Cooked Forester Turbo

[pitscars007]

Hi guys - a friend has a Forester turbo - Quad cam - is it possible to replace the motor with a non turbo engine - say an EJ204 ? and not have any ECU problems ? Cheers

[El_Freddo]

Short answer is no.

Stick with the same engine combo as this will work.

Is it the turbo that's dead or the engine?

And what model specifically are we talking about?

Cheers

Bennie

[Gannon]

Basically any wrx engine from the same or adjoining years will bolt in without issue

[pitscars007]

I was trying to think of a cheaper option to fix this car - mid 2000s XT - the local garage quoted around $7000 to source a motor and fit it - probably more than the car is worth - I thought there may be a Quad cam 2.5 (non turbo) that would bolt in (along with the non turbo exhaust ?) - possibly much cheaper ? to my way of thinking $2500 to $3000 should be enough to get this ladys car going again ? Cheers

[pitscars007]

Ej254 ?

[Gannon]

EJ255 is what you are after
Too much work trying to fit a non turbo motor in a turbo car. ECU will have to be changed, loom plugs repinned at engine and ecu end.

Quick search of ebay brings up 2x Ej255s
One complete engine with turbo and ancillaries for $2250
The other is a bare engine for $1350
both are in Vic though

[pitscars007]

Thanks for the replies - I had a feeling this would be a narrow road - I have heard a few horror stories of people fitting second hand motors - a bit of a gamble I guess - Cheers

[RSR 555]

Definitely check with a local Japanese engine importer. They might have or be able to find you a low km engine which they should be able to sell you with a warranty

[pitscars007]

Thanks for the advice - I have been offered the car for $500 - I have yet to check the car properly (it is sitting at a local garage - unknown Kms - they seem to think the bottom end may be toast ?) - it seems to be (at first glance) a good deal but I don't want to get into it and find a death spiral of cost blowouts - what do you guys think ? 2010 XT by the way - Cheers

[pitscars007]

I suppose for $500 I might make a few bucks wrecking it ?

[El_Freddo]

You could part it, that’s one option.

Another is to contact SSS Automotive and Ichban to see what a replacement engine will cost you, it could make a good runner if the price is right.

Cheers

Bennie

[Subyroo]

There are only about a dozen of those XT's on Carsales.com.au and they range from $10,000 - $16,000, so if the body and paintwork are in good nick it could be worth spending a few $'s on it to get it up and running.

[pitscars007]

Yes - I am going to have a close look at it next week - it has been sitting in a local garages yard for 18 months or so - a big factor in my decision will be how many Kms it has done - I would ideally like under 200,000 - we shall see !