level. We offer three comprehensive warranties:
Level 1 engines come with 8 months or 15,000 KM, whichever comes first.
Level 2 engines come with 12 months of 25,000 KM, whichever comes first.
Level 3 engines comes with 24 months or 50,000 KM, whichever comes first, if installed by ADS, or 12 months or 25,000 kilometres if installed by a third party.
Performance Cosworth Engines warranty depends on application, and may vary from 24 months to no warranty on extreme use applications. Please enquire for details.
Guaranteed rebuilt, reconditioned or remanufactured engines – peace of mind
The final decision to be made is between a used engine, or one of several restoration options. At ADS we offer four levels of engine replacement, rebuilt, reconditioned, remanufactured, and for turbo models, Cosworth. Level 1 is a “repaired” or “rebuilt” engine that has been dismantled, inspected, cleaned and reassembled with new and serviced components and comes with a basic warranty. Level 2 is a “reconditioned” engine that has undergone a process of replacing and refurbishing to precise high quality Subaru specified standards. Level 3 is our “remanufactured” engine, which represents the highest level of Subaru engine restoration. Remanufacturing produces by far the most durable engine, and incorporates all the latest revisions to address inherent weaknesses. At ADS we also offer a fourth level available only for turbo models, an engine that has been remanufactured using Cosworth performance components. The warranty terms vary with each method.
Used Subaru engines and components are removed directly from a vehicle – typically a junkyard vehicle – and cannot be comprehensively inspected. There are no provisions for disassembly, internal cleaning or inspection with a used engine. Used engines bought from wrecking yards may have high mileage and often have poor or missing maintenance histories. They could well be another failure waiting to happen. Many wrecking yard engines come from vehicles that have been involved in accidents and there may be internal damage. There is often also a problem with obtaining the correct engine. Subaru engines all look nearly identical but there are many minor differences, sometimes with major implications.
But there is some good news. At ADS we know and understand all the differences between different Subaru engines and can make sure you get the right engine for your Subaru model. We have also built up a network of trusted suppliers. We are therefore able to source low mileage used engines, often with service records, so if you do choose to go for a second hand engine, we can minimise the risk to you.
The repaired/rebuilt Subaru engine offered by Subaru engines Australia is an excellent alternative to buying second hand. All our rebuilt engines start from a second hand core. The engine is totally dismantled, cleaned and checked for abnormalities. Serviceable parts within the manufacturer’s acceptable wear limits are reused. The quality of rebuilt engine varies and many come with a limited warranty. While our rebuilt engines, constructed with the judgement and skill of our highly trained technicians, are as good as this method can make them, there is a huge difference between a level 1 Rebuilt engine and a level 3 remanufactured engine. A rebuilt engine is not as durable as a remanufactured engine because the process of rebuilding is significantly less precise and that translates into lower longevity, which is reflected in the basic warranty we offer with this option. This is a good option for the budget conscious customer, perhaps with an older car, who is looking for a reliable and economical fix to get him or her back on the road. Our rebuilt engine will perform well, and reliably. All our Subaru engines are built here at our factory, with high quality genuine Subaru parts. No cheap inferior aftermarket components are used in any of our options.
All Drive Subaroo have sold hundreds of level 1 rebuilt engines to satisfied budget conscious customers all around the world with near to zero warranty issues to date. The rebuilt engine is an economical choice that still provides confident driving.
The word “reconditioned” in automotive rebuilding terms means to completely refurbish or recycle a Subaru Engine. This would normally include renewing all main service parts and resurfacing components such as the crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder bores etc.
Similar to the Level 1 option in the sourcing of the engine core and the evaluation of worn components, the only real difference between Level 1 and Level 2, (rebuilt vs reconditioned) are the extra components replaced when overhauling the engine. Items such as pistons and connecting rods are generally renewed with cylinder heads undergoing a complete service and reconditioning.
The reconditioned Level 2 engine is all about saving money and making efficient use of existing resources. Certainly not all components are good candidates for reconditioning. The items selected need to be durable and tested to guarantee robust operation that meets or exceeds manufacturer’s specifications. Reconditioned engine assemblies are best purchased from experts because they understand the benefits and risks associated with this process, which is a major challenge for reconditioned products. Here at All Drive Subaroo we keep risks to a minimum and we have an industry low rate of engine failures. Advanced technologies have allowed us to reduce risk and deliver a quality reconditioned product every time.
The ADS Level 2 engine is the best value for money in the industry
The ADS Remanufactured Level 3 engine is superior to the other engines that we offer, with all current revisions made to enhance reliability and longevity. The ADS Remanufactured Subaru Engine is virtually a brand new engine that has been redesigned to lessen/eliminate inherited problems found in Subaru production release engines. Remanufacturing doubles an asset’s useful life, guarantees operational safety and reliability, and addresses environmental requirements over and above a mere refurbishment and yet at about half the price of new equipment.
All Level 3 engines have reconditioned/pressured tested/crack tested cylinder heads attached
All Drive Subaroo’s Level 3 Remanufactured engine is better than OEM new. If you want long-term strength economy and reliability, this is the way to go
Subaru have given us a brilliant performance platform in their Turbo models, with more than enough durability and power for daily street use. Cosworth have applied their many decades of racing experience to extend the strength and capacity of Subaru engines to accommodate more spirited competitive driving and motorsport. They have done this by focussing their research and development on the most highly stressed components—including pistons, rods, and crankshafts– producing upgraded components that can endure many times the load of an OEM equivalent.
The ADS Cosworth Subaru engine is designed for the demanding performance enthusiast. Each assembly is precision built by one of All Drive Subaroo’s skilled craftsmen using the finest components from our parts catalogue to ensure maximum reliable power and performance. Starting with a new Subaru EJ257 semi-closed deck block, we meticulously diamond hone each bore to guarantee perfect piston to cylinder wall clearance. The block is then assembled with Cosworth forged pistons, motorsport grade forged H-Beam connecting rods along with Cosworth high performance rod and main bearings, and a new STI forged crankshaft. ADS/Cosworth engines come in four different configurations.
The Many Engine Modes of Subaru
Subaru are an innovative research and development oriented company, and their range of engines has evolved rapidly in response to consumer demand, competition initiatives, and changing emissions and fuel consumption requirements. Engines must also vary for different applications; low revving high torque engines for load carrying ability, and high revving high output engines for motorsport application. Cars like the Forester and Outback tend to have lower revving high-torque undersquare engines for cruising and pulling loads, while the WRX and STI models have high revving over square engines designed to produce power at the high rev ranges. See below for the full range of Subaru engine types.
EJ22ENA2BD, EJ22ENA1BD, EJ20GNW1BD, EJ22ENAABA, EJ22ENMABA, EJ22ENWABA, EJ20ENX4BA, EJ22ENABBA, EJ25DNACJA, EJ20GNW6ND, EJ22ENACFA, EJ20ENW6FA, EJ25DNXDJE, EJ25DNWDJA, EJ25DNWDJE, EJ22ENADFA, EJ20JNX1FA, EJ20JNW1FA, EJ20JNX1FE, EJ20GNX6ND, EJ20ENX6FA, EJ205NWZKE, EJ207DW1PR, EJ202NWZVA, EJ205NW1KD, EJ251MWAVE, EJ205NXZKE, EJ205NX1KD, EJ201NW1VD, EJ201MWAVE, EJ202NXZVE, EJ205GW6BE, EJ202NWZVE, EJ251NXAVE, EJ205NWXKE, EJ201NW2VD, EJ205NW2KE, EJ205NXXKE, EJ202NWXVE, EJ251NXBVE, EJ201MWBVE, EJ201NX2VD, EJ251MWBVE, EJ202NXXVE, EJ207DW2PR, EJ202GXWAA, EJ251MWCAE, EJ251MXCAE, EJ205NXWBB, EJ202GXWAB, EJ201GW3DB, EJ201MWCAB, EJ201MXCAE, EJ205NW3BB, EJ201GX3AB, EJ202GWWAA, EJ205NWWBB, EJ202GWWAB, EJ205NW4BB, EJ201MW4AA, EJ201MXDAE, EJ201MJDAE, EJ251MXDAE, EJ202GXVAB, EJ251MJDAE, EJ208DWDBE, EJ251MJ4AB, EJ207NW4CR, EJ205NXVBB, EJ205NWVBB, EJ201MW4AB, EJ202GWVAA, EJ201MX4AB, EJ251NXUAE, EJ205GW5BB, EJ251MXEAE, EJ201MW5AB, EJ205GX5BB, EJ251MJEAE, EJ201MXEAE, EJ206DXEBE, EJ251NJUAE, EJ251MX5AB, EJ251MJ5AB, EJ207NW5CR, EJ25ANJUAE, EJ252MPAHE, EJ252MTAHE, EJ202MTAHE, EJ251NXTAE, EJ251NWTAE, EJ251MJ6AB, EJ207NW6CR, EJ205GX6BE, EJ251MX6AB, EJ255MXTBE, EJ201MW6AB, EJ20XDLAJE, EJ255MWTBE, EJ202MPAHE, EJ251NXSAE, EJ252MPBHE, EJ255MXSBE, EJ20XDLBJE, EJ201GX7AE, EJ251GX7AE, EJ251GJ7AE, EJ20YMTBJE, EJ205GW7BE, EJ20VMTBJE, EJ251NESAE, EJ201GW7AE, EJ251MX4AB, EJ252MTBHE, EJ207NW7CR, EJ255MWSBE, EJ255LE8JB, EJ253NPCHE, EJ257LG8CH, EJ204LS8JB, EJ201GS8AE, EJ201GP8AE, EJ253NPRHE, EJ253NERHE, EJ253NTCHE, EJ252MTCHE, EJ253NPRHL, EJ255LERJB, EJ20XDLCJE, EJ253NEWHE, EJ204NPCJE, EJ255LPRJB, EJ204NTCJE, EJ20YMTCJE, EJ255LPQKC, EJ255LEQKB, EJ255LE9KB, EJ253NPQAB, EJ255LGDLE, EJ255LPQKB, EJ201GS9AE, EJ257LG9LB, EJ253NPQAC, EJ204LTDME, EJ253NEQAC, EJ201GP9AE, EJ253NEQAB, EJ253NPOAB, EJ204LS9MB, EJ253NP0AC, EJ253NPOAC, EJ255LLDLE, EJ253LTDAB, EJ204LP9MB, EJ253LPDAE, J253LTBDAB, EJ204LS1MB, EJ204LSIMB, EJ253NPPAB, EJ253FPEFE, EJ255LLELE, EJ253FEEFE, EJ255LPPKB, EJ204LP1MB, EJ255LFELE, EJ255LE1LE, EJ257LG1LE, EJ253NEPAB, EJ253NLPAB, EJ253FEFFE, EJ255LFFLE, EJ253FPFFE, EJ253LEZFE, EJ253LPZFB, EJ255LE2NE, EJ255LEZME, EJ255LPZME, EJ253LUKFE, EJ253LUAFE, EJ255LPYME, EJ253LDAFE, EJ255LEYME, EJ255LBAME, EJ255LE3NE, EJ255LE4NE, EJ255LPXME, EJ257KG4LE, EJ255LDALE, EJ255LCXLE, EJ20GNW1HD, EJ255LE6NE, EJ253LUNFE, EJ257VG9LE
EZ30DNXABG, EZ30DNXBBG, EZ30DNXCBY, EZ30DNXCBV, EZ30DHVAGE, EZ30DHGBGE, EZ30DHLBGE, EZ30DHLCGE, EZ30DHGCGE, EZ30DHGCCC, EZ30DFGDGE, EZ30DFLDGE, EZ30DELDGE, EZ30DFLFGE, EZ36DLCALE, EZ36DLC4LE, EZ36DLCCGE
FA20EHZHZA, FA20DHWB9A, FA20EHZHYA, FA20DHWU8A, FA20EHZB9A, FB25AJXNXB, FB25AJXAXB, FB20AFZH1A, FB20AFZHIA, FB20AFZB1A,
FB20AHZBZA, FB25AHYHZA, FB20AHZH2E, FB20AHZB2E, FB25AHYDB, FB20AHZH4E, FB25AFYHYA, FB25AFYHEB, FB20AVZH5A
EE20KDYLE, EE20ZLDYLB, EE20ZKDYLE, EE20ZLDALE, EE20ZKDCLE, EE20ZKDZLF
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