Has anyone completed an 818 build with an NA FA20 engine?

[terrylim]

I searched the forum and found several threads discussing this. Has anyone completed such a build? If so, are you wiling to share what you learned about mechanical and electrical issues?

As for my reason for considering this, I have a "spare" blown FA20 engine sitting in my garage originally from my FRS which now has a replacement engine. I like rebuilding engines (actually, I have only done it once so far), so I thought it might be fun not only building an 818 but also rebuilding the engine that goes in it. I'm not trying to rationalize it by saying it will be cheaper or better :D. That being said my understanding is that this car would be pretty fast even with the stock 200hp from an FA20. At least faster than my FRS which is 900 lbs heavier!

Some specific things I don't know the answers to:

- Mating to an Impreza or WRX donor transmission. I saw one thread that said that this is not problem and another that said some kind of adapter might be needed.
- ECU. One thread I read mentioned that using the original ECU might be a problem because of all the other systems it likes to talk to. Anyone tried it?
- Standalone ECU. Do any out there work with the direct/port injection setup on this engine?

Thanks!

[Maximus]

I wanted to give this question a bump and I'm sure many have this question as well.

[Jim Schenck]

The engine to transmission bolt pattern is different between the FRS/BRZ version of this engine and the newer WRX version. The new WRX version will bolt to the older transmissions but the FRS/BRZ version will not. You can build the engine to fit if you start with the WRX block but build to the FRS/BRZ specs, but not an easy route for sure.

The OEM engine controls unit is CANBUS and is difficult to use without an entire harness transfer from the original car, at least so far I haven't seen any simple solutions to use it. There are some stand-alone systems you can use, I know Phil at Element Tuning told me he has a system that works, but I also think at least the engine section of the original car is required.

Still holding out hope for a 2.5 NA STI version of this engine but even then if it was in the BRZ it would still not bolt up to the trans.

[07FIREBLADE]

Have you guys considered making an adapter plate to mate the two parts together. I know you guys were originally debating on going this route months ago while the ecoboost was being considered. CANBUS is an obstacle that needs to be addresses but can be solved with a standalone. The newer wrx motor works because it was still an ej so there wasn't a need to make a different bolt pattern for the transmission. Subarus are like legos.

[Jim Schenck]

The new WRX's have switched from the EJ to the FA, that's when they went back to the 2.0 liter displacement for the 2015 models. Those blocks can run all the same components as the BRZ/FRS engines but have the old EJ transmission pattern. Only the STI still runs the EJ.

We haven't strongly considered an adapter yet, the interest hasn't been as strong as it was for the Ecoboost so we have the engine sitting upstairs for now.

[07FIREBLADE]

Sorry miscommunication on my part. I know that the current Wrx is running the FA20DIT. I dd a 15 WRX and had a FRS as a dd for over a year. So I'm very familiar with the motor and driving both cars. I was referring to the newer yet older Wrxs that are not ideal donors. The 08-14 model yrs. those run canbus but are ejs.

Question though does the motor fit in the engine compartment. The wiring and adapter could be made to work, but being a new motor is it even ideal in its turbocharged form or stick with NA. Since you don't have to worry about the low mount turbo and clearance issues.

[Jim Schenck]

Ah, I was misunderstanding you on what "newer" meant, but on the same page now.

The NA motor looked like it was going to be a good fit, we didn't lower one in just had them side by side for measurements though so I don't want to say 100% for sure until we have had it in place. The turbo FA engine looked to me like it would need the whole exhaust and low mount turbo system rerouted, so not such an easy swap.

[Maximus]

Personal interest in this after a few years and finally going to build school/getting a kit! SO....anyone successful with a FA20/DIT engine on here and willing to chat? I found one build on FB, but wasn't able to connect. Looks like after a few years there still isn't official support for the Ecoboost nor the new WRX engines. Thanks!

[Ajzride]

It was done, check out the 818 facebook group.