Disclosure: we may earn a small commission from the companies mentioned in this post via affiliate links to products. This doesn't make any additional cost to you. All products are selected independently.
Subaru EJ22 engine was released in 1990 and firstly placed in Impreza and Legacy models. Later, it was applied on the Outback. During its existence, this engine has gone through many upgrades that were designed not only to increase the power but also the efficiency and reliability.
One of the major engine modifications that the pistons were coated with molybdenum. This reduced friction, and reduced susceptibility to scuffing.
Subaru EJ22 engine specs
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Year | 1990-2001 |
| Cylinder Block Material | Aluminium |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection |
| Configuration | Flat-4 (opposed) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Stroke, mm | 75.0 |
| Bore, mm | 96.9 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 (EJ22E) 9.7 (EJ2EZ/EJ222/EJ223) |
| Displacement, cc | 2212 |
| Power, hp | 135/5500 (EJ22E) 137/5800 (EJ22EZ 144/5600 (EJ222/EJ223) 165/5800 (EJ22E) 280/6000 (EJ22G) |
| Torque, lb ft | 137 (186 Nm)/4800 (EJ22E) 137 (187 Nm)/4800 (EJ22EZ) 149 (202 Nm)/3600 (EJ222/EJ223) 268 (363 Nm)/3200 (EJ22G) |
| Engine weight | 265 lbs (120 kg) |
| Engine oil | 10W30, 10W40, 5W30 (low winter temperatures) |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.5 |
| Oil change interval, mile | 9,000 (15,000 km) or 12 month |
EJ22 Engine modifications
- EJ22E. It was completely an atmo gasoline engine with an aluminum block. Produced from 1990 to 1996. In 1996 the engine was updated and became known as the EJ22EZ.
- EJ22T. Phase one 2.2 Liter SOHC Turbo, 163 bhp (122 kW; 165 PS) fully closed deck, oil squirters, no intercooler.
- EJ22G. Phase two 2.2-litre closed deck, based on the EJ20K STI engine. Uses identical cylinder heads and turbocharger but with a unique closed deck 2.2L crankcase. The pistons are factory forged items, the connecting rods are stock. Although being a closed deck, the block does not feature oil squirters for piston cooling, opposed to the EJ20 closed deck block and the USDM-only Legacy.
The engine is installed in
- Impreza 95-01;
- Legacy 90-99;
- Outback 95-96.
Subaru EJ22 engine problems and reliability
In general, EJ22 is one of the most efficient and reliable engines with a lifespan of 300 000 miles. Although there have been cases where this engine runs for about 500 000 miles.
