If you think of boxing machines with their flat, horizontally opposite architecture, it is likely that Vintage Volkswagens such as the original Beetle Spring come to mind. Or maybe Porsche, who called a whole car after that type of engine. But the affinity of Subaru for pancake engines also goes back a way. In 1965 the brand dropped its EA-52, which was both smaller and less powerful on 900 cubic centimeters and 55 hp than many modern motorcycle engines.
By 1989, things had improved considerably with the release of the EJ series in North America, which made the verve for some of Subaru’s legendary four-wheel drive World Rally Championship Cars. For example, the 250-plus PK WRX (World Rally Experimental) such as the fact that Colin McRae drove to three consecutive victories in the mid-nineties. It is remarkable that the EJ remained in production longer than some readers have been alive – no less than 32 years.
Although the 16-valves EJ engine was used in several Subarus, including the forester, outback and inheritance, it is perhaps the most associated with Hoped-Up versions for the aforementioned WRX. So when the last RRXs based on Impreza rolled off the assembly line in 2021, it was just as good to retire the venerable EJ. The simple fact is that it became increasingly difficult to meet stricter emissions and fuel consumption standards with such an old engine, regardless of the ease of modding that appealed to enthusiasts.
Apparently EJ -Swaps are one thing
Replacing the Holy EJ series was a big order, and initially Subaru opted for the FB family of engines, a boxer of the third generation that was already used in the Subie-Line-Up, starting with the forester in 2010. In particular, the WRX received the 2.4-liter FA24F. The reputation of the FA24, however, was questioned by various high-profile engine errors of oil hongers under track conditions in Subaru’s BRZ and his badge-designed twin, Toyotas GR86.
More recently, a fourth generation of the boxer -engine was announced: the CB, shortly for “compact (or concentration) boxer”. But it is not an exaggeration to say that the rollout of the CB18 was a debacle. A sensor strike in that engine resulted in Subaru’s decision to stop production and to stop the global export of three models in 2022: the forester, outback and Levorg. But not before 54,000 vehicles had already left the factory.
Certainly, they were not all rainbows and unicorns about the long lifespan of the EJ. As set out in the extensive guide of Jalopnik for Subaru engines, it is known that certain iterations leak oil like crazy, while others prefer a fixed diet of head branches. Yet it is an immensely popular engine that is not only in Subarus, but is exchanged in kit cars, Mazda Miatas, planes and even motorcycles. Heck, it’s like a Japanese equivalent of the Chevy LS, which is indeed a lot of praise.
#Subaru #killed #engine #replaced #Jalopnik