2014-2021 SUBARU WRX FORESTER 2.0L TURBO ENGINE JDM FA20DIT FA20 ENGINE MOTOR

SUBARU FORESTER 2.0L TURBO FA20DIT ENGINE — FULL ASSESSMENT

PRICE:

• Not provided

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION:

• Make: Subaru
• Vehicle: Subaru Forester
• Model Years Listed: 2015–2017
• Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged
• Engine Code: FA20 / FA20DIT
• Configuration: Flat-4 (Boxer)
• Number of Cylinders: 4
• Number of Valves: 16
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Condition: Used
• Type: Complete Assembly
• Manufacturer Part Number: FA20
• OE/OEM Part Number: JDM
• Mileage: Approximately 41,000 miles
• Seller Mileage Range: 50,000–74,999 miles
• Warranty: 30 days after receiving the engine
• Actual Item Pictures: Yes
• Item ID: 9886

ENGINE TYPE:

• FA20DIT 2.0L turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine.
• This is a JDM replacement engine.
• The listing specifically warns that WRX applications require the timing cover and cam phasers to be swapped.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:
The seller states that the following components are included:

• Engine head and block
• Timing components
• Intake manifold
• Throttle body
• Fuel rail and injectors
• Distributor/coil packs
• Alternator
• Power steering pump

IMPORTANT WRX NOTE:

• The seller specifically states: “FOR WRX: TIMING COVER / CAM PHASERS MUST BE SWAPPED.”
• This is VERY important if your vehicle is a WRX.
• Do not assume this engine is a direct plug-and-play WRX replacement.
• The original WRX timing cover and cam phasers may need to be transferred to this engine.
• Confirm exactly what year/model WRX the seller says this engine will work with before purchasing.

COMPATIBILITY:

• The listing is primarily described for the 2015–2017 Subaru Forester 2.0L Turbo.
• Engine code: FA20DIT.
• Because this is a JDM engine, compatibility with a North American Subaru must be verified carefully.
• FA20 engines can differ in sensors, wiring, intake/exhaust components, timing components, ECU requirements and other details depending on the vehicle/application.
• For a WRX, the timing-cover/cam-phaser warning is a major compatibility consideration.

MILEAGE:

• Approximately 41,000 miles according to the description.
• The item specifics show a broader mileage category of 50,000–74,999 miles, which is inconsistent with the seller’s stated approximately 41,000 miles.
• This discrepancy should be clarified before purchase.

TESTING INFORMATION:

• The listing says the item has actual pictures.
• However, it does NOT state that the engine was compression-tested.
• It does NOT provide compression readings.
• It does NOT state that a leak-down test was performed.
• It does NOT provide oil-pressure test results.
• It does NOT provide a running video.

WARRANTY:

• 30-day warranty after receiving the engine.
• The item specifics also state a 1-month manufacturer warranty.
• This is essentially a short warranty period.
• You should ask exactly what the warranty covers and whether labor, shipping and replacement costs are excluded.

IMPORTANT CONCERNS:

1. WRX COMPATIBILITY
   The seller explicitly says the timing cover and cam phasers must be swapped for WRX applications. This means it should not be treated as a straightforward WRX plug-and-play engine.
2. JDM ENGINE
   This is identified as a JDM engine. Make sure the engine’s physical and electronic configuration matches your specific market and vehicle.
3. MILEAGE DISCREPANCY
   The description says approximately 41,000 miles, while the item specifics categorize it as 50,000–74,999 miles. Ask the seller to confirm the actual mileage.
4. NO COMPRESSION RESULTS
   No cylinder-by-cylinder compression readings are provided.
5. NO LEAK-DOWN TEST
   There is no leak-down information.
6. SHORT WARRANTY
   The warranty is only 30 days, giving you a relatively short period to install and test the engine.
7. ACCESSORY DIFFERENCES
   Even though multiple accessories are included, some may not be directly compatible with your vehicle. You may need to transfer components from your original engine.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE SELLER BEFORE BUYING:

• Is the actual mileage 41,000 miles or 50,000–74,999 miles?
• What exact vehicle did this engine come from?
• Can you provide the donor VIN?
• Is this definitely an FA20DIT?
• What year was the donor vehicle?
• Has the engine been compression-tested?
• Can you provide compression readings for all four cylinders?
• Has a leak-down test been performed?
• Was the engine running before removal?
• Can you provide a running video?
• What exactly needs to be swapped for a WRX?
• Does the timing cover need to be swapped?
• Do the cam phasers need to be swapped?
• Which intake/exhaust components need to be transferred?
• Are the injectors and fuel rail included?
• Is the turbocharger included?
• Is the alternator included?
• Is the power steering pump included?
• What exactly does the 30-day warranty cover?
• Does the warranty cover internal engine failure?
• Who pays shipping if the engine is defective?

OVERALL RATING:

Engine identification: 4.5/5
Mileage: 4/5
Compatibility information: 3/5
Testing information: 2/5
Warranty: 2.5/5
Included components: 4/5
WRX compatibility: 2.5/5
Overall purchase confidence: 3.5/5

VERDICT:
🟡 GOOD POTENTIAL — BUT VERIFY COMPATIBILITY BEFORE BUYING.

This is a considerably more attractive listing than the high-mileage engines you’ve shown because the seller claims approximately 41,000 miles and provides a 30-day warranty. The FA20DIT engine identification is also clear, and several useful components are included.

However, the biggest issue is the WRX warning. If you are buying this for a WRX, the seller specifically says that the timing cover and cam phasers must be swapped. That means additional work and potentially additional parts are required.

The mileage discrepancy also needs to be resolved before purchase.

RECOMMENDATION:
✓ Good candidate if you need an FA20DIT for a compatible Forester application.
✓ Potentially usable for a WRX, but only after confirming the required swaps.
✓ Preferable to a high-mileage engine with no warranty.
⚠️ Do not purchase until the seller confirms the exact donor vehicle, mileage, compression condition and WRX conversion requirements.

RISK LEVEL: MEDIUM
RECOMMENDATION: GOOD CANDIDATE — VERIFY WRX/JDM COMPATIBILITY AND MILEAGE BEFORE BUYING.