
The EJ257 is Subaru’s flagship turbocharged engine, powering the STI lineage for nearly two decades. Known for its strong semi-closed deck design and immense tuning potential, the EJ257 has become the foundation for countless high-horsepower builds while maintaining daily-drivable reliability when properly assembled.
Using seasoned case halves, the EJ257 case undergoes a complete bore and deck process. Cylinders are precision bored and honed with torque plates installed to simulate real-world operating stresses, ensuring perfect piston-to-wall clearances and head sealing.
At the core of this long block is a nitrided OEM Subaru STI crankshaft, engineered to withstand high RPM and boost. Resized connecting rods paired with ACL or King hardened rod and main bearings provide a stable rotating assembly capable of handling serious power.
Wiseco forged pistons replace factory cast units to significantly increase strength and detonation resistance. Combined with high-quality piston rings and seals, these pistons improve compression stability and oil control under extreme conditions.
Cylinder heads are fully remanufactured, including resurfacing, valve job, lash adjustment, and installation of new valve guides and valve stem seals. Heads are assembled with MLS head gaskets and torqued to factory specifications.
ARP head studs are thread-rolled after heat treatment, increasing fatigue strength by up to 1000%. This provides superior clamping force, making them essential for high-boost STI applications.
M45 Automotive warrants this engine against defects in workmanship and materials for 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the date of receipt.
No up-front core charge is required. Customers must return their original EJ257 long block within 30 days of receipt. Failure to return the core will result in a $1,250 charge and voided warranty. Freight is charged up front for both outbound and return shipping to eliminate surprises.