Engine Option for 818C Build: FA20DIT

[Maximus]

So 3 years ago a couple people chatted about using the FA20DIT engine from the WRX in their build and now that I have pre-ordered a 818, this is my first engine choice. I know it may not be nearly as cost effective to do the build this way, but I am reaching out to see if anyone has experience with this engine yet or has done any preliminary measurements. I'm leaning towards just picking up a OEM engine/transmission from Subaru. I know Mechie3 was interested back in the day...

[Nakedbee]

The FA engine is a little shorter due to the timing chain vs belt not sure about weight. Any EJ trans will bolt up to the FA so if you get a NA 5 speed donor you should be fine. Also make sure you get the complete wire harness is has a key immobilizer thing that needs to be wired in for it to start. We have yet to determine if the turbo/exhaust configuration will fit due to the position at the bottom of the engine. You could always pick up an NA fa20 out of a brz/frs, run it in NA mode then turbo it. They seem to be pretty stout motors.

[iWire]

As of today (we are working to change this), you would have to run this engine on a standalone ECU since it's an 08+ engine that is equipped with a CANBUS wiring system. In order for the ECU to work properly it would need to see a lot of info coming from other modules that also share the CAN line. You could run the entire harness with all of the modules and hope it works, but it would be a lot of hoop jumping with no guarantees.

[Maximus]

Well, I'm up for the challenge and wouldn't mind running a standalone. I'd be curious to see if the '15 6spd will also mount up or if it is a moot point since I could use an older STI 6spd as well.

[Hindsight]

Out of curiosity, what makes you want to go this route? I know the new engine spools faster and is more efficient but you can probably get the same spool and a lot more power a lot cheaper using the tried and true EJ series engines with various accessories. I just feel like the FA engine doesn't have enough going for it to warrant the added complexity, cost, and stepping into uncharted territory. Not knocking your idea.... more just curious on what you may know that I don't that's making you want to pursue it.

[oki-ra]

I say go for it, the engine is pretty awesome and after market companies are in the 400 hp range without modding the fuel system. As for fitment it should fit like a dream but if you need distances like engine mount to the front of the turbo or bell housing to turbo I can always measure my 15' wrx. Also the transmission would fit fine, it is already cable shift and the housing is the same size as he 5 speed. I'm also such an instigator that here is a link for copart. http://www.copart.com/us/search?companyCode_vf=US&Sort=sd&LotTypes=V&YearFrom=2005&YearTo=2016&Make=SUBA&ModelGroups=WRX&RadioGroup=Location&YardNumber=&States=&PostalCode=&Distance=99999&searchTitle=2005-2016%2CSUBA%2CWRX%2C&cn=2005-2016%2CSUBA%2CWRX%2C

There is one in particular that is going for pure sale in Houston TX current bid is 4500, guys on here are paying almost as much for 04' donors. Oh even the exhaust would be so easy to none of that up-pipe business to worry about.

Anyway just my .02

[Maximus]

Yeah, there is certainly a lot going for doing a EJ build, but I've had my sights on the FA20 for a few years now and think it would be a unique way of doing the build. I am not planning on using a donor car so I was budgeting for all new/rebuilt parts for the entire build. If I run into too much of a headache, I am not against switching to a EJ build. Of course that depends on when that headache occurs :-). The only other plus that I really can think of right now is weight savings.

[C.Plavan]

For a street car it should be fine. However, the FA cannot keep up the oil pressure for a track car. Element recommended staying with the EJ for a track car.