Determining the motor size of your Subaru is crucial for a variety of reasons, including maintenance, performance upgrades, and fuel efficiency. However, finding this information can be a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with automotive terminology or don’t have access to the vehicle’s original documentation. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of Subaru motor sizes, providing you with detailed instructions on how to locate this vital piece of information. Whether you’re a seasoned Subaru enthusiast or a first-time owner, this guide will empower you with the knowledge to uncover the heart of your vehicle’s performance.
The first and most straightforward method to find your Subaru’s motor size is to consult the vehicle’s identification number (VIN). This unique 17-digit code contains a wealth of information about your car, including its engine displacement. To locate the VIN, simply check the driver’s side door jamb or the vehicle’s registration card. Once you have the VIN, you can decode it using a variety of online tools or by contacting your local Subaru dealership. The tenth character of the VIN represents the model year, while the eleventh character indicates the assembly plant. The eighth digit, however, is the one we’re interested in, as it denotes the engine code. Each engine code corresponds to a specific engine size, which can be easily found by referencing a Subaru engine code chart.
If you don’t have access to the VIN, there are alternative methods to determine your Subaru’s motor size. One option is to check the vehicle’s engine bay. In most Subaru models, the engine size is stamped on a metal plate affixed to the engine block. This plate typically includes other pertinent information such as the engine type and model number. If you’re unable to locate the engine size plate, you can also consult your Subaru’s owner’s manual. This comprehensive document often contains detailed specifications about the vehicle, including the engine size. By following these simple steps, you can easily uncover the motor size of your Subaru, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding maintenance, performance upgrades, and fuel efficiency.
Interpreting the VIN Number
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-digit code assigned to every Subaru vehicle. It contains a wealth of information about the car, including its make, model, engine type, and year of manufacture. The following table provides a breakdown of the VIN’s structure:
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) |
| 4-8 | Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) |
| 9 | Check digit |
| 10 | Model year |
| 11 | Assembly plant |
| 12-17 | Serial number |
To find the engine size of your Subaru using the VIN, you need to locate the VDS. The VDS is a five-digit code that provides information about the vehicle’s chassis, engine, and transmission. The third digit of the VDS is the engine code. The following table provides a list of engine codes and their corresponding engine sizes:
| Engine code | Engine size (liters) |
|---|---|
| B | 2.0 |
| C | 2.5 |
| D | 3.0 |
| E | 3.6 |
| F | 4.0 |
Checking the Engine Block Casting Number
The engine block casting number is a unique identifier that can be used to determine the size of your Subaru’s engine. It is typically located on the side of the engine block, near the top. The casting number will be a series of numbers and letters, such as “EJ253”. The first two digits of the casting number indicate the engine family, the next two digits indicate the displacement in liters, and the last digit indicates the generation of the engine.
For example, the casting number “EJ253” indicates that the engine is part of the EJ engine family, has a displacement of 2.5 liters, and is the third generation of the EJ engine.
The following table lists the casting numbers for different Subaru engine sizes:
| Casting Number | Engine Size (Liters) |
|---|---|
| EJ201 | 2.0 |
| EJ202 | 2.0 |
| EJ203 | 2.0 |
| EJ204 | 2.0 |
| EJ205 | 2.0 |
| EJ251 | 2.5 |
| EJ252 | 2.5 |
| EJ253 | 2.5 |
| EJ254 | 2.5 |
| EJ255 | 2.5 |
| EJ257 | 2.5 |
| EJ301 | 3.0 |
| EJ302 | 3.0 |
| EJ303 | 3.0 |
| EJ304 | 3.0 |
| EJ305 | 3.0 |
| EJ306 | 3.0 |
Decoding the Engine Code Sticker
The engine code sticker, also known as the VIN sticker, is located on the driver’s side door jamb or under the hood. It contains valuable information about your Subaru’s engine, including the engine size.
The engine code sticker typically consists of a series of numbers and letters. The first three digits of the code indicate the engine family. The next three digits indicate the engine displacement in cubic centimeters (cc). For example, the code “EJ25” indicates an EJ-series engine with a displacement of 2.5 liters (2500 cc).
Finding the Engine Displacement
To find the engine displacement, look for the three digits after the engine family code. These digits will be followed by the letters “cc”. For example, if the engine code sticker reads “EJ25D”, the engine displacement is 2.5 liters (2500 cc).
The following table provides a list of common Subaru engine codes and their corresponding displacements:
| Engine Code | Displacement (cc) |
|---|---|
| EJ20 | 2.0 |
| EJ25 | 2.5 |
| EJ25D | 2.5 |
| FA20 | 2.0 |
| FB25 | 2.5 |
If you are unsure about the engine size of your Subaru, you can consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact a Subaru dealership.
Using an Online VIN Decoder
To use an online VIN decoder, you’ll need to provide the vehicle’s VIN. This 17-character code is located on the driver’s side door jamb, the insurance card, or the vehicle registration. Once you have the VIN, follow these steps:
- Visit a reputable VIN decoding website.
- Enter the VIN into the provided field.
- Click the “Decode” button.
- Locate the “Engine” section in the VIN decoder results.
- Look for the “Engine Size” parameter. This value will be listed in cubic centimeters (cc) or liters (L).
Here are some tips for using an online VIN decoder:
- Make sure the website is reputable and provides accurate information.
- Double-check the VIN you enter for any errors.
- If you have any questions, contact the VIN decoder website for assistance.
Here are some common Subaru engine sizes, along with their corresponding VIN codes:
| VIN Code | Engine Size (cc) |
|---|---|
| EJ20 | 1,994 |
| EJ25 | 2,457 |
| FA20 | 1,998 |
| FA24 | 2,387 |
| FB25 | 2,498 |
Consulting the Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual is an indispensable resource for finding the exact specifications of your Subaru, including its engine size. It will typically contain a detailed section dedicated to engine specifications, where you will find information such as the engine type, displacement, number of cylinders, and other relevant data.
To locate the owner’s manual, you can either refer to the physical copy that came with your vehicle or access it online using the Subaru website or a digital version provided by the dealership.
Once you have the owner’s manual, navigate to the section on engine specifications. The engine size will typically be listed in cubic centimeters (cc) or liters (L). For example, if the engine size is listed as “2.5L,” it means the engine has a displacement of 2.5 liters.
Searching the VIN
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle produced. It contains a wealth of information about the vehicle, including its engine size. You can find the VIN in several places, such as on the driver’s side door jamb, under the hood, or on the vehicle registration card.
To decode the VIN and find the engine size, you can use an online VIN decoder tool or refer to the table below:
| VIN Position | Information |
|---|---|
| 10th character | Model year |
| 11th character | Plant of assembly |
| 12th character | Vehicle type |
| 13th character | Body style |
| 14th character | Engine size |
| 15th character | Brake system |
| 16th character | Transmission type |
| 17th character | Safety restraint system |
For example, if the 14th character of your VIN is “E,” it indicates that your Subaru has a 2.5L engine.
Measuring the Engine Cylinder Bore and Stroke
Measuring the engine cylinder bore and stroke is a critical step in determining the size of a Subaru motor. Here’s how to do it:
Materials Needed:
* Engine micrometer
* Dial caliper
* Piston stop
* Flashlight
Steps:
1. Remove the spark plugs to access the cylinders.
2. Insert the piston stop into the cylinder and turn the crankshaft until the piston reaches top dead center (TDC).
3. Measure the cylinder bore using an engine micrometer. Insert the micrometer into the cylinder and measure the distance between the cylinder walls at the widest point.
4. Measure the stroke using a dial caliper. Place the caliper on the crankshaft journal and measure the distance between the crankshaft journal and the piston pin at TDC.
5. Multiply the cylinder bore measurement by the stroke measurement to calculate the displacement of the single cylinder.
6. Multiply the displacement of the single cylinder by the number of cylinders in the engine to obtain the total engine displacement in cubic inches.
7. Convert the cubic inch displacement to cubic centimeters (cc) by multiplying by 16.387. The result will be the exact engine size of your Subaru in cubic centimeters.
| Measurement | Formula |
|---|---|
| Cylinder Bore | Micrometer Reading |
| Stroke | Dial Caliper Reading |
| Displacement per Cylinder | Cylinder Bore x Stroke |
| Total Engine Displacement | Displacement per Cylinder x Number of Cylinders |
| Engine Size in Cubic Centimeters | Total Engine Displacement (ci) x 16.387 |
Comparing Displacement Values Across Generations
Subaru has a long history of producing vehicles with a range of engine sizes. The exact displacement values have varied over the years and across different models. However, a general trend can be observed in the way that engine displacement has changed over the generations.
In the early days, Subaru vehicles were typically equipped with smaller engines. This was due to the fact that the company was focused on producing fuel-efficient and affordable cars. However, as the years went by, Subaru began to offer larger displacement engines in some of its models, especially in the high-performance variants.
One of the most notable changes in engine displacement occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this time, Subaru introduced a new generation of engines that offered increased displacement and power. This was largely due to the growing demand for more powerful vehicles.
In the following decades, Subaru continued to offer a range of engine sizes in its vehicles. While some models received larger displacement engines, others saw a decrease in displacement. The reason for this was due to the increasing emphasis on fuel efficiency and environmental regulations.
| Generation | Displacement (L) | Valvetrain |
|---|---|---|
| 1987-1993 (EJ22E) | 2.2 | SOHC |
| 1994-2005 (EJ25D) | 2.5 | DOHC |
| 2006-2015 (FB25) | 2.5 | SOHC |
| 2016-Present (FB20D) | 2.0 | DOHC |
In recent years, Subaru has shifted its focus towards smaller, more efficient engines. This is due to the increasing pressure to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, the company still offers a number of models that are equipped with larger displacement engines.
Overall, the trend in engine displacement at Subaru has been one of gradual increase, followed by a more recent emphasis on efficiency. This has resulted in a wide range of displacement values across different generations of Subaru vehicles.
Utilizing Specialized OBD2 Scanning Tools
When determining your Subaru’s motor size, specialized OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics) scanning tools offer unparalleled precision. These advanced devices connect directly to your vehicle’s computer, extracting a wealth of diagnostic data, including the exact engine displacement in liters (L) or cubic centimeters (cc).
To use an OBD2 scanner for this purpose, follow these steps:
- Locate the OBD2 port, typically situated beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- Connect the OBD2 scanner to the port.
- Turn on the ignition but do not start the engine.
- Select the “Diagnostics” or “Engine” menu on the scanner.
- Navigate to the “Engine Parameters” or “Engine Specifications” section.
- Locate the parameter labeled “Displacement” or “Engine Size.” The value displayed will be the exact motor size of your Subaru.
OBD2 scanners vary in features and capabilities. Some may provide detailed information about your engine, such as the number of cylinders, bore, and stroke. Others may offer additional diagnostic capabilities, such as fault code reading and reset.
| OBD2 Scanner Brand | Features |
|---|---|
| Actron CP9690 | Reads engine size and other key parameters |
| Foxwell NT510 | Provides comprehensive engine data, including bore and stroke |
| Launch X431 | Offers advanced diagnostic capabilities, such as fault code analysis |
Using an OBD2 scanner to determine your Subaru’s motor size is a straightforward and accurate method. With the right tool, you can easily obtain this essential information for maintenance, repairs, or other purposes.
Seeking Assistance from a Subaru Technician
If you are unable to locate the engine size information on your own, you can always contact a Subaru technician for assistance. They will be able to provide you with the exact engine size for your vehicle.
Here are the steps on how to contact a Subaru technician:
- Locate the nearest Subaru dealership using the Subaru website.
- Call the dealership and ask to speak to a technician.
- Provide the technician with your vehicle’s VIN number.
- The technician will be able to look up the engine size for your vehicle.
You can also contact Subaru customer service by phone at 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783). They will be able to provide you with the contact information for the nearest Subaru dealership.
Here is a table summarizing the steps on how to contact a Subaru technician:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the nearest Subaru dealership using the Subaru website. |
| 2 | Call the dealership and ask to speak to a technician. |
| 3 | Provide the technician with your vehicle’s VIN number. |
| 4 | The technician will be able to look up the engine size for your vehicle. |
How To Find Subaru Motor Size
To find the motor size of your Subaru, you can either check the vehicle’s registration card or look at the engine code. The engine code is typically located on a metal plate attached to the engine block. Once you have the engine code, you can look it up online to find the corresponding motor size.
Another way to find the motor size of your Subaru is to measure the displacement of the engine. The displacement is the total volume of the cylinders in cubic centimeters (cc). To measure the displacement, you will need to remove the spark plugs and use a piston stop to measure the distance from the top of the piston to the bottom of the cylinder. Once you have this measurement, you can multiply it by the number of cylinders to find the displacement.
People Also Ask About How To Find Subaru Motor Size
What is the motor size of a Subaru Outback?
The motor size of a Subaru Outback varies depending on the year and model. However, most Outback models have a motor size of either 2.5 liters or 3.6 liters.
What is the motor size of a Subaru Impreza?
The motor size of a Subaru Impreza varies depending on the year and model. However, most Impreza models have a motor size of either 2.0 liters or 2.5 liters.
What is the motor size of a Subaru Forester?
The motor size of a Subaru Forester varies depending on the year and model. However, most Forester models have a motor size of either 2.5 liters or 2.0 liters.
