The Subaru EJ255 is one engine that, once installed in your Subaru, will unlock your vehicle's full potential. Known as the engine of performance enthusiasts, the EJ255 for sale here is robustly built to offer a perfect blend of power and precision. When properly maintained, the engine will not only outlast many other turbo motors of its class but will also make sure you rule the tracks and roads as well.
Once installed in your Subaru, this turbocharged powerhouse can make your experience unmatched acceleration and superior control. Upgrade your Subaru today. Check out this Subaru EJ255 engine for sale here.
The Subaru EJ255 is a turbocharged, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. It is arguably best known for its ability to strike a balance between power and reliability. This mighty motor has featured in several Subaru models, many of whom love it for the linear power delivery and strong mid-range torque that pulls from low revs. It is also built to take performance upgrades, making it a tuner favorite when looking to extract more power. The low center of gravity in its design contributes to the superior handling characteristics that Subaru vehicles possess. On both road and track, this Subaru EJ255 engine for sale offers a balance of performance and reliability.
The EJ255 and EJ257 share the same fundamental architecture but differ in one critical area:
| Feature | EJ255 (This Listing, Mainstream Turbo) | EJ257 (WRX STI Variant) |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 224-265 HP | 300-305 HP |
| Torque | 226-244 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft |
| Turbocharger | IHI VF52 typical | IHI VF48 typical |
| Connecting Rods | Cast | Forged |
| Crankshaft | Cast | Cast |
| Pistons | Cast | Cast |
| Compression | 8.4:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Block | Open-deck | Open-deck (semi-closed on later) |
| Common Applications | WRX, Forester XT, Legacy GT, Outback XT | WRX STI only |
| Stock Block Safe Power | ~350 HP | ~400-450 HP |
| Stock Price (Used) | $1,200-2,800 | $3,500-7,500 |
The cast vs forged connecting rod difference is critical. EJ255 cast rods are perfectly adequate for stock operation and modest power increases (up to ~350 HP). The EJ257's forged rods are designed for the STI's higher boost levels and provide significantly more headroom for tuning. For replacement applications: always match the engine variant to your vehicle , using an EJ255 in an STI loses power (vs the EJ257), while using an EJ257 in a WRX is overkill (and more expensive).
The EJ255 had different specifications across applications:
| Vehicle | Years with EJ255 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru WRX | 2006-2014 | Replaced older EJ205 in 2006 with the 2.5L upgrade |
| Subaru Forester XT | 2005-2013 | The first-generation turbo Forester |
| Subaru Legacy GT | 2005-2012 | The performance Legacy variant, spec B reaches 265 HP |
| Subaru Outback XT | 2005-2009 | Performance Outback variant, side-mount intercooler |
| Subaru Baja Turbo | 2004-2006 | Rare Baja turbo variant |
At high mileage (100,000+ miles), rod bearing wear is documented , especially with the cast rod design. Symptoms: rod knock at startup or under load. Cost: $2,500-5,000 for bottom-end rebuild.
Less common than NA EJ25 SOHC engines (which are notorious for head gaskets) but documented at high mileage and with aggressive use. Open-deck block design contributes. Multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets recommended at any installation.
At 80,000-120,000 miles, AVCS solenoids on intake or exhaust can develop failures producing check engine codes and reduced upper-RPM power. Service: replace AVCS solenoid ($150-300 part each).
Common cause of turbo oil starvation on EJ-series turbo engines. Should be inspected at any service interval. Failure causes catastrophic turbocharger failure.
30,000-60,000 mile interval. NGK iridium plugs recommended.
For higher power 350+ HP builds, consider stepping up to the EJ257 STI variant (forged rods) or the Cosworth EJ257 (closed-deck + full forged internals) , see separate product listings.
Here at Vaz Auto Solutions, you'll find this Subaru EJ255 engine for sale at the most reasonable price possible, with variant verified (EJ255 specifically), donor vehicle confirmed, all 4 cylinders compression tested, turbocharger condition verified, AVCS function tested on both intake AND exhaust, ringland condition assessed (critical), connecting rod bearing wear inspected, and complete inspection.
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Subaru WRX (non-STI) | 2006-2014 with EJ255 turbo (replaced EJ205 in 2006) |
| Subaru Forester XT | 2005-2013 with EJ255 turbo |
| Subaru Legacy GT | 2005-2012 with EJ255 turbo (spec B reaches 265 HP) |
| Subaru Outback XT | 2005-2009 with EJ255 turbo (side-mount intercooler) |
| Subaru Baja Turbo | 2004-2006 rare turbo Baja variant |
| Engine Type | Flat-4 (horizontally opposed boxer), turbocharged, DOHC |
|---|---|
| Engine Variant | EJ255 specifically (2.5L turbo, non-STI variant) |
| Engine Family | Subaru EJ-series, turbocharged 2.5L sub-family |
| Manufacturer | Subaru Corporation |
| Configuration | Flat-4 horizontally opposed boxer |
| Displacement | 2.5L (2,457 cc) |
| Bore X Stroke | 99.5 mm x 79.0 mm |
| Hp Live Page Stock | 224 HP at 5,200 RPM |
| Hp Range Across Variants | 224-265 HP |
| Torque Live Page Stock | 226 lb-ft at 2,800 RPM |
| Torque Range | 226-244 lb-ft |
| Compression | 8.4:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with intercooler |
| Turbocharger | IHI VF52 typical |
| Intercooler | Top-mount (WRX/Forester XT) or side-mount (Legacy GT/Outback XT) |
| Fuel System | Sequential multi-port injection |
| Fuel Type | Premium 91 octane minimum, 93 recommended |
| Valvetrain | DOHC per bank, 16 valves, AVCS intake + exhaust |
| Block Material | Open-deck aluminum |
Contact (240) 301-0095 within 15 days.
