208. Smeedia on the EJ33 Swap, Modding Subarus and Choosing Builds

The Toyota GR Corolla is a performance version of the Corolla focused on rally-style driving and all-wheel traction. It’s discussed because it brings a more hardcore driving setup to a mainstream model, and it’s popular with enthusiasts who like to tune and modify. The podcast mentions doing work on a GR Corolla as part of a broader set of performance cars.

The Subaru BRZ is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe (with Subaru’s boxer engine) designed for balanced handling and driver engagement. It’s often mentioned in enthusiast circles because it’s a popular platform for performance upgrades. In the podcast, it’s grouped among other performance models, including turbo and rally-style cars.

Subaru is the Japanese automaker known for its horizontally opposed “boxer” engines and, in many models, all-wheel drive. In enthusiast circles, Subaru’s EJ engine platform is especially popular for swaps and tuning.

Copart (spoken here as “co-part”) is an online auction marketplace where salvage and damaged vehicles are sold. Buying a car from Copart is often cheaper, which is why it comes up in discussions about budget builds and engine swaps.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a long-running American sports car known for its performance-per-dollar and for having multiple generations with very different character. In this segment, the hosts are comparing C6 vs C7, which are two specific Corvette generations with different chassis and powertrain details.

An EJ swap means replacing a car’s original engine with a Subaru EJ-series engine. In Subaru circles, the EJ is a popular platform for swaps because it’s well-supported by aftermarket parts and is commonly used for building performance builds.

View farming is creating content primarily to maximize views rather than to genuinely engage with the hobby or topic. In car media, it often means chasing trends or sensational builds that may not be sustainable for the creator long-term.

“Stance Works” refers to a specific automotive media brand/community associated with the “stance” scene, which emphasizes fitment and visual stance (like low ride height) as a core part of the car’s identity. It’s mentioned here as a contrast to the host’s preference for more relatable builds.

The Ferrari F40 is a legendary 1980s supercar famous for its lightweight, no-nonsense approach and twin-turbo V8. Because it’s so iconic, people often discuss it in the context of originality and value—so “building an F40 from parts” is a big, controversial idea.

A supercar is a high-performance, exotic car category known for advanced engineering and very strong acceleration and handling. The host groups “supercars” with “hypercar” to describe the mainstream appeal of expensive exotics versus their own preference for relatable projects.

A hypercar is an ultra-high-end, extremely high-performance supercar category—typically with cutting-edge engineering, very limited production, and top-tier pricing. The host uses it as shorthand for the kind of exotic cars that don’t interest them as much as they get older.

The Audi RS6 is a high-performance version of the regular A6, known for combining a powerful turbocharged V8 with a practical wagon/body style. In enthusiast circles, it’s a “fast but usable” daily-driver kind of build.

The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, built for strong acceleration and sharp handling. It’s often discussed because it’s a well-known “driver’s car” and a common choice for enthusiasts who tune or modify them. In a podcast, it may come up when talking about ownership experiences and how the car fits into a car community.

The speaker is describing a general build philosophy: regardless of brand, the core workflow of modifying and assembling a car follows similar principles. They frame it as “same thing, different package,” implying that skills transfer across makes.

The Subaru XT6 is an early-1980s Subaru coupe that’s notable for being a rare, wedge-shaped model. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the speaker’s first car, setting the stage for their long Subaru ownership history.

The Cadillac XT6 is a midsize luxury SUV designed for family-friendly comfort and everyday usability. It’s notable because it’s part of Cadillac’s modern SUV lineup and is aimed at buyers who want a more upscale feel. The podcast mentions it as the speaker’s first car, which is why it comes up in a personal story.

The Nissan 350Z is a late-1990s/2000s sports coupe known for its V6 performance and rear-wheel-drive feel. In this segment, it’s used as a reference point for the speaker’s transition from a non-Subaru to an STI.

The EJ engine is Subaru’s long-running family of horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engines used in many WRX and STI models. In this segment, the speaker argues they’ve never “killed” an EJ engine, using that as evidence that EJ-powered Subarus are reliable.

“EJ 33s” refers to a Subaru EJ-series engine variant associated with a 3.3-liter displacement in EJ swap discussions. People bring up EJ 33s because larger EJ builds change power potential, cooling needs, and how the car is tuned compared with smaller EJ engines.

The EJ 25 is Subaru’s 2.5-liter “EJ” engine family (commonly used in Impreza WRX/STI models). In swaps and builds, people reference it by engine code because the block, fueling, and supporting parts differ from other EJ variants.

STIs refers to Subaru Impreza WRX STI models, which are popular platforms for engine swaps because they’re already built around AWD and performance cooling. In this segment, the host is talking about STIs that have been “six cylinder swapped,” meaning the factory engine was replaced with a different engine family.

A full tune is a more complete engine calibration that typically includes performance targets beyond basic drivability—often with more aggressive fueling/ignition and boost (where applicable). In the context of swaps, it’s relevant to how much stress the engine sees, which affects how long it lasts.

A base tune is the initial engine calibration that gets the car running correctly (fueling, ignition timing, and basic drivability) before dialing in more aggressive performance settings. In swap discussions, “base tune vs full tune” matters because total runtime and engine wear can differ dramatically depending on how hard the car is being driven.

Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, and it strongly influences how quickly a car accelerates, especially at lower RPM. The transcript mentions torque alongside horsepower, which are related but different ways of describing engine output.

“EJ based” refers to Subaru’s EJ-series engine platform (the EJ20/EJ25 family) used as the foundation for swaps and builds. In practice, it usually means the build is centered around an EJ short block/long block and the supporting parts needed to make it reliable at high boost and power.

A dyno (dynamometer) is a machine that measures engine output by loading the drivetrain while the engine runs. When people say a car “made power on the dyno,” they’re referring to measured horsepower and torque under controlled conditions.

“6870” is shorthand for a turbocharger size/model commonly referred to by its approximate compressor/turbine family (often used in Subaru turbo builds). It indicates the car’s turbo setup, which strongly affects boost response and the power level they’re targeting.

“Full tilt” means running the car at maximum intended output—full boost/load and the tune’s aggressive settings. It’s used here to describe the conditions under which the STI’s power was measured or expected.

“Mid to high eights” is shorthand for power numbers in the 800-horsepower range (commonly “eights” meaning 800s) or similar dyno/track outputs. In context, it’s describing how much output the STI made on its setup.

“Seven 60” is drag-racing shorthand for a 7.60-second elapsed time over the quarter-mile (or a similar 60-foot/track metric depending on local usage). In this context, it’s describing how fast the white STI runs right now.

“Keeping them alive” refers to reliability under high boost/power—maintaining engine and drivetrain durability when pushing toward extreme output. It highlights that building for peak numbers isn’t the same as building for long-term survival.

“Supers” is a shorthand reference to Toyota GR Supra builds in the tuner community (as opposed to Subaru STIs mentioned earlier). The speaker is contrasting properly built Supra builds with cheaper “shortcut” builds seen on marketplaces.

“Shortcuts cut” describes skipping proper supporting work (machine work, correct parts selection, thorough assembly, and calibration) to reduce cost. In high-power builds, these shortcuts often show up as weak links that fail under sustained boost.

A “wheel build” is slang for a high-power build where the goal is to make strong power at the wheels (after drivetrain losses), usually with a dyno tune and supporting engine/boost hardware. It’s often used to estimate total build cost for a specific power target.

“EJ case halves” are the two aluminum crankcase sections used on Subaru’s EJ-series engines. When building an EJ engine, the case halves are typically machined and measured so the internal clearances and alignment are correct before assembly.

Piston-to-wall clearance is the designed gap between the piston skirt and the cylinder wall. It’s set during machining so the engine can handle heat expansion without scuffing, while still maintaining proper compression and oil control.

Bearing clearances are the precise gaps between bearings and the rotating parts they support (like crankshaft journals). Correct clearances help oil flow, reduce friction, and prevent metal-to-metal contact under load.

Head stud selection is choosing the correct cylinder-head fasteners for the engine’s power and operating conditions. For higher boost or RPM, stronger or correctly sized studs help maintain clamping force so the head gasket stays sealed.

Oil weight refers to an oil’s viscosity grade (how thick it is), which affects lubrication under different temperatures and loads. Choosing the right oil weight helps maintain stable oil pressure and film thickness for bearings and other moving parts.

“11 mil head studs” refers to a specific stud size/diameter used in EJ builds. The speaker is warning that using smaller/less robust studs can be a weak point when trying to make high power.

“Half inch head studs” refers to a larger stud diameter commonly discussed in performance EJ engine builds. The speaker implies that even with larger studs, there’s still an engineering limit and you must choose the right setup for the power goal.

This refers to the idea that driving and maintaining a car like a track/race vehicle changes how quickly components wear. If you run it hard and don’t follow a race-style maintenance schedule, you’ll typically see more frequent issues.

E85 is a fuel blend that’s about 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It typically requires more frequent maintenance and careful tuning because ethanol has different combustion characteristics than regular gasoline, which can increase wear if the car isn’t maintained aggressively.

Oil changes are the scheduled replacement of engine oil to keep it clean and properly lubricating internal parts. On high-ethanol fuel like E85, the engine often runs harder and can demand more frequent oil service to manage wear and contamination.

Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Higher-stress setups (like running E85 and chasing big power) can foul or wear plugs faster, so replacement intervals may be shorter than on a mild street tune.

Wheel horsepower is the amount of power measured at the tires (the wheels) rather than at the engine. It accounts for drivetrain losses like the transmission and differential, so it’s usually lower than engine horsepower for the same car.

Boost is the extra air pressure created by a turbocharger or supercharger to push more air into the engine. More boost generally means more power potential, but it also increases stress on the engine and raises the risk of knock/detonation if fueling and timing aren’t controlled.

Detonation is uncontrolled combustion where the air-fuel mixture ignites too aggressively and too early, creating shockwaves in the cylinder. It can rapidly damage pistons, rings, and cylinder heads, especially under high boost and high cylinder pressure.

Tuning is adjusting engine control parameters (like fuel delivery and ignition timing) so the engine runs correctly under the specific setup and driving conditions. For high-boost builds, tuning is critical to manage knock risk and keep air-fuel ratios and timing in safe ranges.

A wastegate is a valve used on turbocharged engines to control boost pressure. It diverts exhaust gas away from the turbo when boost gets too high, helping prevent overboost and keeping tuning stable.

Haltech is an aftermarket engine management brand used for tuning and controlling fuel and ignition. Tuners often use it when the factory ECU can’t provide the flexibility needed for mods or custom setups.

Mtron refers to an aftermarket engine management/tuning system mentioned here in contrast to Haltech and the stock ECU. The speaker says it’s more complex because of how it operates alongside or within the stock ECU environment.

The ECU (engine control unit) is the car’s factory computer that manages things like fuel delivery and ignition timing. “Stock ECU stuff” usually means tuning within the limits of the original factory system rather than switching to a standalone controller.

The Subaru 2.5 RS is a classic Impreza variant known for its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine and rally-inspired, driver-focused feel. In enthusiast circles it’s often treated as a “fun” weekend car because it’s relatively simple and lightweight compared with turbo models.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo 8) is a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive performance sedan built for rally-style traction and strong straight-line power. It’s a popular “project” platform because the drivetrain and aftermarket support make it relatively easy to modify.

“F.P. Black” appears to be a specific Subaru paint/trim naming the speaker associates with a particular STI configuration. In this context, it’s being used as a shorthand for the car’s original black color and how it looked “still stock.”

BBS is a wheel brand known for lightweight, motorsport-style rims. When someone says “factory BBS wheels,” they mean the car came from the factory with BBS wheels rather than adding them later.

“Pump” refers to gasoline you buy at a normal gas station, as opposed to race fuel. When someone says it made “450 on pump,” they mean the engine produced that power level using regular pump gas.

A “wide body” is a bodywork modification that widens the fenders and wheel arches to fit broader tires and a more aggressive stance. It’s a common look on modded cars because it also helps with clearance for wider wheels.

“Wheel” mileage is likely a garbled reference to how many miles the car has seen under load or how the speaker is estimating usage (the transcript reads like “700 wheel 40 50 40 to 50 K miles”). In enthusiast talk, people sometimes distinguish between easy miles and hard miles, especially when maintenance is unknown.

This appears to be a garbled mention of a Subaru STI variant described as “wingless” (no rear spoiler) and possibly referencing a specific generation. “Wingless” is a body/trim look that enthusiasts use to distinguish variants, but the transcript is too unclear to confidently identify the exact model.

Carbon fiber is a lightweight composite material made from carbon strands woven into fabric and cured with resin. In car mods, carbon fiber parts are often used to reduce weight and add a motorsport look.

A “factory wing” is the rear spoiler installed by the manufacturer on that model. On many performance cars, it’s designed to improve aerodynamic stability at speed, and it’s also part of the car’s original look.

“Mark seven GTI” refers to the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the Mk7 generation. The speaker compares the STI they’re talking about to their Mk7 GTI and mentions it as a notably “problem free” car, then brings up specific issues.

The timing cover is the protective housing over the timing components (like the timing belt/chain area, depending on the engine). A leak at the timing cover usually means oil is escaping from a gasket or seal and can be an easy fix if caught early.

In modern cars, “electronics” refers to the car’s control modules, sensors, wiring, and infotainment/vehicle systems. When someone says the electronics are “rough,” they typically mean the car has annoying glitches, sensor issues, or other electrical gremlins.

The Maserati GranTurismo is a luxury grand touring car, meaning it’s designed for comfortable high-speed driving. It’s often discussed because it combines a distinctive style with performance and a more upscale ownership experience. The podcast mentions a GranTurismo as a trade-in, which is why it appears in the conversation.

A “black box” in a car is the onboard data recorder that logs driving events and sensor information. Shops can use it to review things like peak RPM and other recorded parameters after a problem or incident.

RPM (revolutions per minute) is how fast the engine spins. “Highest RPM” is a useful diagnostic metric because it shows how far the engine was revved during a recorded event.

A “money shift” is a severe manual-transmission mistake where the driver upshifts or downshifts into the wrong gear, causing the engine to overspeed. It can lead to valve float, clutch/transmission damage, or internal engine damage depending on how high the RPM went.

“Revert it back to stock” means undoing performance modifications so the car’s behavior matches factory settings again. The host’s point is that even if the car is returned to stock, diagnostic records in the ECM may still show it was tuned.

ECM (Engine Control Module) is the car’s main computer that manages engine functions like fuel delivery and ignition timing. The host is saying that tuning can permanently change how the ECM reports or stores certain values, which can be used to detect whether the car was modified.

PID numbers are specific data identifiers used by diagnostic tools to read particular parameters from the car’s computers. In this context, the host claims tuning can change the values associated with those PIDs, so a dealership can tell the car was tuned even if it’s been returned to stock.

In this context, warranty refers to the manufacturer’s coverage for repairs under specified conditions. The host claims dealerships may deny warranty coverage when they detect the car was tuned or modified, even if it’s been returned to stock.

An access port is a handheld tuning device used on many Subaru models to communicate with the ECU (engine computer). It lets you view data and load different engine calibrations (tunes), which can change boost, fueling, and throttle behavior.

A stock tune is the factory engine calibration programmed by the automaker. In this discussion, the host is pointing out that even after reverting, the car may not truly be on the factory calibration because the tuner can store and reapply a modified “stock” version.

Cobb refers to the tuning ecosystem where the Accessport can store and manage calibration data. The “stock map parameters” idea here is that when you revert, the device may restore a Cobb-managed copy of factory settings rather than the ECU being fully returned to untouched OEM software.

A Cobb tune is an engine calibration created/managed through Cobb’s tuning software and hardware. Even if it’s based on factory behavior, it’s still identified by Cobb’s calibration identifiers, which can matter for diagnostics and warranty discussions.

“Tuned” refers to adjusting the engine control software (ECU) to change how the car runs—like fuel delivery and ignition timing—to better match the car’s setup. The hosts are emphasizing that a tune changes engine stress and behavior, so it can affect whether warranty issues should be covered.

A “knock event” is when the engine experiences abnormal combustion (often called knock or detonation). It can rapidly damage internal engine components, which is why the hosts say even a single bad knock event can destroy an engine.

An external tune is engine calibration software changes made by a tuner using tools outside the car’s factory settings. It can alter fueling, ignition timing, boost targets, and other parameters to change how the engine runs.

An uppipe is the exhaust pipe section between the turbocharger and the rest of the exhaust system. On many Subaru turbo setups, replacing the uppipe is a common step in modding because it can improve exhaust flow and is often part of preparing for bigger power goals.

A downpipe is the exhaust pipe that routes gases from the turbo(s) to the rest of the exhaust system. On turbo cars, swapping or adding a downpipe often reduces exhaust backpressure, which can improve boost response and support more power when paired with a tune.

Intakes are the air-supply components (airbox, intake piping, filters) that deliver air to the turbo and engine. On turbo cars, better intake flow can reduce restriction and support higher boost/power when combined with a tune.

E40 refers to fuel that’s about 40% ethanol (with the rest being gasoline). Ethanol blends can allow more aggressive engine tuning because they can support higher octane and cooler combustion, often increasing power compared with pump gasoline.

A catback exhaust is the section of the exhaust system from the catalytic converter(s) to the tailpipe. It’s commonly changed to improve flow and sound, and it can be part of a “bolt-on” power setup when used with a tune.

“To the wheel” refers to power measured at the wheels on a dyno, after drivetrain losses. It’s different from engine horsepower ratings, so “wheel horsepower” is usually lower than what the engine makes at the crank.

Flash tunes are ECU software updates loaded (“flashed”) into the car’s control unit. They can change boost, fueling, and timing without necessarily requiring hardware changes, which is why they’re often used for quick performance gains.

“91” refers to 91-octane gasoline, a higher-octane fuel that resists knock. Higher octane generally allows more aggressive tuning (more timing/boost) compared with lower-octane fuel.

“Wheel” refers to power measured at the wheels on a dynamometer (dyno), not at the engine. So an “800 wheel” Subaru means roughly 800 horsepower (or equivalent power figure) at the drivetrain output, which is typically lower than the engine’s advertised number due to drivetrain losses.

“Reliable horsepower” is the idea of making high power in a way that stays consistent and doesn’t quickly lead to failures. It usually implies the build is engineered with durability in mind (supporting components, tuning, and operating margins), not just chasing peak numbers.

“G80” is shorthand the speaker uses for a Genesis G80 model. In this context, they’re talking about choosing a different car platform (Genesis G80) to make power “easier,” rather than sticking with the Subaru.

“Subaru lever” appears to be a mis-transcription or shorthand for a Subaru-related concept the speaker is advocating for. Because the phrase isn’t a standard automotive term and the context is unclear, it’s hard to define precisely.

The Subaru 2.5 RS is a naturally aspirated Subaru from the early 2000s known for being a simple, enthusiast-friendly platform. In this segment, the host argues it’s built to handle high power reliably (within a target range) rather than being pushed to extreme tuning.

“600 wheel” is a shorthand power target meaning roughly 600 horsepower at the wheels on a dyno. The host is using it as a reliability threshold—saying the car can make more, but staying around that number is what keeps it living long-term.

“Stages” is a tuning shorthand that groups modifications into levels (Stage 1, Stage 2, etc.). Each stage typically implies a different set of parts and expected power, and the host is using it to talk about realistic street-car targets.