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Description
About the FA20DIT Engine
Take driving to the next level with the FA20DIT, the beating heart of modern Subaru performance. This 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged boxer motor produces 268 horsepower with a remarkably broad torque curve. Whether you’re upgrading your Subaru or completing that ambitious engine swap, nothing beats the FA20DIT for modern direct-injection performance.
All aluminum construction, high 10.6:1 compression ratio enabled by direct injection, and DOHC with AVCS Dual-Stage variable valve timing deliver responsive acceleration and impressive efficiency. The twin-scroll turbocharger and intercooler ensure linear power delivery, while the boxer design provides smooth operation with better handling dynamics through its low center of gravity.
Now’s your opportunity to own a piece of modern Subaru engineering genius. Step up to this FA20DIT engine for sale.
Engine Overview: FA20DIT
The FA20DIT lets Subaru flex its modern engineering muscles, combining a 2.0-liter boxer layout with direct injection and twin-scroll turbocharging in a compact package, producing 268 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine has an aluminum block and heads, reducing weight significantly. Subaru’s AVCS Dual-Stage augments dual overhead camshafts to achieve optimal valve timing for any driving scenario, maximizing performance and efficiency.
Even with turbocharging, the compression ratio stays remarkably high at 10.6:1 , a statement of refinement in design enabled by direct injection’s cooling effect on the combustion chamber. An intercooler enhances performance, while the intrinsic balance of the boxer layout provides smooth operation and a low center of gravity.
The FA20DIT vs EJ255 Generational Upgrade
The FA20DIT represented Subaru’s transition from EJ-series to FA-series for mainstream performance applications:
| Feature | EJ255 (Older WRX Engine) | FA20DIT (This Listing) |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2.5L | 2.0L (smaller but more efficient) |
| HP (WRX) | 224-265 HP | 268 HP |
| Torque | 226-244 lb-ft (narrow band) | 258 lb-ft from 2,000-5,200 RPM (broad plateau) |
| Fuel Injection | Multi-port (MPI) | Direct injection (200 bar) |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll (typically IHI VF52) | Twin-scroll with integrated manifold |
| Compression | 8.4:1 | 10.6:1 (much higher) |
| Bore x Stroke | 99.5 x 79 mm (oversquare) | 86 x 86 mm (square) |
| Valvetrain | DOHC AVCS intake + exhaust | DOHC AVCS Dual-Stage |
| Intake System | Conventional | TGV (Tumble Generator Valve) |
| Connecting Rods | Cast | Forged (FA-series spec) |
| Fuel Economy | Lower | Better (DI + high compression) |
| Years (US WRX) | 2006-2014 | 2015-2021 |
The FA20DIT delivers more HP than even the EJ255 at peak (268 HP vs 265 HP best-case EJ255), with significantly better torque delivery (broad 2,000-5,200 RPM plateau vs narrow EJ255 band) and better fuel economy from direct injection.
Vehicle Applications (Direct Fit)
| Vehicle | Years with FA20DIT | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru WRX (US) | 2015-2021 | Replaced EJ255 in 2015 with the VA chassis WRX redesign |
| Subaru Forester XT | 2014-2018 | First Subaru application of FA20DIT, in the 4th-gen Forester |
| Subaru Levorg (JDM) | 2014+ | Japanese-market performance wagon |
| Subaru Crosstrek hybrid (some markets) | Various | Hybrid powertrain variant in some non-US markets |
Key Engineering Features
Twin-Scroll Turbocharger with Integrated Exhaust Manifold
The FA20DIT was Subaru’s first mainstream production engine to use a twin-scroll turbocharger:
- How it works: Two separate exhaust channels feed the turbine independently, separating exhaust pulses from cylinders 1+4 and 2+3
- Benefit: Eliminates exhaust pulse interference, providing better boost response (faster spool-up) and stronger low-RPM torque
- Integration: The exhaust manifold is integrated into the turbocharger housing, reducing weight and improving thermal characteristics
- Result: The 258 lb-ft torque plateau starting at just 2,000 RPM (vs ~3,500 RPM for the EJ255’s torque peak)
Direct Injection (200 bar / ~2,900 PSI)
- Method: Fuel sprayed directly into the combustion chamber by high-pressure injectors
- Benefit: Better fuel atomization, cooling effect on combustion chamber walls, enables 10.6:1 compression ratio (vs 8.4:1 on EJ255 MPI)
- Trade-off: Direct injection engines develop intake valve carbon buildup over time (since fuel doesn’t wash valves like with port injection) , walnut blasting service typical at 80,000-100,000 miles
AVCS Dual-Stage Variable Valve Timing
- System: Updated AVCS for the FA-series, on both intake AND exhaust camshafts
- Dual-Stage operation: Two-position system optimized for the FA20DIT’s compact valvetrain
- Benefit: Broad torque band, good emissions, improved fuel economy
TGV (Tumble Generator Valve)
- System: Active intake system with butterfly valves in the intake manifold
- Operation: At low load, valves partially close to create tumble flow (rotating air motion) for better mixing and emissions. At high load, valves open fully for maximum airflow
- Benefit: Combines emissions/economy benefits at light loads with performance at high loads
Vehicle Compatibility
Direct Fit:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Subaru WRX (US) | 2015-2021 with FA20DIT turbo (VA chassis WRX) |
| Subaru Forester XT | 2014-2018 with FA20DIT turbo (4th-gen Forester) |
| Subaru Levorg (JDM) | 2014+ with FA20DIT turbo (Japanese-market performance wagon) |
| Engine Swap Applications | Compatible Subaru chassis with appropriate ECU, fuel system, and AWD components |
Condition and Inspection
- Variant verified (FA20DIT specifically, NOT FA20D NA variant)
- Donor vehicle confirmed (WRX 2015-2021 or Forester XT 2014-2018)
- All 4 cylinders compression tested
- Oil pressure verified at idle and operating speed
- Twin-scroll turbocharger condition verified (shaft play, oil seals, bearing condition, wastegate function)
- Wastegate operation tested
- AVCS Dual-Stage variable valve timing function verified (intake AND exhaust)
- AVCS solenoid function verified
- Direct injection system tested
- High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) function verified
- Direct fuel injector function verified (4 injectors)
- Fuel rail and fuel rail bolts checked (documented TSB item)
- TGV (Tumble Generator Valve) function verified (active intake butterfly valves)
- Timing chain condition assessed (critical FA20DIT service item , stretch / wear inspection, especially on 2015-2018 production)
- Timing chain tensioner condition verified
- Head gasket condition verified
- Open-deck aluminum block inspection
- Forged connecting rods verified (FA-series specification)
- Spark plug condition documented (4 NGK iridium plugs)
- Carbon buildup on intake valves assessed (direct-injection typical service item)
- Coolant system function verified
- Top-mount intercooler condition assessed
- Miles from donor vehicle documented where available
- Variant correctly identified (FA20DIT vs FA20D NA distinction critical)
- All 4 cylinders compression tested
- Twin-scroll turbocharger condition verified
- AVCS Dual-Stage variable valve timing tested
- Direct injection system tested (HPFP + injectors)
- TGV (Tumble Generator Valve) function verified
- Timing chain condition assessed , the critical FA20DIT service item
- Fuel rail and rail bolts checked (documented TSB)
- Carbon buildup on intake valves assessed
- Forged connecting rods verified
- Donor vehicle and mileage documented
- Cross-reference assistance across WRX / Forester XT applications
- WRX / Forester XT performance build consultation
- Direct injection service guidance
- Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- Subaru FA-series specialist support team
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