How a lot increase is an excessive amount of for a Subaru FA20DIT engine? That is dependent upon who you ask. The turbocharged engine has been used within the WRX (and different performance-focused Subarus) for over a decade, so there are possible dozens of solutions.

We do not have a definitive quantity for that query, however we could be sure of two issues. There are few automobiles on the planet subjected to all method of beginner {and professional} tuning because the WRX. And the turbocharged 2.0-liter FA20 featured on this I Do Vehicles video—be it by the hands of amateurs or professionals—didn’t survive the method.

This turns into obvious from the very starting when the engine does not fairly flip over because it ought to. Our subsequent clue comes simply a few minutes later when the spark plugs are eliminated. Three look good, however one clearly had an surprising encounter with a piston. The consumption comes off subsequent, and bits of piston are discovered inside. Or at the very least, it is theorized these are piston bits. As soon as the consumption is off, a huge gap is found within the high of the engine block. Horizontally opposed engines can detonate themselves otherwise than inline or V blocks, however nonetheless. An enormous gap on the high is spectacular.

Digging deeper, we discover the timing system and heads are literally in nice situation. One head is torn up from particles bouncing via it, however the heads and cams are impressively clear. The engine was pulled from a 2021 WRX with 95,000 miles, so it is neither previous nor blitzed with extreme mileage. Nonetheless, it appears to be like just like the oil was modified commonly and stored full.

That did not stop a piston on the left facet of the engine from splitting, nevertheless. And as soon as the oil pan comes off we see the true extent of the carnage. The rod is fractured and bent, and bits of piston are all over the place. Even the wrist pin—the hunk of metallic that connects the piston and rod—reveals heavy injury. It seems the rod merely buckled below the pressure, bending and inflicting the piston to fracture. It possible occurred at excessive RPM, sending components flying with sufficient drive to interrupt the block.

What brought about this failure? As talked about to start with, this appears to be like like a basic case of somebody operating an excessive amount of increase or not managing that increase correctly. There have been no indicators of hydrolocking or oil hunger. The cooling system was in good condition, so the engine wasn’t overheated. The video description confirmed it got here from a tuned Subaru, however we do not understand how tuned it was.

In any case, the engine could not deal with it. So take heed, seekers of pace. Having prolific increase generally is a good factor, however provided that it is finished proper. In any other case, you could find yourself with a gap within the high of your engine.