Subaru EJ Series Vs. FA/FB Series Engines. 5 Reasons Why The EJ Is Still The King!

Summary

In this video, the presenter argues that the EJ series engine is superior to the modern F-S series, citing five key reasons. The EJ's extensive aftermarket support and proven tuning potential for high horsepower make it a favorite for enthusiasts. Its track record in motorsports and iconic sound are unmatched. The EJ's simplicity and DIY friendliness, along with better fuel economy and lower modification costs, contribute to its enduring appeal, despite the F-S series' modern features and potential for future growth.

Takeaways

• 🏆 The EJ series engine is considered superior to the newer F-S series in terms of tuning and horsepower potential due to its extensive aftermarket support and long history of tuning knowledge.
• 🏁 The EJ series has a strong track record with numerous wins in various motorsports events, showcasing its proven reliability and performance, compared to the newer and less experienced F-S series.
• 🔊 The EJ series is known for its iconic boxer rumble sound, which is subjectively preferred by many and considered a distinctive character of Subaru engines.
• 🔧 The EJ series engine is simpler in design, making it more DIY-friendly and easier to work on for maintenance and repairs compared to the more complex F-S series.
• 💰 The EJ series is more affordable to modify and has better parts availability in the aftermarket, making it a more cost-effective option for those looking to enhance their engine's performance.
• 🛠️ The EJ series engine's single overhead cam design is straightforward, contrasting with the F-S series' more complex timing chains and additional components.
• 🛣️ The EJ series may offer better fuel economy, as anecdotally suggested by the comparison between a 2011 Outback with an EJ engine and a 2015 model with an F-S engine.
• 📈 Despite being an older platform, the EJ series still leads in certain aspects such as tuning and DIY friendliness, although the F-S series is expected to catch up as it matures.
• 🔍 The video acknowledges that the F-S series is still in a developmental stage and may eventually surpass the EJ series in performance and tuning options as it gains more history and support.
• 📚 There is a wealth of knowledge and resources available for the EJ series engine, which contributes to its ease of tuning and reliability.
• 🔄 The unequal length header on the EJ series contributes to its iconic sound, whereas the F-S series features an equal length header, which offers a different, smoother sound profile.

Q & A

What are the two main engine series discussed in the video?

The video discusses the EJ series and the newer F-S series engines used in Subaru vehicles.

Why does the EJ series engine have an advantage in tuning and horsepower potential?

The EJ series engine has been around for over 30 years, benefiting from a vast amount of aftermarket part support and extensive knowledge in tuning and horsepower tweaking, making it possible to reliably achieve various levels of horsepower.

How does the EJ series engine compare to the F-S series in terms of track proven performance?

The EJ series engine has a longer history and has proven its reliability and performance in numerous motorsports events, while the F-S series engine is newer and still building its pedigree.

What is the iconic sound associated with the EJ series engine?

The EJ series engine is known for its iconic boxer rumble, which is a distinctive sound that many people associate with Subaru.

Why is the EJ series engine considered more DIY friendly and simpler?

The EJ series engine has a more rudimentary and straightforward design compared to the more complex F-S series engine, making it easier for DIY maintenance and mechanical repairs.

What is the potential fuel economy difference between the EJ series and F-S series engines?

The EJ series engine might offer better fuel economy, as suggested by the anecdotal evidence of the host's personal vehicles, although this is not definitively proven.

What are the main factors affecting the cost and availability of modifying the EJ series and F-S series engines?

The EJ series engine is cheaper and easier to modify due to its longer presence in the market, more parts availability, and easier tuning. The F-S series engine is newer and thus more expensive and less accessible for modifications.

How does the video host's personal experience with two Outback models impact his view on the EJ series engine?

The host's personal experience with a 2011 Outback with an EJ253 engine and a 2015 Outback with an FB25B engine, both with over 200,000 miles, influences his belief in the EJ series engine's superiority in terms of fuel economy and reliability.

What is the main reason for the EJ series engine's iconic sound being so well-loved?

The iconic sound of the EJ series engine, often described as a boxer rumble, is deeply associated with Subaru's brand identity and is favored by many for its distinctiveness.

What are some of the challenges faced with the F-S series engine in terms of tuning and modifications?

The F-S series engine, being a newer platform, faces challenges such as less aftermarket support, more complexity in tuning, and companies still figuring out how to maximize its potential for horsepower.