2.0L SH5 Forester Transition from EJ20 to FB20

[ABFoz]

Hi everyone. I just discovered that Subaru used an EJ204 (NA DOHC) in the 2.0L SH5 Forester from 2008 to 2010 before going FB20 in the face-lift models. I thought before that they went all-in with the FB from 2008 but upon looking at engine bays, I noticed the DOHC cover in the pre face lift models.

EJ204: 2008 to 2010 SH5 NA Forester

FB20: 2011 to 2012 SG5 NA Forester

I think what they tried to achieve there was for people not to see that much difference in power in engine model transition but I am not sure why. The EJ204 has been 155HP since 1996 but the one in the SH5 Forester only has 148HP! They de-tuned it. Now the FB20 in the 2011 and 2012 models has 148HP, as well, hence the somewhat lateral transition in power from the 2nd gen engine to the 3rd gen one.

I think they used a de-tuned EJ204 instead of the EJ203 (SOHC) because it costs less to de-tune the EJ204 than tune the EJ203 which already had 140HP that time (My EJ203 is rated at 140HP, by the way). Now, if they stayed with 155HP on the EJ204, people will notice the drop in HP.

I just want to share my discovery. I am just surprised to see an EJ204, which is somewhat a limited production engine, in a more commonly vehicle. Cheers.

EDIT: Formatting.

 

[Kevin]

Good find! I much preferred the DOHC engine in my '97 Outback over the SOHC in my Foz - it had a lot more "sparkle"!

 

[ABFoz]

True, my mother's GG9 has the 155HP one but is lightweight and it really lights up in the higher RPMs!

I wonder how noticeable the difference in driving dynamics is between the SH5's EJ204 and FB20 models.

 

[duncanm]

meh - what you really want is the FA20F.

.. now I wonder how the low-mount turbo would go in a river crossing ?

 

[El_Freddo]

.. now I wonder how the low-mount turbo would go in a river crossing ?

I thought about that too when Subaru released details of their diesel engine setup with a low mount turbo.

Cheers

Bennie

 

[ABFoz]

I became skeptical about that low-mount turbo too. Perhaps a sudden boost in cooler air inside the engine or "outer"-cooling? Haha. Just kidding.

Here's a Forester with an EE20 crossing the water.

The turbo got submerged truly at that depth. Not sure if there are any complications. Now I haven't seen an FB20F get submerged that deep though.

Regarding EJ vs FB in the SH5, the ports clearly indicate that the engineers designed the FB engines to be much more efficient now
with the narrower valve-camshaft angle. That will definitely show a difference in performance, even though they have the same HP.

DOHC EJ vs FB

 

[duncanm]

Diesel turbo would cope with it better - exhaust temps are not as high.

I'm sure it'd be fine if you were just cruising, but you wouldn't want to thrash it and immediately enter a water crossing.