Subaru Turbo

Subaru Turbo: EJ20 and EJ25 Engines – Two Families, Two Separate Sets of References

The Subaru turbocharged petrol range is built around two engine families that coexisted for many years before the EJ25 gradually superseded the EJ20. On the Impreza, WRX and Forester, the shift from one generation to the next brought turbo changes that are far from straightforward: a single model may have been fitted with several different references depending on the variant (WRX, STI, XT, GT) and the production period. The turbos listed here are brand new only, sold without exchange – no old unit to return.

EJ20 and EJ25: Identification Guide by Engine

The engine code stamped on the block is the essential starting point. The EJ20 is fitted to the 2.0 WRX Turbo, 2.0 GT Turbo and 2.0 Turbo WRX engines, as well as the 2.5 WRX STI in certain versions. The EJ205 corresponds to the 2.0 Turbo WRX (non-STi) and the 2.0 Turbo. On the 2.5 side, the codes EJ25, EJ255 and EJ257 are spread across the 2.5 XT Turbo, 2.5 XT, 2.5 GT Turbo, 2.5 WRX GT, 2.5 Turbo WRX and 2.5 WRX STI – each with distinct turbo references depending on the performance level. The code MD13 appears on certain variants of the 2.5 XT Turbo and 2.5 GT Turbo. Two engines of the same capacity but with different codes do not necessarily share the same turbo: checking the code before placing any order is essential.

Models Covered and Fitting Precautions

The range covers five models: Impreza, WRX, Legacy, Outback and Forester. Manufacturer references (14411AA, VF39, VF44, VF45, VF46, VF48, VF52, VC430083, VC440057, VE440028, VB440057, 49377, 49477…) allow you to identify precisely the correct turbo for each variant. Before fitting a new turbo, it is essential to address the root cause of the failure: oil circuit contamination, insufficient lubricant quality, a restriction on the feed line or a blocked oil return are the most common causes of failure on these turbocharged flat-four engines. Fitting a new unit without rectifying these issues will lead to rapid failure.